NEW EMPIRE THEATRE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 151, 22 December 1911, Page 4

NEW EMPIRE THEATRE.

THE LAST WORD IN PICTURE PALACES.

Throughout the whole civilised world the cinematograph is now recognised as an educator and entertainer. By its aid the busy man or woman is able to keep abreast of all the important happenings of the world. In an hour or two, by walking to a good "picture show," as they are commonly called now, one is able to get a knowledge of various countries and an insight into the customs of their inhabitants that were formerly denied to all but the wealthy, because they were only obtainable after months or years spent in travel, entailing the expenditure of much time and money. That the public of New Zealand appreciate the cinematograph is evidenced by the numbers, that attend these entertainments throughout the Dominion. In fact, the cinematograph has almost entirely superseded the vaudeville companies that used to he such a prominent feature of the landscape. That the vogue of the picture show is not considered evanescent is shown by the .number of buildings that have been erected purely and simply as picture theatres. In the chief centres picture theatres have sprung up like mushrooms, whilst (•verytown of any importance possesses its particular picture hall. As a result of the enterprise of Mr. G. H. Saunders, New Plymouth now possesses a first rate picture theatre, for the new Empire Picture Palace which opens to-morrow is as modern and complete in every detail as money, knowledge and enterprise can make it. The palace is situated in Devon street ceni tral, below Mr. J. West's bakery. Its exterior, which is not yet finished, will be quite an imposing one, and should considerably improve the appearance of that portion of the town. The front will be plaster finish, witli pilasters, mouldings, etc., rendered in cement. The basement front will show fine glass shop windows on either side of the main entrance, whilst at the side there is a door leading to a passage running the whole length of the building and giving ingress to the stalls. A balcony is to be erected in front, with two doors leading from the dress circle. There remain* considerable decorative work in the interior still to be done, but this will be pushed on with while in no way interfering with tin* Use of the building. The interior of the Palace is 102 ft. long by 40ft. wide, and the height of the stud from floor to ceiling is 24ft. From the inception it was decided to erect a modern, model, ideal picture palace, and that design has been faithfully executed. It is essentially a picture palace. Effective means have been provided against fire. Really there is nothing to burn. The side walls are of re-inforced concrete, containing! over seven tons of steel bars, whilst the back wall is of brick. The floor, both to the main hall and dress circle, is of concrete, on which has been placed rimu boarding. On either side of the main entrance are two convenient shops. These are isolated from the main hall, one by the concrete staircase, which leads to the dress circle by an easy gradient, and the other by the main ticket office and motor room, which are also of concrete. The; ceiling* of the shops are ferro-conorete. The operating room, in which' the cinematograph machine is to be placed, is at the back of the dress circle. It is of ferro-concrcte, and the openings through which the picture is projected are controlled by moveable iron shutters, which close the room completely, so that should a film catch fire by any mischance there is absolutely no danger to any of the audience. Despite the fact that these elaborate precautions have been taken, provision lias been made so that the audience can quickly get out if n«cessary, five exits being provided in the body of the hall and three in the dress circle.

The interior wood work is of rimu, but | the exterior panels of the dress circle are ! to be of Wunderlich metal, the same as the ceiling. At present the decorative scheme is dark red throughout. This is to be relieved with panels. The ventilation of the building has been carefully studied—an important feature in the hot weather—and, as u result, a perfect current of air will circulate around the top of the building. Electric Westinghouse fans are also to be installed to stimulate this current when necessary. The seating arrangements are such that every one in the hall, whether in the front row or back row, will have an equal chance of viewing the picture, which will be projected on a screen 30ft by 20ft., draped around to represent a picture frame. The floor has been built on the sloping principle, the back seats being two feet higher than those in front. The seats provided are extremely comfortable, being the last word in theatre tip-up seats. The stalls and circl* are fitted with these chairs. Alcoves ok each side of the circle have been fitted up as private boxes. The seats in the pit ,ai|e also very icorofortaibte, being quite as good as the seats to be found in the stalls of most theatres.' Special attention has been paid to the method of projecting the picture. The throw will be a lengthy one, viz., 98 feet. For this purpose Mr. Saunders has procured a motor generator, which will be fitted up on its arrival next week. It has only just reached Wellington, owhw to the delay caused by strikes. Meanwhile, the present alternating current will be used, and the picture projected from a temporary box at the rear of the hall. The difference between alternating and dwect are current is that the direct current is soundless, brighter and clearer and without the jump peculiar to the alternating current arc. A room for re-winding and making up the films has been provided at the far end of the building, right away from the operating room. A lavatory and ladies' cloak room is also provided at the head of the circle stairs. The lighting arrangements are excellent, the main lights consisting of six large Osram lamps, shaded in opal globes, the idea being to diffuse a soft light, and so remove any chance of a severe glarq 'being experienced at the sudden change from dark to light. In fact, in every detail the comfort of patrons is studied, fied lights will be kept burning throughout the performance. These will not interfere with the picture, but will assist patrons in getting about the building. Another innovation that the management is introducing consists of placing the orchestra in a gallery at the right of the picture, so that the lights used by them can in no way obstruct the view.

The work lias been executed by day labor under the capable supervision of Mr. J. G. Russell. The original plans wore prepared Tjy Mr. J. T. Mannix. The painting and decorating has been m the hands 0* Bellringw Bros. Startup Bros and Biggs have the electrical installation in hand, whilst Messrs. Smart Bros, are attending to the sanitary work. The timber and joincrv were supplied by Messrs.* H. Brown and Co. and the Naw Plymouth Sash and Door Co.