NEW PICTURE THEATRE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 143675, 20 December 1911, Page 7

NEW PICTURE THEATRE.

MR. SAI'NDKRS’ ENTERPRISE. New Plymouth has certainly got something tn h«rproud ol in Mr. C». H. Saunders' new picturo theatre. it mil be a revelation to all, ior Mr. Saunders claims the proud distinction oi owning the best equipped ami most up-to-date picture theatre in the Dominion; and although, perhaps, this may seem an exaggeration, we venture to say that when completed the Empire Die tare Palace will be a credit to any town. This morning, when a Herald representative was shown over the building, hustle was to ho witnessed in ail directions. Although not completed to an exterior view, every endeavour is being made to polish up the inside ai the building tor the initial showing on Saturday next. To come to the budding itself, the entire structure is 102 it. by 40ft., with allowances made for a further extension oi -loit. limit of reinforced concrete, it is claimed to be absolutely fireproof. To yet further satisfy those who may be fearlul oi fire, no loss than seven fire-escapes have been provided. The two shops built in the front are also proof against fire, and the floor of the dress circle is built of concrete, so that il by any chance & are should happen (the chance is exceedingly small) there is not the slightest possibility of its spreading to another part of the building. The operating room, where perhaps danger is nearest, has been specially built. The walls are oi brick and the ceiling and floor of concrete, with an iron door, so that if a fire should arise hero it would merely burn itself out with the* audience none the wiser. Leaving the fire arrangements. the next thing foremost in the minds of the designers was undoubtedly comfort. Watering by a large main door from Devon Street, patrons will have no difficulty in finding their seats. A special room, to be used ns a generating room, is on the left, and will also he used as the ticket box. Those intending to .satisfy themselves in the pit will no straight ahead, while those for the dress circle will climb an easy-graded concrete staircase on the right. The entrance to the. stalls is by a long passage on the right of the building, used only by those in the stalls. It is calculated that 7110 people con be comfortably seated, every one seeing the performance without, the least interference. No less than AGO tip-up seats have been provided Jor the circle and stalls, and forms similar to those in the Good Templar Hall (each of which has a hack to it) will be provided for the pit. While in the past tlio difficulty has been that those in the rear of a building cannot see the show, in the Empire Picture Palace a man in the last scat of the pit will lie able to view the pictures without interruption. This has been brought about by the raised floor—there is a rise of no leys than two feet from the screen to the hack of the pit. This will he very much appreciated by all picture-lovers, especially those who may bo obliged to take a back seat. The conveniences for patrons arc manifest everywhere. The Palaoo has been specially ventilated, while draughts will not he possible. Electric fans have also been installed. The screen itself should he very pretty. It is not yet completed, hut the idea is evidently to make the picture stand out boldly. The screen will be bordered by red drapings, inlet in the form of a picture-frame. The lighting arrangements are parfoct. All tho main lights are fitted into tlie ceiling, while faint red lights are hung about the building. These latter will be burning throughout the entire performance, and, although not in any way interfering with the pictures, patrons, will thus be enabled to see their way about—a thing impossible nowadays. The sanitary arrangements will be quite up-to-date, two lavatories having been provided, one in the ladies’ cloakroom and the other for general use. Heavy cork matting, recommended by medical men, will be 1 laid clown on the passages, so that hero also health has been studied. Ornamentation also has- not been overlooked. In the dress circle two extra boxes, good enough for vice-regal patronage, have been erected. Each will have five tipup seats, specially upholstered, and the boxes will not be in the way of patrons in the rest of the circle. The ceiling is particularly attractive, being composed of Wunderlich, painted dark red and arranged in panels. The walls have been plastered, and although not yet ready, it is intended that they also will bo coloured dark red with fancy panels engraved. The amount of the fittings can perhaps bo realised when it is understood that in this direction alone Mr. Saunders has spent over £SOO. It is intended later on to erect a balcony facing Devon Street. This will make a fine promenade for dress circle patrons and will be much appreciated.

Tho work has been carried on by day labour from tho plans and specifications of Mr. J. T. Maunix. Messrs. Russell and Son were entrusted with the building, and Messrs. Bellringer Bros, have done the painting. Messrs. Startup Bros, and Higgs were tho successful electricians, Messrs. Smart Bros, did the sanitary fittings and the Sash and Door Company tho forms.

One of the greatest advantages of tho new theatre, and one that will perhaps be most appreciated, is tho now method of using tho current. The old system has been abolished and a new. soundless one installed. Tho principal difference is that the new motivo power drives tho machine direct, thus cnsiumg a silent and steady light.