A MUNICIPAL THEATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16470, 5 July 1921, Page 6

A MUNICIPAL THEATRE.

It is gratifying to observe that the City Council is showing* some enterprise in regard to the erection of a municipal theatre. The proposal is to build the theatre alongside the new administrative block in Manchester Street. There is no need to enlarge upon the shortage of suitable buildings in which to hold public gatherings and entertainments. The city has really been reduced to the Choral Hall, the King Edward Barracks, and the Theatre Royal, and there is a strong probability that even that brief list will be further reduced. The Council has been presented with a splendid opportunity to provide the citizens with a municipal theatre which should have every prospect of paying its way. The necessity for such a building undoubtedly existß, and if the Council does not act there is a strong likelihood that private enterprise will step in. Wo should prefer to see a municipal theatre, which would be managed in the interests of 'the citizens instead of being run to make dividends for shareholders. The city, in brief, requires a public building which it may call its own. The ideal solution would be tho erection of a Town Hall, capable gI meeting every demand likely to be made a? far as accommodation is concerned. The erection of such u building, however, is not likely to be proceeded with in tho near future. The financial stringency and the high cost of labour and materials are factors which the ratepayers will not overlook, especially as many of them do not regard tho Town Hall as a public necessity. There is little division of opinion in regard to a municipal theatre, which is a less expensive proposition and at the same time is designed to meet a necessity. The citizens will watch with sympathetic interest the proceedings of the council in this matter.