NEW PICTURE THEATRE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11752, 6 December 1916, Page 2

NEW PICTURE THEATRE.

OPENS THIS EVENING. The confidence roposccl in the future of jVlasterton by its leading citizens has; been strikingly demonstrated in more ways than one during the p<ih,t x'etv yours. Obsolete buildings have been demolished and in their ntead ! have rose up palatial structures adapted to cope with the increased business that is daily being drawn to -,he town owing to improved methods and facilities. The latest ornament to Queen street, is the substantial structure just completed for the Mastorton Picture and Entertainment Company, which towers high above any other building in this busy thoroughfare. The new theatre, which has been aptly christened the "Cosy Theatre," stands as a lasting monument to the business enterprise of a progressive company, and cannot but quickly develop into tiie most popular resort in town. No expense or trouble has been spared to bring the theatre- right up to date, and its conveniences and appurtenances compare more than favourably with those provided in similar theatres in the larger cities. In fact, the theatre is the model of perfection, created t>> purvey the very best in Picturedom in the most pleasing and acceptable manner. Little else need bo said, unless it is to state that the management has entered into highlypriced contracts to secure the exclusive rights to screen the best and latest pictures for tiie entertainment and edification of patrons. There will be three distinct changes of programme each wcolc, ouch change calculated to satisfy the tastes of all, and to enlist the full approbation and confidence ol those who.patronise the "Cosy." Tiie building was designed by Mr H. E. Williams, whoa' txporiuuc" m this connection is demonstrated in oyerv particular. Although the first expense has been heavy, the theatre has been constructed with a. view to reducing the cost of maintenance to a minimum. Many minor details have been introduced at the suggestion of the managing director (Mr Y\". M. Kemball), who recently made a special trip to Sydney and Melbourne in order to gain a knowledge of' the inner workings of picture theatres.

At the. front of the theatre are two shops, while there is an imposing entrance, 12ft wide by 30ft deep, leading to -the main body of the building. The entrance is beautifully tiled and calculated to give visitors a. first and good impression. To the left of the entrance is situated a convenient office for the use of the manager, while to-the right is a ladies' cloakroom, a convenience rarely provided m the downstairs of amy theatre. The ticket box is at the immediate entrance, and while conveniently constructed is also an ornament,; being of lattice work and in keeping with the elaborate scheme of stage decorations. Tiie ticket • machine is an ingenious contrivance and facilitates greatly the selling and checking of tickets issued. There are two substantial staircases of solid marble, on either side of the entrance leading to the dress circle and tea rooms. On the landing there is a conveniently constructed stall for the sale of sweets and soft 'drinks, and alongside which is a telephone installed for the u|e of patrons, ©n either sider is a, gents' and ladies' "ciiiak- room, with all the necessary conveniences. On entering the dress clrbto proper cine is struck by the magnificent'view that present itself, the dark-coloured scats and upholstered balustrade standing, ont in bold (relief against a snow w.hite background. The seating has been so arranged that nothing'will obstruct the view of patrons. Altogether there are 260 dress circle seats, luxuriously upholstered and constructed in such a man- | ner as to ensure the utmost comfort. ( There ar<3 eight aisles in the circle and j the seats have been so arranged that j it is not necessary to pass more than four or'five persons to obtain access 1 to any seat. Extra wide chairs have been provided in every row, atnd this thoughtfulness should be appreciated by many patrons. In fact, the dress circle, both for convenience and comfort, can lio'classed as second to none in the Dominion, and in this eonnecI tion those responsible are to be ! gratulated upoii their forethought and taste. The main body of the theatre lacks little in comparison with the dress circle. The sefits are upholstered, and the "staggering" system adopted, together with an inclining floor, v gives patrons a clear view of the screen. Altogether there are 500 seats, which, judging by the popularity of the pictures screened by the Picture' Company, should be taxed to their utmost nightly.. There is a specially- constructed screen of wood pulp and plaster that is said to give perfect results wherever tried. The sides of the stage are laid out in lattice work, | while there is a lattice work enclosure I for-the orchestra, which, when decoI rated with artificial flowers and pot ' plants, as proposed, should produce astriking effect. The plaster decorations on the walls near the stage are a- work of art, and add materially to the pleasing picture created by the surroundings. The theatre, when illuminated to the full 'capacity, .will present a really attractive appearance. Thero arc in all 540 lights, some in the ordinary bulbs and others in varicoloured globes, and the whole capable of giving att illuminaut equal to 13,500 candle power. The supply is produced from a dynamo of -230 amps and driven by a 25 h.p. Crosslev gas engine. The outside lighting will he. on a lavish scale, from which will stand out prominently the word "Cosy." Every care has been taken to place the tlieatro beyond reproach so far as the ventilation and sanitary arrangements are, . concerned. The whole, of the ventilators, as characterises everything connected with the Cosy Theatre, are of the latest and best type, while there, are several lead-light "port holes," which provide a continuous currant of pure fresh ,air, Ample provision Tias been

made for exit in the case of firo or other causes, there lioing nine in all, each of which contains a transparent 1 glass panel with the word "exit" plainly discernable. The operating box is situated outside the main theatre and has been constructed of a, material of an inflammable nature. Taken in all the theatre, may be said to be practically lire-proof. The films will, be projected by one of the very latest machines, while second 0110 ha.j been provided which will obviate delays through break-downs and other causes. It is stated that slot machines are to be placed at the back of each chair in the dress circle from which sweets may be procured. This will prove a great innovation. The. nuiMC will, as heretofore, be provided by Candy's orchestra, and the same pleasing elections may be looked l'or- ' ward to. The theatre is to be opened for a 1 first time this evening, when the ■ Mayor and Mr G. R. Sykes, M.P., ' will, make short and appropriate speeches. To show the keenness ot i the public to witness the opening per- , formance it might be mentioned that jJ one hour after the ticket box opened « j the whole of the seats in the dress • circle were reserved, I J,n addition to the Saturday matij nee, the management has decided to give a matinee every Wednesday afternoon for the convenience of country visitors. It might be pointed out that tiie supervision ot the l work of construction was in the' hands ol 31 r Georgeson, who w.'is also clerk of works to the new Municipal Buildings. KIA Oil A TEA ROOMS. .

,A commodious tea room, which will be occupied by Miss Pickering, the popular proprietress of tne Kia Qhi Tea- llooms, has been provided on thfc upstair landing ol : the theatre facing Queen street. The room lias been elaborately furnished, and the floors heavily carpeted. There are twentythree tables, capable of seating four persons each, while extra accommodation is to be provided on the balcony. There are a suite of conveniently arranged ante-rooms containing all the latest appliances for the proper conduct of modern refreshment rooms. Tea will be served for a first time this afternoon, when.the whole of the proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross funds.