Opera House,

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12779, 26 May 1909, Page 2

Opera House,

The Opera House Committee submitted a report stating that they had revised the charges, and recommended the following:— ™_ • • £ s d Charity entertainments and public meetings 4 0 0 Local entertainments and concerts , 5 0 0 Picture Companies ,6 0 0 Professional Companies charging 4s and under 6 10 0 Professional Companies charging 6s and under 7 10 0 Professional Companies charging s. . . over 6a 8 10 0 Matinee , 2 10 0 Rehearsals, gas only io 0 Rehearsals, full light 1. 0 0 The above charges to include use of piano and installation for lighting pictures, services of switch board attendant, and two firemen, and light from 7 o'clock. Persons using the house at the rates of .£4 and £5 as above are to be allowed to book the house one month only prior to date of using same. That a clause should be inserted in the conditions of letting that all companies must adhere strictly to the advertised charges. The report also pointed out that the Opera House loan of .£4OOO would soon mature, and recommended that steps be taken for its renewal. At the same time, the question of enlarging the Opera House might be considered, and the Commirtep recommended consideration of a further loan of .£ISOO for this purpose, a sinking fund of at least 2 per cent, to be estab- [ lished. Cr. YOUNG (chairman of the Committee), in moving the adoption of the report, stated that, basing fheir estimate on the last year's business, the Committee anticipated an increase in the revenue of about JSIBO, following on the revised charge*!. Cr. BURGESS remarked that the time was rine for the Councir to consider the advisability of doing away with the Opera "House altogether, and erect a new building comprising Opera House and Council Chambers and offices, so as to bring all departments under one roof.

Cr. HOLLOWAY thought the Council should insist- on theatrical companies giving people the seats they paid lor. It was a breach of faith on their part to charge stall prices, and then hufetle loor-le into the pit. Tlie report was adopted. i