THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18894, 8 January 1927, Page 7

THEATRE ROYAL.

j IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED. ! ! NEW LIGHTING SYSTEM. i It v a.; originally intended to commence work on so in of the extensive improvements planned for the Theatre Royal yesterday, but the failure of i worKiuen or bcaifolding 'o appear is taken as an indication that tiiose in i control art; unable to take advantage ; ui the present interval between tour- : nig companies. | Recently, _Ur iuuou, representative ; of Mos&rs baliantyne and Co., the Ausj tralian firm which was responsible for : the work" in Messrs J. C. Williamson's j Regent Theatres in Auckland and Wei- ' lington, visited C'hnstchurch and took | measurements and obtained other par- ' ticulars of the interior of .the Theatre i Royal, and his departure for Australia yesterday was regarded ai an indication that plans for more extensive alterations than those originally contemplated wcie to be submitted. Mr W. H. Goodridge, ele'> trioal engineer for Messrs J. C. Williamson, Ltd., was also to itr-vc for Australia yesterday. Extensive Alterations. It has been stated that three contracts have already been entered into lor the renovations, and still more are to be made. Mr Bert Royle, New Zealand representative toy J. C'. Williamson, Ltd., lately visited Christchurch, He stated that the theatre would be thoroughly renovated and redecorated. New doors would be put in the stalls, and the draughts that were now experienced there would be eliminated. It was also hoped to have a special cloak-room for gentlemen in the stalls, and there would be extensive alterations and improvements; to the gallery. Messrs Smith and Smith havo been named as one of the successful tendering firms. Apparently everything is ''in the air." at present. Meanwhile excellent progress is being made with the contract for the installation throughout of a new electric lighting system. None of the old materia! is being used in this. The contract was commenced about two months ago, and the stage is practically finished, while is is hoped to complete the undertaking by the end of January. Five men have been employed on the work. Mr N. Robertson is in charge, the contracting firm beinc Messrs "W. Crosher and Co., of Auckland.