GISBORNE OPERA HOUSE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1699, 15 March 1913, Page 15

GISBORNE OPERA HOUSE.

A HANDSOME STRUCTURE. Gislorno I can-boast of tho possession of one of tho best-equipped theatres to be found in > any town of its si/x> iu tho Dominion. Tho building, which has only recently been completed, is owned by tho Gisborne Opera House Company, and when the liall is not let to visiting entertainers, tho company runs a 'iduenuitograph programme. A feature of tho building is that it is as near fire-proof as it. is possible to mnko any structure of tile kind. Timber has not been used , anywhere where it was at all possible to utilise concrete or otlier fire-proof material. Partition walls, staircases, dressing-rooms, and iloors, whoro practicable, are all concrete. Although there is very little in the building which could burn, and tho risk of serious firo is therefore practically nil, yet, as a precaution against accident

in the event of an' alarm, the building has been liberally supplied with exits. A test which was made with an audience on a recent Sunday evening demonstrated that when crowded to its full capacity the auditorium can lie eiiiptied in two minutes, and the exits are so wide and welldistributed that there is little danger of anyone being injured through a crush taking place. The escape from the circle leads into a brick courtyard, which is designed to afford protection against fire in neighbouring premises. I' The large! main.entrance to the hall is very handsomely finished, and appointed, as also is,a roomy lounge at the'head of the stairway leading to the circle. Opening out from the lounge are spacious open-air promenades on either side of the-building. The circle is specially designed to give the occupants a good view of all parts of the stage. The seats, including, those in the pit, "are all upholstered, and fit-ted'-with- tip-up sjats. .Large suction'fans in the.roof keep the atmosphere fresh and cool. In planning the building, the company looked well into the future, and tjie requirements of the town for many years to come have amply provided for.