THE FIRST THEATRE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1933, 16 December 1913, Page 16

THE FIRST THEATRE.

' A TOI-TOI WHARE. The first theatre ever built in Wanganiii was erected in Market Square (now the Moutoa Gardens), and consisted of a largo toi-toi whare b.uilt in 1840 by tho Imperial troops for the amusement of themselves and anyone eke who happened to be in Wanganui at the time. Hero is a copy of the opening bill (of interest, as many of the names aro still perpetuated in Wanganui):— ROYAL MILITARY THEATRE,. . WANGANUI. The above theatre will open on Friday evening next, the sth October 1849, under tho patronage of Captain Newenham and officers of the Garrison, with the much-admired melodrama — "The Warlock of tho Glen," . . or "Tho Wizard Of the Black Rook." The Warlock ;•••■ J. W. Hind Ruddolph (usurping Laird of Giencairn) G. Geraghty Renata and Hugo (confidential servants of Ruddolph)

H. Sanmiay9 and f. Anderson Andrew Mucklestane (a fisherman') P. Smith Sandy (a peasant) W. Corloss The Lady of Glencairn A. Ball Marion (wife of Sandy) C. Spnrgeon Albert (son of the Lady of Glencairn) Master G. Iloss Song—"Hail Bonnie Scotland" W. Corlesß Followed by a Scene from "The Tragedy of Douglas." Norval D, Hughes Glenalvon P. Smith Lord Randolph D. Anderson Sentimental Nigger Song—"Mary Blane" A. Ball Comio Song—"Two-penny Postmen" P. Smith 'After which the popular farce of "Fortune's Frolics." or "A Clown Turned lord," Snacks 0. Spnrgeon I Charles D. Hughes Robin Rough-head H, Sanuiiays Frank D. Anderson Dolly Mayflower A. Bull Margery T. Anderson To concludo with music, etc.—kader, T. Roberts. Doors open at half-past 7; to commence at 8.

The now Technical College, on a commanding eminence, in Ingestro Street, is another excellently designed structure, which redounds to the credit of Mr. Battle. Its stylo of architecture comes under the generic heading of modern Renaissance, and tho main features of tlio elevation are a solid central tower and porch entrance in tho centre, the balance being obtained by the heavy pediments fit either end of the building, capping the two wing projections. The ventilation and lighting of the building has been made 'a special feature, and the assurance has been given that it is a pleasure for the students to work in tho lofty and airy rooms. The building, which has a -pleasant aspect, is finished in led brick, with elaborate facings of cement, Mr. Battle has also designed the present Wanganui Infant School, Urn Mnrton School, Went Ead School (Palmarstoa Nertfy, Fotea

School, the Bulls Town Hall, and 1 the new Wanganui Education Board's Building. Ho also designed the new Public Trust Office, the first wholly reinforced concrete building to be erected in Wanganui, and one which has evoked a good deal of commendatory criticism. Mr. Battle recently drew tho plans for the new Newmarket, Federal, and Maearthy's' Hotels in Wanganui, lias built new offices for tho "Herald" in Victoria Avenue, and a new warehouse for Messrs. J?oss and Glondining. Ho also designed Mr. Drew's new shop (on tho Avenue), which has a" wholly artistic front of repousce copper and green tiles —otic of the most attractive jeweller's shop-fronts in N'ow Zealand. He Ims also designed 'many blocks of business-- premises, snojm, residences, etc.. nud in every case -Rood taste and good toot* is happily combiuod. v ; •;;;