NEW MUNICIPAL THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2599, 22 October 1915, Page 6

NEW MUNICIPAL THEATRE

'Another addition to the lengthening list of municipal theatres in Now Zealand was mado on Monday evening, wlieu a* beautiful modern theatre was opened at Hastings by the Mayor (Mr. W. Hart). In declaring tie new playhouse open Mr. Hart said tho theatre had cost £16,000, a small sum compared with the money that had been lavished on theatres elsewhere in rsew Zealand. In the unavoidable absence of Mr. Whito, the architect (who was in Sydney), his representative, Mr. L. Williams, presented a gold key to the Mayor, as a memento of tho occasion. Thei opening performance was "San Toy" by the Amateur Operatic {society The theatre is a model one on altogether new lines. Tho facade is designed oil the sober but .picturesque Mission style, so popular m America. The auditorium, which includes a fino dress circle, has seating accommodation for about 1200, all in comfortable, wellupholstered tip-up seats, and from every seat a full view of tho stage is assured. Tho stage is adequate, and the dressing-room accommodation should please every player. A unique system of rentuation (which does not depend on a sliding-room) enables tho temperature to bo regulated to a uicoty, and tho lighting and other essential adjuncts leave nothing to be desirod. . ■