FOXTON TOWN HALL

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 59, 3 December 1926, Page 6

FOXTON TOWN HALL

OFFICIAL OPENING AND BALL The official opening of Foxton’s new Town Hail took place on Wednesday. Visitors were present from nl) parts of the district. The Mayor (M. E. Perreau, Esq.) presided and the ball was, officially declared open by Mr. J Linklater, M.P., for Manawatu, who. in his opening remarks, said that this was the hrth public ball he had opened in four years which said a lot for the prosperity of the Manawatu. Mr. Linklater congratulated the Mayor and council on their fine building, and concluded by calling on the Mayoress to cut two golden streamers suspended across the front of the stage, officially declaring the hall open, amid loud applause from a packed auditorium. , , Mr J. K. flornblow, extended congratulations to the Mayor and council on behalf of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce; Mr. W E. Barber (chairman Manawatu County Council) on behalf of his council; and Mr. Hobson (Mayor of Levin) on behalf of the Levin Borough Council. All speakers referring to the progress evidenced by Foxton during the past few years. The opening was followed bv a free picture entertainment, during which the visitors were entertained to afternoon tea The cerenionv concluded with a municipaj ball in the evening which was well attended, end at which all present spent n most enjovable time. The hall was skilfullv decorated with green and red streamers and coloured lights The Mayor (Mr. M. E. Perreau) was presented by Messrs. Needham and Co., contractors, with a handsome silver casket, on which was etched a view of the new hall over a suitable inscription, ns a token of appreciation of the courtesy extended the workmen by the Mayor during building operations. Ihe Mayor suitably acknowledged the gut, and snid it would serve to temind him of some happy days. . , , The old hall, a wood and iron building was destroved by fire in March last. The plan's of the architect (Mr. M. R. Varnham) have been carried out bv the contractors (Messrs. F. Needham Ltd.) under the personal supervision of Mr. Jensen s The dress circle, with its sweeping flair, gives eaoh patron an uninterrupted view of the stage and the screen and the seats are extremely comfort able and well spaced. The operating box. to which special attention has been given, is fireproof.. The staircase from the vestibule leading to the circle is nn exceptionally fine piece < f work of New Zealand timber specially . selected and oiled. The floor, which will be available for dancing, measures 78ft. by 52ft., giving an area of Wsfi square feet, and is the largest dance floor for many miles around.

A heavy saxe blue velvet curtain open ing tn the centre supersedes the drop curtain used in the old ball The supper room will find a ready use for small gatherings, for which the main hall would be too large.