THE TEMPERANCE HALL.

Evening Star, Issue 3582, 15 August 1874, Page 2

THE TEMPERANCE HALL.

This new buddr g, i rooted for the use of the Temperance Societies, was formally opened last evening, the event being celebra ed by a >, concert* and dance. The foundation stone was laid on December 2i, last year, by his Worship the Mayor, assisted by the grand officers of the order of Good Templars, in the presence of a procession of the Good JTemplars, numbering 600 members. The part reserved for the Good Templars themselves is distinct from the rest of the building, and has a reparate entrance. The meeting room is 41ft by 25ft. There are two entrances to the grand hall upstairs, which is 55ft by 43ft ; and these entrances also give access to the hall gallery, the stage, and the rooms off the hall, without the necessity of having to pass through the hall itself. Ample means of exit have been provided, as the hall has three entrance doors for any audiences that may assemble in it. The wal s have, for a few feet from the floor, a lining of varnished kauri, and for the remainder of their height are plastered; and the ceiling is of varnished kau r i. i his hall will accommodate about 750 people with ease, and the fljoring has been laid down with a view to being fit for dancing on. Ventilation and lighting has been well looked atter, all parts beiug well lit up with gas. In the whole building there is a large number of r. omsof various dimensions, including a kitchen, which latter will be found of great use in providing t?*a and coffee on occasions when performances are being given. Mr James Gore was the contractor for the work, and Mr Robert Forest the architect.

Yesterday evening’s ceremony commenced with tea, the Jolgea represented help; the P. G. Lodge, the Pioneer, the Guiding (Star, the Pride of Dunedin, the British Hearts of Oak, the Cavers'iam Good Intent, the Lin den Star of Freedom, the Port Chalmers All Nations, the Green Island, the Mosgiel Triumph, and the Awamoa, Christchurch, and Riverton lodges. There Were also present members ©f the Antidote and Dawn of Light divisions of Sons and Daughters of Temperaice. Brother Jaeo, P.G. W.0.T., of JNew Zealand South, presided, supported by Dr Roseby, L. L D., Grand Chaplain ; his Worship the Mayor ; Mr A. Mtroer, and the directors of the Hall Company. Addresses were delivered by the Chairman, Dr Roseby, and Mr Rennie, the Chairman expressing his regret at the loss which would be sustained by the temperance cause in Otago through the departure of Bro. Hugh’s to Auckland. The musical pertion of the entertainment was gone through very successfully, and the efforts of the various lady and gentlemen amateurs were received with great applause. At the conclusion of the concert dancing was commenced, to the music of an excellent band, and kept up till an early hour. It is computed that about 9UO people were preseut during the evening, between 300 and 400 of whom came from Port Chalmers.