PUKEKOHE DRILL HALL.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 665, 6 September 1921, Page 6

PUKEKOHE DRILL HALL.

Eft* COURSE OF ERECTION.

COMPLETION EXPECTED

SHORTLY,

. In the past Pukekohe has felt the need for "a • Drill Hall, in which its sons could render personal service under the Defence Act, arid in spite of representations to the authorities on the subject, nothing eventuated, save tha l t £SOO was placed on the estimates for a drill hall and £25 for an indoor rifle range. This took place in 1913. However a few months ago this paper emphasised the need for a.-drill hall and the -matter was considered By the Borough Council. Evidently the* actions of the paper and the'' Borough Council brought pressure to bear on the Defence Department, as a few weeks ago w.ork in connection with the erection of the Drill Hall on the Defence Department’s property in Edinburgh Street was commenced, and favoured with ideal weather tfie construction of the building proceeded rapidly, and it is expected that ‘the hall will be completed by the middle of September.’ The dimensions of the structure are about 100ft’ long and 40ft wide. This does not include an office and storeroom attached. Running parallel with the hall on the western side is an enclosed minia-' ture rifle range which will be used chiefly for small boys 4n the course of their musketry training. The buildings will be electrically lit. When completed the hall will be a beautiful place in. which to carry out military training. At the present time the military strength of Pukekohe, including cadets (High School included), territorials and mounted rifles is in the vicinity of 250,. all ranks, so it was obvious that a drill hall was necessary. The local defence office will be in the drill hall, and it is anticipated the office will be opened early in September.