The Globe. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1874.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 145, 19 November 1874, Page 2

The Globe. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1874.

Though somewhat peculiarly introduced, and perhaps on an occasion when one would least have expected to hear it mentioned, we are glad to see that Sir Oaeroft AVilsou shares with us, and we believe the majority of the people of Christchurch, the opinion that a new theatre in Christchurch is an imperative necessity. The present one, however well it might have suited the requirements of the city some time back, is now totally inadequate ; besides, even if a large sum of money were spent on it, it would always remain what it is, thoroughly uncomfortable and ill-adapted for the purposes of a theatre. It is true that it .has been renovated, and to a certain degree, that is so far as the building would allow, improved, but even now it is almost a penance to sit out a performance in it. We say this without a particle of interest one way or the other. The question of site is perfectly immaterial, so far as the general question is concerned ; but a new theatre, commodious, well fitted and ventilated, capable of holding, say, 1500 persons, is a want which more and more every day becomes apparent. Visitors from the other provinces express their surprise that in a town where amusements of all kinds are so liberally supported the temple of the drama should be such a very small and ill-appointed one. Sir Cracroft, in his remarks yesterday, appears to foresee difficulty as regards the site, but we cannot see this at all. A. company formed for the purpose of building a theatre, would have no difficulty at all about that. The} r would in no wi-e be bound to the chariot wheels of William the Conqueror, or Michael Civis. They would soon have offers enough and to spare of sites, and if, as we believe is the case, public opinion goes strongly in the direction of the erection of a new theatre, then they would be perfectly unfettered, and free to take the best silo in their opinion. Wo are glad to see that Sir Cracroft expresses his willingness to contribute towards this object, and as we under stand that already preliminary steps have been taken in the matter, and that it is probable a company may be formed, wc hope that Sir Craeroft’s example will be followed by the majority of our leading men, and thus take away the reproach, which at present exists, of possessing one of the most uncomfortable theatres in New Zealand. On all sides we hear nothing but complaints on this score, and now Is the time practically to show a desire to help to remedy it b} r assisting to float the new enterprise if launched. As to the vexed question of site we say nothing. That, we take it, is a matter for consideration by the company when formed. It will be for them to use their judgment in the selection of a site, taking care of course that it is a fairly central one, and one affording the necessary facilities for a building of this nature. Sir Cracroft does not seem to have been very hopeful of the success of the enterprise commercially, but of this we think there can be no doubt. New Zealand, and particularly Otago and Canterbury, is now high in favour as a field for professionals, and we may look forward to a constant succession of visitors, so that thi) proposed theatre may safely be calculated upon being occupied the whole year round. Now, as to the success, we think we need not go very far. The Oddfellows’ Hall with its limited accommodation, that is as to stage, &c, has returned a handsome dividend on tho capital invested, and this too at a rental less than could readily be obtained for a building fitted with every convenience, and one in which it would be a pleasure both to performers and auditors to be. Looking at this, and also at the certainty of the new theatre being engaged readily for long seasons by artistes of acknowledged ability, we can see no tangible reason at all why a company should not be formed, and were it got up we feel sure that its operations would be crowned with success. Let there be no more delay in the matter; let the work of organising a company be at once proceeded with, and from the general expression of opinion daily met with, no long time should elapse before the shares are all taken up.