TE KUITI HALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 99, 18 September 1908, Page 5

TE KUITI HALL.

Opening Ball. The festivities in connection with the opening of the new Te Kuiti Hall were concluded en Thursday evening last, when over one hundred and fifty couples assembled to take part in the opening ball. Mr J. T. Hetet performed the duties of MC, and a highly successful and enjoyable evening was spent. The floor was in capital order and dancing, which was commenced shortly after 8 p.m., was continued until the early hours of the morning. An excellent supper to which full justice was done, was provided on the stage. The music was supplied by an orchestra, comprising Messrs J. Hetet (jun.), C. Turner, H. I. Lever, and W. Fricker. After supper Mr T. Burd, in an appropriate speech, returned thanks to Mr and Mrs Hetet for their hospitality and the generous manner in which the function had been conducted. Mr Burd referred to the popularity of Mr and Mrs Hetet in the district, and the hospitality for which they had become proverbial many years ago. Both old and new residents in the King Country had much to thank the Hetets for, and he wished them every success with regard to the Hall, and hoped they would have long continued health and prosperity. The toast of Mr and Mrs Hetet was drunk with musical honours.

The new Hall is a fine spacious building covering 116 feet by 36 feet, with a floor space in the main hall of 75 feet by 36 feet. The stage occupies 25 feet by 36 feet, and in addition to two offices in front of the building, there are three rooms behind the stage. Seating accommodation is provided for over 420 people, though the full capacity of the hall is quite 600. Ample provision has been made for ingress and egress, there being large double doors at each side of the building and on the street front, while access is given to the stage by a door at the back. The hall, which was built by Messrs Lee and Co,, has an outside skin of iron and is lined and ceiled with rimu. The painting of the inside was entrusted to Mr G. Bevege, who is entitled to special praise for the admirable finish of his work. The colour scheme is excellent and harmonises well with the other decorations. The drop scene is a fine piece of wx>rk the subject being well chosen and artistically finished. Spacious windows provide ample light during the day, and at night the building is illuminated by acetylene gas, of which there are 21 burners. The plumbing work was carried out by Mr Tisch, and includes excellent sanitary and lavatory conveniences.