Progress Foxton !

Manawatu Herald, 21 January 1905, Page 2

Progress Foxton !

THE MASONIC HALL. Messrs A. Jonson and Son, architects and builders, are at present busily engaged in the erection of a new two-storey building fronting Ravenswortb Place for the Foxton branch of the Masonic Lodge. We have been permitted to inspect the plans, and certainly are privileged to assert that when completed, the structure will prove Foxton to be in a progressive state, as well as to supply a much needed want, in the form of an up-to-date and suitable social hall,.

The building, made of heart of rimu, is to be 50fb x 30ffc, and the front is to be made especially attractive, being laid out in panels, with very large massive doors; heavy rarapets, scrolls, etc., are to be utilised to give the whole an ornamental appearance. Inside, the bottom portion or lower storey is to be expressly used for the purpose of dances, socials and concerts, and for that reason heart of matai is the timber to be used for flooring, which will speak for itself with lovers of dancing. It is an Assembly Hall, and is fitted with a 12-foot stage, with a fancy proceniutn. Ladies and gents dressing rooms will be attached, and these will be fitted with lavatory basins and all conveniences. There will also be a cookery department, a copper erected, water laid on, and in fact everything which the caterer may require. From the stage there will be a way of exit. Two 400-gallon tanks will be erected at the rear of the building, which should carry enough water to supply all wants. The seating accommodation for the body of the Hall will be of the beat.

Upstairs is the Lodge room, which will be elaborately furnished in every wa/, and where a fire-placed is to be constructed. Fire-escape doors will be fitted on to the whole of the building, including the body of the Hall downstairs and the stage. The plans of the building were prepared by Mr A. Jonson, jun., and approved of by the Masonic Committee, Messrs Jonson and Son have placed'the necessary painting work in the hands of Mr R. Noonan, entrusted Mr Rawlins, of PalmersNorth, with the tinsmithing, whilst Mr W. Nye will attend to the brickwork. What colour the building is to be painted has not yet been decided, but the work is expected to be out of the contractors hands by the middle of March.