OPENING OF THE CORONATION TOWN HALL

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1058, 19 October 1911, Page 2

OPENING OF THE CORONATION TOWN HALL

A -UCVFNSFLL FUNCTION

iAc opeuiug ceremony in connecu ai with the above look place lasi mghi, and was successiul from cveiv point of view—except meteorologically. The seating capacity ot the hall could be fairly accurately guaged last night. In the dress circle every seat was occupied, while the same may be said of the stalls and pit. Roughly, there were 600 present, leaving ample space for people to move about and, at a piuch, fully three hundred more people could find accommodation in the building. The ventilation is excellent, and there was an entire absence of the distressing fumes and poisonous gases which the public were compelled to endure in the old hall. The interior of the hall, despite the unlovely red colouring of the wall, is a credit to the decorator, Mr Jenks, and presents a very cheerful appearance, while the proscenium with its facings ot pressed steel, nicely picked out and artistic scenery, is T right up-to-date. The lighting scheme throughout the building could not be improved upon, for there has not been any stinting in this connection. The dressing and cloak rooms are replete with modern conveniences, and were greatly appreciated by last night’s large audience. There is ample accommodation along the various “gang-ways” and entrances, which does away with the necessity for trampling on the other fellow’s toes, or jostling. In this connection a special word of praise is due to the caretaker aud his assistants. The acoustic properties of the hall came iu for a thorough testing last night, for the hail and rain pelted on the iron roof of the building, but the noise did not interfere in any material degree with the items. The voices carried very well, except in a few cases where the performers stood too far back or threw their voices to the “gods” instead of upwards. enunciation aud the mouthing o#words —a silly affectation on the part of certain amateurs — made it quite impossible to comprehend words, but the sound carried splendidly, so that there is no fault to find iu this very important particular. People who went last night to criticise, came away perfectly satisfied with all the particulars we have briefly alluded to. Touching the programme, we can only say that the Council gave the audience more than its value last night. The programme, as originally set out, would have been ample, but in order to conciliate certain folk who considered it was unpatriotic to omit local talent, the programme was considerably lengthened, and although no time was wasted, it was afler 11.30 p.m. before the .i entertainment closed. Still, this is a mere detail that can be passed over on such an occasion. Every item was deservedly appreciated. Just before 8 o’clock Mr Betty’s orchestra played a stirring overture aud the curtain was raised, bringing into view the performers nicely grouped on the commodious aud splendidly illuminated stage. The Mayor iu his introductory remarks said the erection of the ha* was the most important work yet undertaken by the Borough, and he was proud of having taken part in its erection. He did not agree with the idea that what was good lor our fathers was good enough for us. The hall was not too large for Foxton’s growing requirements and would serve its purpose for many years to come. The Council had been subjected to a good deal ot worry, opposition and adverse criticism, but it had done what it considered to be iu the best interests of the people as a whole, and Councillors were actuated by the highest motives. (Applause.) They had made mistakes in the past, and would probably make mistakes in the luture, but despite these admissions Foxton had cause to feel proud of the men at the head of its affairs. (Applause.) Their only desire was to work for the common good of the people. He referred to the fact that the audience was the largest that had ever assembled under one roof in Foxton, and he hoped to see similar large audiences at future municipal entertainments. He-4 felt sure that the hall would be a ” financial success to the borough, and paid a tribute to the publicspiriteduess of the Councillors who had contributed ,£l5O, and the citizens a further to earn the Government subsidy of making a total of which was not a charge on the ratepayers at all. (Loud applause). He said it was the Council’s intention to run weekly picture entertainments with occasional matinees which he hoped would be liberally patronised. He thanked the public for assisting to make the initial perlormance such a success. The audience then stood while the grouped performers sang a verse of the National Anthem. The following items were then contributed ;—Song, “The Swallows,” Mrs John Robinson; song, “The Bandit’s Lite,” Mr Alf, Jenks ; duet, “ The East Milestone,” Misses Paget; Miss Ava Symons received a tremendous ovation on making ■Wi her appearance and was vociferously encored for her violin selections; Mr Geo. Barber sang “ The Boys of the Old Brigade ” with good effect; Miss Millar’s . cultivated voice was heard to ad-Jl vantage in “ The Peddlar ” and ’ “ Lullaby” ; Mr J. A. Nash fairly “ brought down the house ” with his topical song and chorus, a parody on “The Fine Old English Gentleman.” As he introduced the names of local identities, and topics,

the house was fairly convulsed. Being of local interest we publish the verses with apologies to the smitten:

“ When folks like us from Palmerston

Come down to Foxton town, We’re sure to learn a lot of things That would make an M.P. frown ; We hear of many plots and plans— And grumblings of a sort— That would upset the nerves of any saint And make him fret and snort (Chorus) —Like a fine old English gentleman, etc. You know about that Harbour Bill, Fathered by Chairman Hennessy, They turned it down and his remarks Would startle Tennessee; For the Members thought that they would buy The whole lot for five thou., But Millar wanted twenty —so our Chairman’s talking now (Chorus) —Like a fine old Irish gentleman, etc. Friend Stiles, who is the local Mayor, Wants to run a picture show— His Council backs him up but Some say that it won’t go; But some folks throw cold water On anything except themselves, They make some folk, like you and I, Confound all spiteful elves. A lot of folk are waiting for J. K. H. to blow his horn. I’ve heard it said he’s going to stand, Well, sure as you are born, If he can spout on politics as well as he recites, You’re in for lots of fun and lots Of good political fights. E. J. Martin, so I’ve lately heard, Is a lively sort of chap For looking after nuisances—he’s Got his eye on —Knapp. And Billy Collins contemplates standing For the Council soon They say he’s tried his maiden Speech on the stars and on die moon. The well-known Admirable Crichton of your Famous seaside town is Dr Adams —not old Bill, who Took Bonaparte down—lie’ll act or sing or play with you In any scheme you hatch But he’s best when playing the Whistle at ■ strenuous football Song, “ The Mission ot the Roses,” Miss Barber ; song, “ The Merry Monk,” Mr E. Pees ; duel, “ Down the Vale,” Mesdames Clemett and Greig ; song, “The jolly Sailor,” Mr A. E. Bennett; song, with violin obligato, “ Gounoud’s Serenade,” Mrs Boyes ; Mr B. Hooker received an ovation for his song “ The Deathless Army,” trio, “Night Sinks on the Wave” Misses Paget (2) and Morris ; Mr W. Oliver created roars ot laughter with his humorous recitations ; Miss Paget’s rendering of Tosti’s “ Good-bye ” was very fine; the song and chorus, “The Captain’s Ditty” by Mr J. Belt and company was a fitting wind-up to an excellent programme, most of the items on which, despite the Chairman’s warning, were encored. The Mayor suitably thanked the performers, specially singling out Miss Ava Symons, a native of B'oxton for special mention. He said this young lady was shortly going abroad to finish her musical studies and she would carry away with her the best wishes of the Foxton people. Mr J. A. Nash (Mayor of Palmerston and also a native of Foxton) replying on behalf of the performers, said he was pleased to be present on such a memorable occasion. The hall reflected great credit upon the architect (Mr West), the builders (Messrs P. Sherract and Co.) and was a monument to the Mayor and Councillors, It was an evidence that B'oxton was going to progress— and it was time it did. (Applause). The town both as a port and centre had a very great future before it. (Applause). The pictures screened were equal from every point of view to those shown in the metropoliton centres, and included scenic, comic, dramatic and , industrial films, and were loudly applauded. The subjects were “Picturesque Sydney,” “A ()ueen for a Day,” “ Roja Valiev,” “Her child’s Honour,” “The new Cook,' “Manufacture of gas mantles,” “ Mammy’s Ghost,” and “ Bill as Toreador.” If the pictures to follow are as good as those screened last night they should attract large audiences.

lu conclusion we must not omit a word of praise to the Town Clerk for the very thorough way in which he supervised the carrying out of all arrangements. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Boyes, Misses Jeuks, Collins, and Bett.