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Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 720, 8 July 1878, Page 2

Whej»" we are deprived of the Masonic Hall, what are we to do for a building suitable for public purposes'] ' In the course of a few week 3 the place known as the Masonic Hall will be transformed into numerous dormitories, Mr. Loxgford, the proprietor, being necessitated to make these alterations in consequence of his growing trade. We are gratified to see such tinniistakeable evidences of the increasing prosperity of Oamaru. During the past 12 months, two large hotels have been built, and large additions are being made to several old-established houses ; and now the proprietor of the Star and Garter is compelled to deprive us of the only suitable public hall in the town in order to further add to his hotel accommodation. It is about time that some movement were set afoot for supplying what will now, more than ever, be a want—a public hall in which to hold meetings and entertainments. We have met with worse rooms in which to hold meetings than the Volunteer Hall; but that is no reason why we should be satisfied with it. For some purposes it is entirely unsuitable, and on all occasions cold and inhospitable in appearance. What is required is a building not only sufficiently commodious, but one so arrauged that people are not compelled to suffer cold ahirers 3s an accompaniment to an entertainment. It is also necessary that it should be situated in a public place, easy of access. Why should not the Municipal Council take the matter up, and erect a Town Hall on the vacant corner contiguous to their offices I In the same building they could have their offices, and others which they could let. Not only would the building be a worthy addition to the buildings of the town, but the income dmyable there*from would do something more than pay the interest on the amount expended in 1 its erection and the value of the land. i There i 3 no valid r£3son why we should be behind other towns in the Colony in a matter of this kind. In Jnyercargill and Tim3ru there is mo lack of acpoiij-, modation of the best kind for public pur- ■■ poses, and we see that a company is being i started in Ashburton for the purpose of building a public hall. We hope that the matter will at least receive the serious attention of the Municipal Council as farly as occasion requires, in order that if. after having given it ample consideration, it may deem it inexpedient to carry out our suggestion, a public company may be formed to take the matter in hand without delay.