MANUREWA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 508, 24 February 1920, Page 3

MANUREWA.

OPENING NEW PICTURE THEATRE. This very fine building was opened by a grand ball on Wednesday night, followed by a picture evening on Saturday night. This was the occasion of a free display tendered to the general public, who assembled from the outlying districts as far afield as Whitford. Both the gatherings were a great successs. At the ball over 60 couples tripped the light fantastic, and a very fine supper was provided for all. The picture programme on the Saturday was a miscellaneous one, concluding with the serial, "That's Good."

The theatre is a commanding building erected on the Great South Road opposite the Post Office, and has cost the owner, Mr. Osborne, close on £3OOO. It is an ornament to the district, and is really worthy of a larger centre. Built of Clark's blocks, the building is plastered throughout. The main hall is 80ft by 33ft, the, very fine dress circle.has a seating capacity for 160, whilst the supperroom, 36ft by 28ft, has a very fine pantry that is equipped with a full set of crockery and glassware. There is a ladies' and gents' dressing-room and a small refreshment bar. The special fire-proof operating room at the back of the dress circle is connected with the very fine ventilation scheme. This is provided for by special louvres at each end of the building, whilst two suction electric fans (electrically operated) provide ventf-! lation for the dress circle. A very artistic plaster ceiling is studded with several large domes and centres, all connected with this roof ventilation scheme. Set well back from the stage and footlights; the prescienum, 15ft by 20ft, has a sAtid plaster support at each side, with an artistic plaster dome that ma\ches the ceiling of the main building. Mr. T. J. Corin, of Manurewa, was the architect and builder, and, despite labour troubles and the railway cut, the building has been brought ito a successful consummation that reflects great credit on this progressive citizen. The electric installation throughout the building is very fine indeed, and is supplied by a Kelvin engine. The management have made arrangements with the Dominion Picture Company of Christchurch for the supply of films, thus affording the residents of Manurewa with a programme of pictures not shown in the city. The owners have decided on extremely moderate prices: Children Cd Adults Is. Dress. circle Is 6d, |tlu£ tax. The venture deserves siucess. It affords ample proof of the solid proeress that this district is making. It has hitherto been slow, but assuredly sure, despite pessimistic nrognostications. The geographical and strategical position of Manurewa must ultimately place this township as one of the most prominent outlying suburbs of the Greater Auckland.