HUNTLY TOWN HALL

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 77, 22 June 1927, Page 9

HUNTLY TOWN HALL

OPENING CEREMONY A BIG GATHERING From the actual Jay it was constituted, April 4, 1008, the Huntly Town Board has endeavoured to kee*p pace with its sister towns of the Waikato with regard to progress, and yesterday saw the coal-mining town launch forth its best and biggest effort to date, the opening of the new town hall. Built of locally manufactured bricks, faced with plaster, it fronts the Main s?outh Road, in the heart of the town. The electric lighting of the structure totals 8,300-c.p., and the dimensions of the hall are as follow: Length, 110 feet; breadth, 70 feet. Included in the building are the local body offices, two shops, library, rest and Plunket rooms, etc. Special attention was given to the theatre, capable of holding close on I, people. What strikes viritors forcibly on entering is its roominess. The ventilation and lighting are cf a high order. The seating (patent tipup seats throughout), including the dress circle, gives an air of finish, method, and neatness, leaving nothing to be desired. The actual theatre itself is 72 feet by 44 feet, the stage opening 22 feet by 16£ feet, with ap-to-date ante and dressing rooms, and the supper room and necessary adjoining offices are housed under the stage, the full width of the building. The price will probably run out to about £15,500. The contractors were Messrs. Martin and Young, of Hamilton. WEATHER HOLDS FINE The weather was dull and overcast in the morning, and gave promise of a poor day for the afternoon ceremony at 3 o’clock. However, the rain kept off for the chief event, and according to schedule time, Mr. W. C. E. George, chairman of the Town Board, addressed the large gathering. In his opening remarks the speaker read apologies from the Hon. R. F. Bollard, member for the sea 1 :, Mr. Campbell Johnston, chairman of the Raglan County Council, Mr. TV. J Ralph, and others, for unavoidable absence. Continuing, Mr. George said that the event was an epoch-marking one for the town, and he deprecated the pessimistic attitude, and he believed in looking ahead. The credit of bringing the town hall to a reality was due to the efforts put forth by the Huntly Ratepayers’ and Citizens’ Association, and by that body's practical energy alone. Though, during his six years as a board member, he had been ashamed of their old building, they now had a structure worthy of the name, and in that connection Mr. George paid a tribute to Mr. W. J. Ralph for his generosity in making a concession to enable the present site to be acquired. Mr. George also thanked Mr Purtell, of Auckland, for his valuable aid in securing the patent, seats for the hall. A complimentary reference to the architects and builders, and appreciative thanks -to Councillor Mac Diarmid, for his generosity in donating the flag for the hall, which was then Lin furled by the donor, Mr. George opened the main door, with all the good wishes of the large assemblage amid cheers, and the building was promptly filled. Once inside, the speeches were listened to eagerly by the huge audience. Messrs. Sheeran, McDiarmicl (councillors), J. P. Bailey (ex-chairman, and the father of the board, who was well received;, T. Hall (chairman Ratepayers’ Association), Wm. Newell « N chairman Waikato County Council), Mr. Saulbrey (Waipa County Council), Thos. Hinton (Waikato Power Board), and Mr. Purtell (Trades and Labour Council, Auckland) spoke, and tendered congratulations. After the speeches a collection was taken up by voluntary young nurses , "while afternoon tea was being dispensed. Musical items were rendered by Messrs. Meadows (piano), Aspey (violin)