“Taranaki Central Press” WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1937. AGAIN THE TOWN HALL.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 344, 27 January 1937, Page 4

“Taranaki Central Press” WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1937. AGAIN THE TOWN HALL.

At Monday's meeting of citizens concerning local celebrations in connection with the Coronation, one citizen replied to the Mayor's suggestion of a ball that the size of the Town Hall would militate against any great success. We would go further and suggest that not only the size of the Town Hall but its very atmosphere hampers the success of any such function. However artistically the decorations and drapings might be made for a Citizens' Ball, nothing could really hide the senile decay of the building or keep from within those blasts of Nature which sweep from the mountain as if attracted by the chinks in the walls of our civic centre. The warmth of good fellowship and pleasurable excitement might prove impervious to the wintry weather of May, but it must be remembered that modern dancing is not the vigorous exercise common in the ballroom when Stratford’s Town Hall was erected. And even good-fellowship can pall when the air is cold and draughts penetrate the flimsy clothing of the modern dancing lady. Though we approach the subject of the deficiencies of Stratford s Town Hall with some temerity, we feel it is a subject which is of vital interest to every resident. Shortly we are to have a visit from a company of troupers who will parade their entertainment .within those grimy walls for the delectation of their patrons, who will come from far and near to witness a modern, variety show. That is good. Visiting entertain ment companies of repute are too few and far between. Why? Just because Stratford, despite a population not far below that of Hawera, which receives many such visits, has no hall worthy of the name in which a visiting company of size could perform. But we are getting away from the Citizens’ Coronation Ball. Maybe we cannot expect a new and imposing building to be erected between now and May next. The present building must be used. Would it, then, be too much to ask the Borough Council to spend some small amount on removing or lessening the signs of decay which are to-day so apparent in the hall? A coat of paint on the inside would work wonders, particularly if the chosen colour was bright and attractive, in keeping with the spirit of the town.