TOWN ENTERPRISE.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1915, Page 4

TOWN ENTERPRISE.

IMPORTANT PURCHASES. During tho past few weeks schemes tor the erection of new theatres in New Plymouth have been propounded by rival interests. After considerable negotiations, the interests have amalgamated, and a company formed with n capita] of £27,000 for the purchase of Devon Street property and the erection of an up-to-date picture theatre, Yesterday the agents of tho company, which is to be named "Tho Taranaki Amusements, Ltd.," purchased the central block of buildings running from tho Criterion Hotel to Avery's, and is also purchasing the block immediately behind, having a frontago to Powdetfiam Street, The company propose to forthwith build a theatre at the rear of tho present shops, gaining au entrance through one of the shops. Later it is intended ,to pull down the wooden buildings and complete the block by the erection of a three or four-storey building with .shops. on the ground floor, billiard parlors, a restaurant, offices, etc., on the other floor. The preliminary work has been in hand for some time, and provisional plans adopted. Messrs Grierson and Aimer, the loading theatrical architects of tbo> dominion, have the work in hand. The new theatre will be known as "Every, body.'s." The company has also purchased the valuable Theatre Royal property, as well as the Empire Picturo Company's Interests in the Empire Theatre and St, John's Hall, Waitara. The company propose to improve the two locjtl theatres, keeping the Theatre Royal for travelling companies, public meetings, [etc. It will also extend the Empire I Company's operations in Waftara, and : probably go further afield. Wo understand that nearly the wholo of the capital has already been subscribed locally, throo or four thousand shares only being available to the public.