CITIZENS' BAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1918, Page 3

CITIZENS' BAND.

. NEVV BAND ROOM. In considering plans for the erection of a band room for the New Plymouth' Citizens' 'Band, one of the guiding .principles was the necessity of providing a home' for tho band. At the outset it had been thought that provision might ba made in the new building for a supner room and kitchen, as well as a committee room, with a view to adapting the building so that it might also be made revenue-producing. After full consideration, however, this project was abandoned, not Only because of the additional cost that would have been entailed, but also because it was felt such a, scheme would considerably interfere with the privacy of Hit l band on its own premises, and because it might also prejudicially affect the progress of the band's work. No one who has seen the room as it now stands, praeticallv completed, will have any cause to complain at the final result. A room of which the public, as well as the band, may well be proud has been erected, which will answer all the requirements of a modern band and provide thorn with a home which they can look upon as tlioir own. The building, which is situated in Leach Street, near Cover Street, is a square structure, measuring soft by 30ft over all, the inside measurement being lft less each way. Its walls are 14ft high, and it ban a hip roof finishing with a lantern effect at the top, the total height from the floor to the ceiling of the lantern being 27ft. Tliere are eross-ventilators on the four sides of the lantern, the windows being hinged at the top and swinging outward. This arrangement permits of amplo fresh air. no matter from which direction the wind may be blowing. It is built on a good concrete foundation; the floor is <jf specially-prepared matai boards, and the walls of heart studding, oiled and mottled, finishing with a plaster frieze, the ceiling being painted T and G. lining. Outside, the building has been lathed and plastered and finished in rough-east, colored white, with cement dressing!. The roof is of Barking, reinforced with malthoid, this being designed to deaden the sound of heavy rain on the corrugated iron. I

An ample entrance has been provided by double doors, on the Leach Street frontage, wni?h are approached by several concreted steps. While, of course, the acoustics of the building have been specially studied, the effect sought can only be tested bv actual experience. It is "believed, however, that the building will fulfil all that is'expected in this respect In addition, utility has not been iost sight of. and ample conveniences have been provided. On either Bide of the entrance doors general accessories' cupboards have been built, wlule across the corners there are a uniform and instrument room and a general 6toreroomIn the opposite corners a library and a lavatory have been built, thus leaving an octagonal-shaped room for actual band practice purposes. Semi-circular shaped windows have been put in on the front elevation, while on the other sides large square windows afford additional light and ventilation ta that coming from the windows and lantern top. Underneath the windows in the three main wall 3 of the building seats liave been fixed for general use, and these will Jie fi.vail.ible to any members of the public who are sufficiently interested to go and hca* the band rehearsing. Electric light has been installed throughout, and the general appearance of both interior and exterior is most attractive. On the front elevation, standing out in block letters, finished in gold, on a concrete panel, is ihe name of the institution: '"New Plymouth Citizens' Band Room," The architects for the building were Messrs Messenger and Griffiths, and the main contractors Messrs Russell and Son, New Plymouth

The room will be officially opened 011 Thursday afternoon next, full particulars of which will be advertised. A meeting of the General Committee in connection with tho forthcoming Band Carnival on Labor Day, October 2S, was held in Mr. H. R. Cattley's office last night. The meeting was well attended, and the comprehensive programme submitted bv the Programme Committee wa¥ adopted. This programme, full particulars of which will be advertised -in due course, includes a procession of decorated vehicles of all classes, trade exhibits, procession in fancy costumes, drill displays, tug-of-war, athletic events, and several items new to the public. At night a unique and spectacular procession will bo held, terminating in a masquerade on the sports ground, Pukekurft Park. Refreshment stalls, afternoon tea, etc., will be in abundance, and the public may rest assured that an excellent programme for day and night will be forthcoming, and the date —Labor Bay, October 2S—should be earmarked as Band Carnival Day.