VOLUNTEER HALL, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2278, 10 November 1891, Page 3

VOLUNTEER HALL, GERALDINE.

The indefatigable efforts of Captain R. H. Pearpoint to have the Geraldine Tolunteer Hall converted into something more than a mere shell (which it was before)., have been crowned with greater success than was at first anticipated. Some people thought the Hall too large to be made comfortable, but if they saw it now in its finished state they would most certainly change their opinion. The cost of the whole work is about £l2O, and a dramatic entertainment is being got up to defray the expense of the same. Three good dramatic pieces are being rehearsed for the occasion, and an orchestra of seven has been secured. A large number of tickets have been sold in Timaru ' and Temuka districts as well as Geraldine, At the entertainment all volunteers will appear in full dress uniform. The following is a description of the work done; — THE HALL. The Hall, as everyone knows who sat in it before, was miserably cold. It has now been comfortably lined with red pine to within about 16 feet of the main entrance, which portion is at present partitioned off with a curtain, This, of course, gives it a somewhat unfinished appearance, but if the entertainment turns out well the probability is that this portion of the building will also be lined. The building is provided with a proper fire : escape door, with patent latches, and can be thrown open at any moment. The acoustic powers of the Hall are now very good, the lining having made a vast difference. Speaking on the stage in an ordinary tone of voice can be heard at the far end of the Hall. The lining and fitting up was entrusted to Mr Thomas Baxter, of Geraldine, who has done his work well. Six new Rochester lamps have been purchased, making 12 in all, with the latest patent reflectors. These are arranged four on each side of the Hall and four hanging from the ceiling. The Hall will accommodate about 1000 people comfortably, and should be in great demand by theatrical companies and others. THE STAGE. The stage has undergone an entire change. Before, it was nothing but a bare platform, and now it has all the appearance of a neat little operahouse stage. The opening to it is 21ft, broad by lift, 6in. high, and fhe stage itself measures 40ft. x 18ft. At the rear of the stage are three commodious anterooms for dressing and preparing in. The scenery on the stage consists of a drawing-room and a dining-room scene respectively, and a forest scene and a cottage scene, both with wings. The scenery is run on the proper system of fixings and slides, and a scene by thh eans can be changed on a moment’s notice. The whole stage is well lighted by 12 footlights, in theatrical style, and lights with reflectors behind the proscenium. THE PROSCENIUM. The proscenium is an arched one, 40ft, wide, and has a magnificent appearance. The groundwork is of a deep and lighter flesh color, with side panels let in with blue, and artistically decorated. In the centre of the arch is a medallion representing a cherubim, on either side of which are three Roman designs. At the entrance of each door in the proscenium are two beautiful statues, and scattered here and there over the surface of the proscenium are neat floral designs. THE DROP SCENE. And now we come to the drop scene. We have left this till the last because it is of the most importance from a conuoiseur’s point of view. Of Captain Temple, who gratuitously undertook the work, it is needless for us to speak, his ability as an artist being too well known in these parts and elsewhere. However, : we believe this to be his first attempt at scenic painting for theatrical purposes, and we must, without reservation, admit that he takes the palm in this line of work equally with any other. Commercial travellers who have visited Geraldine within the past week or two, some of • whom have' been in almost every theatre in the colony, declare that they have not looked on a prettier drop scene than the one painted by Captain Temple. Captain Temple was ably assisted in his work by Mr Crow. The scene is Constantinople Harbor, and was painted mostly from memory by Captain Temple, who visited it something like twenty years ago. The colossal palace of. the Sultan and others are, of course, in the background, with the water showing up in the fore in very natural color and shading. In the centre il The Sisters ” form a prominent feature, - and the water is alive with fishing galleys and boats of all shapes and sizes. A magnificent esplanade runs along the foregroud of the scene, with a naturallooking cluster of trees and shrubs and a mosque at one end. On the esplanade, walking listlessly or lounging about, are fishermen, water-carriers, fruit vendors, negro porters, ladies and attendants, &c. ■ Here Captain Temple is usee at his best, figure painting appearing to be his forte. -One figure especially is very good. It,represents a negro in the act of yawning and stretching his limbs; one would almost think he had been caught in that position by a camera instead of a brush, the representation is so natural. In front of the drop scene at the top is a beautiful crimson vallance, looped up with golden tassels hanging at intervals, and a large gathered green curtain to protect the drop curtain. The Hall as it now stands is certainly a most valuable acquisition to Geraldine, and good companies can have no excuse whatever now of not being sufficiently accommodated. We would not be surprised to hear of some really good companies visiting Geraldine in future.