THE TOWN HALL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8493, 23 July 1907, Page 5

THE TOWN HALL.

INSPECTED BY TRUST LANDS | TRUSTEES. VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO BE CARRIED OUT. As the result of a resolution passed at the last meeting of the Masterton Trust Lands Trustees, a number of the Trustees paid a visit of inspection to the Town Hall, yesterday afternoon, in order to ascertain what improvements and repairs were necessary. The members present, Messrs T. B. Michel], T. Wagg, J. Hessey, R. Krahagen, W. H. Jackson, E. G. Eton and E. McEwen, visited every part of the Hall, and decided to have various improvements and alterations put in hand. The front of the hall was first inspected. It was decided to have the front of the building painted. The Trustees then inspected that part of the Hall under the stage. This portion is without a floor, and up to the present has not been used. Mr Hessey said there should be some improvements rrade on the existing state of affairs, and the Trust should put in hand a work that has been delayed so long. Mr Michell considered that there was room for at least two more dressing rooms in this part of the Hall. It was decided to lay down the floor in concrete, at an estimated cost of about £3O. It was also resolved to set apart a portion of the floor space for two dressing rooms. The barrier around the orchestra "box," immediately in front of the stage was found to be out of repair. The small posts supporting the brass rod have become loosened, and it was resolved to add more posts to the barrier, and tightsn up those at present there. The condition of the matting in the stalls was brought under the notice of his co-trustees by Mr Krahagen, who advocated the taking up of the matting and substituting cork linoleum. Other members were of opinion that the matting only required to be thoroughly cleaned periodically. No action was taken in this matter. Mr Hessey drew attention to the wall above the proscenium, and considered that the general appearance and state of the wall-paper was a disgrace to the Hall. He urged that something should be done to make an improvement there. Mr Jackson said the wall could be covered with canvas, and then painted to any design. This would make this part of the hall more pleasing to the eye. Mr Hessoy was in favour of zinc-lining the wall referred to and the ceiling. The matter was eventually placed on the list of works that required to be carried out", and will be further considered. "What about the 'gods'; what can be done for them," asked one member as he directed the Trustees' attention to the pit. The Trustees resolved that the pit should be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected. Mr Krahagen mentioned that it would be a good idea, and in the interests of public health, if the whole Hall Wets thoroughly scrubbed and disinfected at regular intervals. The "drop-scene" was then let down and inspected. At xlw bottom of the cloth is a heavy wooden roller, which makes the scene useless, and for this rea&on it has been discarded in the past by visiting companies. Various suggestions for making the scene more easy to use wera suggested,and finally it was decided to have heavier weights placed in the "wings" to counter-balance the weight of the scene, and render it easier to pull up and let down. To prevent the scent;from "sagging," it was resolved to do away with the ropes holding it from the "flies," and substitute flexible steel wire ropes. This was thought to be the most economical way of surmounting the difficulty. The Trustees then inspected the waiting rooms used by patrons of the dress circle. Instructions were given for the installation of lavatory conveniences in the ladies' waiting room. A discussion took place on the question of providing another exit door and more ventilation in the dress circle. Consideration was given to a suggestion to make an exit door in the side wall at the rear of the barrier in the circle and run a staircase from the door to the ground along the side of the building. Nothing definite, however, was decided upon. At the next meeting of the Trust Lands Trust the condition of the Town Hall will receive further consideration.