ROTORUA ASSEMBLY HALL.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 532, 23 December 1899, Page 3

ROTORUA ASSEMBLY HALL.

Some years ago Messrs Steele Bros, conceived the idei of erecting an Assembly Hall at Rotorua Owing to various causes the work has been delayed uutil the present winter, but has at length been successfully accomplished, and on Wednesday night the residents of Rotorua and visitors from all parts ascepted invitations from Messrs Steele Bros, to celebrate the opening ceremony, which was carried through with great /est and considerable enthusiasm. Abnit 200 were presnt and lovers of dancing were enabled to indulge in this pastime to their heart's content. Dancing commenced at 9 p.m., with the Grand March in which Mrs Kemiy and Mr G. Steele led, and was continued with short intermis sions till early morn. Excellent music was provided by Messrs Fordyce (piano), Brady (violin), and Mr G, Steele carried out the duties of M.C. in a satisfactory manner. The catering was entrusted to Mr A. G. Gillespie, who appeared to satisfy everyone. With a magnificent floor, good music and a splendid supper, small blame was attached to their hosts if all did not succeed in enjoying themselves to the fullest exteut. A short description of the building, which is one of the prettiest of its kind in the colony, will no doubt prove of interest to yonr readers. The designs were entrusted to Mi Wrigley, formerly of Waikato, and were successfully carried out by Mr D. W. Steele, of Rotorua. The building is 104 x 36, and provides seating accommodation for 500 people in the body of the hali, with 100 more in the gallery. At the entrance to the main building is a hall 10ft x,Bft., from which open a pair of wide doors, while a door on the left also allows admittance to the hall and the stairs leading to the gallery. The ticket office is on the right hand side, near the main entrance, and on cither aids an dressingrooms for ladies and gentlemen. The body of the hall is 60ft x 36ft, the stage 36ft x 20ft, and the supper-room at the back 36ft by 12ft, aud has moveable portions. A painted dado, five feet high, enoircles the iuterior of the building, above which is a pannelling four feet high of mottled rimu, with battens of rewarewa studded on to the rimu moulding, which forms a capping for the dado, and which has a very pretty effect. Above the paunelling is tongued and grooved varnished rimu, six feet in height to the spring of the ceiling, which is oval aud painted a pretty tint of green, which greatly adds to the general appearance of the building. The hall is well lighted and the ventilation is excellent. The doors look very neat with stained panels, and the whole reflects the greatest credit on the designer and builder. The stage is up to date in the matter of appointments, and is provided with one of Speucer's improved pianos. Stairs lead on to the stage on either side from the main floor, and underneath is a large cellar 24ft x 24ft for storing seats, etc. The scenery, which was painted by Captain Reid, of Hamilton consists: Drop scone, 'Ascene;inVenice,' a foreet scene, and drawing room set, and they have given the greatest satisfaction, and have been greatly admired. With the exception of the flooring the whole of the builditig is of rimu. The floor is of matai which has been seasoning for four years and seems admirably suited for the purpose.