West Coast Times. TUESDAY, SEPT. 18, 1866.

West Coast Times, Issue 308, 18 September 1866, Page 2

West Coast Times. TUESDAY, SEPT. 18, 1866.

111 1- 1 we understand aright, the objects of\ the promoters of 'what lid's come to be popularly designated the "New Theatre," they are scarcely defined with accuracy under that term, and its use has been unfortunate in having suggested the idea,of opposition to an existing establishment. But for some recent incidents to which it is unnecessary to refer with any particularity, the promoters of the new movement might have been allowed to launch their project without any idea of antagonism or rivalry. ' The want of such a public institution as the Lyceum is designed to be, -has been long felt and acknow- !

leclgecl. Mauy suggestions varying in form but based upon a common principle, have from time to time been made ' to meet a practical public necessity. Before the .purchase of the Corinthian as a business establishment by the Messrs Byrne, we advised the conversion of that long - favorite place of entertainment into a Public Hall, to serve the purposes of a reading-room and centre of telegraphic intelligence, and a convenient place of resort for the citizens. There arc few towns of the magnitude and commercial importance of Holcitika, cither at home or in the , colonies^ that are destitute of an institution of this character, nor is it to the credit of the public that the capital of the West Coast has been so long content to dispense with one. Now that the idea has assumed something- like practical shape, a score of separate uses suggest themselves for which the building may be made available. One of them is naturally enough its appropriation for occasional dramatic representations : and as the proprietors have a right to look to every legitimate source for the increase of their revenue and the augmentation of their dividends, they very wisely propose to have this use of the building in view in deciding on its plan and its internal arrangements. ,As an occasional theatre,, the the new Lyceum will prove a great public convenience. To keep open throughout the year a house exclusively devoted to dramatic performances, the permanent engagement of a full company of actors is essential. And this very circumstance almost necessarily closes the theatre against such artists as may' occasionally the towii, en route to the neighboring provinces, or imposes conditions upon them which destroy a ] l inducements to accept a local engagement. In the case of an actress of such distinguished nerit and such wide popularity as Miss Mathews, a succession of full houses is of course so certain, during the currency of a brief, engagement, that arrangements may safely, be made on the basis of ,a heavy expenditure. But this is far from being the case in all instances. Yet actors are continually passing between Melbourne, Dungdin, and other towns, whose visit to Holatika on their way, would afford a very welcome oppovtuuity of amusement to the 'public, if a place were available for their performances. No doubt the promoters bear this consideration in mind. But this is not the limit of their desigu. It would be a matter of general regret if it were so, or ! if the new structure were not equally adapted to other than merely dramatic uses. We notice that a project has been set on foot in England by the Trustees of the International Exhibition, for the erection of a Hall of Arts and Sciences. As befits the magnitude and wealth of the first city in the world, the idea is proposed to be carried out on a gigantic scale. On a site of the value of L 60,000, a building is to be erected at a cost of L 200,000, including fittings and decorations. The site has been secured : a sum of L 50,000 has been guaranteed by the Commissioners, and a sum of L 96,000 been already subscribed : the Queen heading the list with L2OOO, and the most eminent public men following Her Majesty's lead-in noble succession. It is said that the credit of the idea is due to the late Prince Consort. It is a - fact, however, that it is now having a tangible shape given to it." The objects for which the building is intended to be made available, are thus stated : — " Congresses, botli Kational and international, for purposes of science and art. " Performances of music, both chorul and instrumental, including performances on the org.in, similar to. those now given in various large provincial towns — such as Liverpool and Biimingham. " The distribution of prizes by public bodice and societies/ "Conversaziones of societies established for the promotion of science and art. ' '•Agricultural and horticultural exhibitions. " National and international exhibitions of works of art and industry, including industrial exhibitions by the working classes, similar to those recently held successfully in various parts of London. "Exhibitions of pictures, sculpture, and other obje-tB of artistic or scientific interest. " Any other purposes connected with science and art." No doubt some may be disposed to §niile atvthe citation of this noble and colossal programme, as bearing upon the modest proposal of a few of the citizens of Ilokitika to erect a Lyceum at a cost of sonic two or three, thousand pounds. But it is competent "to us to follow an example at however remote a distance. Do we not do so throughout the whole economy of our colonial life ? What arc the political institutions of the colonies but an elaborate microcosm of the majestic constitution of Great Britain. It is of the essence of a sound, healthful idea, that the dimensions of its practical embodiment may be contracted or expanded without destroying its vitality. On the humble scale proposed here, the Lyceum might with unquestionable success and the most beneficial public results, • fie made a Hall of Arts and Sciences as well as of entertainment ; might be used for public meetings ; for associations such as a Chamber of Commerce, and a Literary Society; for Committees, and other deliberative bodies ; for " performances of music both choral and instrumental," for " Saturday evening Concerts" for the industrial classes, such as have obtained great popularity and success in the large towns of the mother country ; for exhibitions and distribution of prizes ; and in short; in a modified and localised sense, for all the purposes embraced in the great programme we have quoted. On public grounds, therefore, the project is entitled to every support, whilst it promises a certain profit to its spirited projectors.