VOLUNTEER DRILL SHED.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2460, 24 November 1886, Page 2

VOLUNTEER DRILL SHED.

Opening Celebration. The opening ceremony of the above institution took placo last evening, and was without doubt the largest and most successful gathering of the kind yet Been in the Wairarapa. Tho building, which is situated in Hall Street, is a large wood and iron structure, having a frontage ,to the street of fifty-seven feet, with a depth over all of ninety-nine feet. Fourteen feet studs 6x2 cany the substantial looking principals, tho dimensions of which aro, tie beams 12 x 5, rafters 10 x 6, struts 6x G. Under each principal a stud 6 x 6 is placed for extra support, King and Queon bolts, l\ inch and 1 inch in diameter tie the whole together. !A stage 37 x 14, with rooms at each side 14 by 10 are constructed at the south end of the shed, making the building in every way suitable for assemblies such as the one held last evening. (Incressaud egress is obtainod through a sliding dnor in the front with an opening of 12ft 6in x 10ft Gin, and a side and back door. Ten windows with sliding sashes provide light and ventilation, the latter being especially well considered. The front of the building is rusticated, a bold cornice extending the wholo width with a two feet return at each end, adding somewhat to the appearance of the structure, and also to the architectural developments of Hall-street, A word of praiso aa to the manner in which the construction has been carried out, is due to the contractors Messrs Brown and Rodgera, who have by dint of assiduous, attention to tho work, and a large relay of workmen, finished the job in a marvellous short time without a hitch or accident occuring in the manipulation of the heavy material used, and when it is considered that within the past six weeks the same firm have added 56 x 16 to St. Matthows School and erected a two-storied house at Te Whiti, 30 x 16, their capabilities in the building" line can bo estimated. The committee for last evening's gathering loft no stone unturned to secure the success of the inaugural and being well backed up by the ladies of Masterton in perfecting their arrangements, wore rewarded by seeing the large assembly in the full enjoyment of a social and musical re-union. Tho walls were literally covered with ferns, flowers, evergreens, and flags. Along each sido rows of candles wero placed for illumination, the centre of the room being lighted with three chandeliers and numerous Chinese lanterns, the effect being novel in tho extreme, .and reminding one of the fairy bowers', often read about but seldom seen.

■ A special parade of the local corps was held at 8.30 in fclie shed, and after roll call the company were formed in a hollow square, the open front facing the Btage, the band being present. . The Rev. W. E. Paige commenced the ceremony by addressing the company, congratulating them on the erection of such a splendid building, and spoke of the Volunteer movement as h 6 knew it in England thirty years ago, and favorably contrasted the Colonial Volunteers with their brothers in arms in the Old Country. He eulogised the patriotism of the Aus-

tralasian Boldiers and expressed a hope I thnttho) might never be required fur active service, but thought they could be relied on if their services were culled into requisition. Mr W. H. Jjeetham m congratulating the Volunteers on their pluck and enterprise in erecting such a structure, said they deserved the thanks of the public of Masterton and district for placing such a building at their disposal, aud although it had been stated that it was not heeded, events of the present week would prove that it was a necessary addition to the public institutions of Masterton. On behalf of Mr G. Beetham who was away from the district and unable to be present, but who had taken a lively interest in the movement, he,tendered his hearty congratulations and success to the enterprise. Mr Beetham then declared the Masterton drill shed duly opened. Mrs Donald Don'aldtheuadvancedtothecentro of theroom, led by Mr Seymer Tancred, and with a sword broke a bottle of champayno, suspended from the centre of the building, wishing " Success to the Masterton Drill Hall." The band then played the national antliom, after which Captain Donald in a neat speech, thanked the visitors for their attendance and kind wishes and called for three choors for Her Majesty the Queon the call being responded to in a most enthusiastic manner. Tho pleasure of the evoning then commenced in roal oarnest. Son?s, musical selections and dances followed each other in rapid succession, the music for the light fantastic, which was universally declared excellent, being supplied by the Volunteer Band under Bandmaster Papworth and the String Band undor the leadership of Mr Lundqvist. Messrs Gant, Wickerson, Coleman, Croft and Webb were the gentlemen vocalists, the fair sexbeing represented in tho vocal portion of the programme by MesdamesKibblewliite, Beere and Smythson, and Misses Govier and Norris, the two latter being rewarded with flattering encores and bouquets at the conclusion of their successful efforts, Encores were also received by Mr Webb for his artistically rendered comic effusion and Mr Brown and Mrs Smythson for a comic duet'' The policeman's domestic," tho lady performer being rewarded with a handsome boquet. The piano aocompanyistß were Miss Corbett, Mrs Gapper, Mr Keisenberg, and in three instances the soloists received the effective full string band accompaniments. Visitors were presonfe from all parts of the district and were loud in the praises of the excellent arrangements for their reception. Refreshments of the ohoicost kind were supplied ab Motto, the tables beingalmost as well stocked at the finish as at tho commencement. Ab there were fully one hundred and fifty couples present, some idea can be gathered of the success of the Committee's .offorts, and one and all deserve the highest praise for the manner in whioh they catered for tho visitors at their inaugural demonstration. Thoro is no doubt as to the capabilities of the building for large gatherings, for in one dance twenty-five sots occupied the floor at the same time, with ample room for others to join in if necessary, and as the whole space was not available last oveninc;, there will be at least accommodation tor four hundred dancers to enjoy simultaneously a comfortable dauco whou the shed is out of the contractors' hands, Tho acoustic properties wore well tested, and gave great satisfaction to the singers and audience, every word of the songs being distinguished at the far end of the building. Mr Bremner made a visit of inspection yesterday afternoon, and oxprcssod himself satisfied with the whole structure, and said ho was prepared to issue a certificate of stability if required, which should be a feather in the cap of the architect, Mr W. T. Peacock, who may be congratulated on winning his spurs in this branch of tho building lino,