A SUITABLE HALL

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19886, 15 May 1936, Page 6

A SUITABLE HALL

___.._._.. A correspondent has drawn attention to the fact that Hamilton stands in urgent need of a public hall, suitable for the requirements of the dramatic and other organisations in the town. The matter is one that should have the attention of the Borough Council because a public hall is an essential in any progressive centre. Full particulars with regard to the financial aspect should be obtainable from other boroughs, and the inquiries could include such places as Palmerston North Where there is a commodious municipal theatre. If a. suitable site were available it might be possible for the council to achieve its aim gradually. A concert hall, with a. stage sufficient for amateur performers, could he the first stage, and as soon as conditions were held to warrant the extension of the building, and that would depend to some extent on the results obtained from! the hull, then it could be enlarged and made into a. modern theatre, designed to accommodate the largest productions that visit the Dominion.

There is a need to further the cultural development of the community, and a public building Where concerts could be given, and plays and other entertainments could be presented by local organisations would serve that purpose. It would also enable the civic authorities to tender public receptions to distinguished visitors, and there are a. number of ways in which such a building would be of Service to the community. It is a. matter for regret that, owing to lack of suitable accommodation, some of the chief theatrical companies that tour New Zeuland are unable to include Hamilton in their itinerary. Only a few weeks ago a. company that played in most of the lending provincial centres had to pass through Hamilton. It would be of interest if the borough authorities would have sketch plans prepared. if possible providing, in the first place, for a hall capable of serving local needs but so designed that it could' be enlarged in order to provide the town with a municipal theatre.

There should be no difficulty in ascertaining from other places approximately what the annual revenue would be, and probably the borough engineer could give a general estimate of the capital cost likely to be involved. When those particulars were available the citizens would be able to study the scheme and express their views upon it. The need for such a building will grow more pressing each year, and the preparatory work might well be put in hand at once.