NEW THEATRE.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 147, 23 November 1874, Page 2

NEW THEATRE.

A meeting of those favorable to the forma* tion of a company for the erection of a new theatre was held on Saturday afternoon at Mr Charles Clark's auction rooms. Present—His Honor the Superintendent (in tha chair), Sir C. Wilson, Messrs L. Walker, G. Stead, G. B. AlleD, Wynn Williams, R. D. Thomas, C. Bonnington, W. R. Mitchell, C. Clark, G. Beatty, E. Fowler, and A. Carrick.

On the motion of Sir C. Wilson, his Honor the Superintendent took the chair. His Honor said they had met together that day to see whether it was not possible to erect a better building for the purposes of a theatre than the one Christchurch now possessed, which he thought they would all agree was a very desirable thing. The amusemeuts of a people were to a great extent an index of character, and therefore it was most important that the places where amusement was provided should be as carefully managed as possible. A badly conducted theatre would soon become the centre of rowdyism and woise, while one well conducted would elevate and refine the minds of the people. It was, therefore, with very great pleasure that he came forward to preside on that occasion, because he felt that they required a new theatre amongst them. He had no doubt some gentleman present would lay something tangible before them. Mr Bonnington said that Mr Allen and himsef had male inquiries on the subject, and had found that the best site in Christchurch was near the White Hart, fronting on High street, but the rent asked by the proprietor was very high. There was no doubt of the suitability of the site, but unless Mr Hart had modified his views somewhat, the projectors would have to seek another site. Mr Clark (Mr Hart's agent) was present, and perhaps would state what rent had been asked by Mr Hart. Sir Cracroft Wilson asked Mr Bonnington, before Mr Clark replied, what prospect there was of raising the amount required to build the theatre, as estimated by Mr Ross, the architect ?

Mr Bonnington said that there appeared to be a very general desire to take shares in the proposed company on the part of the public. Mr Allen said that he had seen a Dumber of persons on the subject, and all had expressed themselves well satisfied with the project. He thought that the sum of about £BOOO had been promised. Mr Ross stated that he had estimated the cost of the theatre to be about £6OCO, to be of wood and iron, built back forty feet so aa to escape the building block ; but one brick wall would have to be erected. The building would be constructed to hold 1500 person*, comfortably, fitted with all conven enced; and the latest stage appurtenances. He believed that it could be erected for the sum he-. had named, though, of course he could) not speak with certainty, as no plans had: yet been drawn of the proposed building. If it was decided to go on with the work be believed it could be erected in about three months. Mr Clark said he had been in conversation with Mr Hart on the subject of the site, and he thought that about £3OO per annum rental for the land should be paid. It must be remembered that Mr Hart would be at the expense of some £6OO in making an entrance and covered approach to the theatre, which would reduce the amount, greatly. Sir Cracroft Wilson moved—" That in opinion of this meeting it is desirable that a-, new building should be erected for a theatreand other public objects, and that a company: be formed, with limited liability, for that' purpose." He felt more that the people of Christchurch, recognising as they did thenecessity, nay, positive want, which existed) for a building of this character, would comeforward and take up shares in the company readily. Mr Wynn Williams seconded the motion;, which was agreed to. Mr L. Walker moved—" That the capital' of the company be £IO,OOO, in 1000 shares' of £lO each." Mr Stead seconded the motion, which was; agreed to. Sir Cracroft Wilson moved—" That all! present form a provisional committee to draw up a prospectus, to report at a an ad' journed meeting to be held on Thursday next, at 4 p.m., at Mr Clark's rooms." Mr Pritchard seconded the motion* which was agreed to. On the motion of Mr Siead., Mr Wynn Williams was appointed as hon secretary to> the provisional committee*

Mr Clark said that though certain offers had been made, yet it was likely that some considerable reduction and modification would be made in the terms proposed. A vote of thanks to the chair was carried.