Advance Gisborne.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 186, 23 August 1888, Page 2

Advance Gisborne.

The erection of new buildings is always looked upon as a sign that things are brightening up, and when one of those buildings is to be used for the purposes of amusement, it is a further proof that there must be some life in the place when such luxuries can be afforded. At least some people are fond of terming all such amusements as so much folly, though for our part, provided the recreation is wholesome and healthy, we think it is far better for people to occasionally enjoy themselves than to mope on through life, brooding over cares that need never be added to those which unfortunately coma in the ordinary course of things. The new building alluded to is the Columbian Rink, which is now being rapidly gone on with. It is almost as enjoyable to go round of an evening, when the gas has been lighted up, and watch the busy carpenters at work as it is to see a skating rink in full swing. On a visit of inspection to the new Columbian Hall, in Peel street, we saw about twenty men busily working by the brilliant light of four large gas “fanlights,” the reason of the men working so late being that Mr Townley is using the utmost dispatch to get the hall in readiness for the Fancy Dress Ball to ba held to-morrow night, and the work is being pushed on in a surprisingly rapid manner— indeed, were it not for a very unfortunate circumstance, it would have been impossible to have the building erected in the short time allowed prior to the ball. That circumstance is the number of carpenters who had the misfortune to be out of work, everyone engaged on the building having been without other employment when taken on. The hall is 86 by 50. The rinking floor is of course a special feature which attracts our notice, the object being to have the boards placed so as to allow tinkers to always skate with the grain of the wood. The boards used are 3 by 2, which should make a nice solid floor to skate or, and will be better than the ordinary floor for dancing purposes. The gallery is arranged with every regard for convenience, and has two flights of stairs to it. Instead of the ordinary incline in the floor the seats are arranged in tiers, something after the style of a staircase, the seats being fixed on the box-like floor. Ventilation and facility for exit have been made a special study. So as to ensure the best ventilation possible the lining has not been closed in, as it generally is, beneath the floor, and it is also left open at the top, thus giving first-class ventilation with complete immunity from draughts, besides which, the windows can be opened at any time. The escape doors are fixed only by a cord, and opening outwards must always give way on a slight pressure, it not even being necessary to pull the pin out. The lighting gives perfect satisfaction, and is so arranged that economy is combined with efficiency. The building being still incomplete, it is not necessary to give a minute description of it, but from what can be seen it is evident that the interior of the building will be a handsome one, and that rinking will be only one of the many pastimes for which it will be useful. It is not anticipated to have the hall actually complete for to-morrow night’s festivities, but it will be advanced as far as it is necessary it should be. The floor is to be kept in special order for dancing purposes, and rinkers will be allowed to use none but wooden rollers, which give the floor a nice polish. The site of the building is a capital one, and adds another to the many advantages possessed by the new hall. Everyone will wish the proprietor success in the undertaking. The first practical use that will be made of the hall will be for the Lawn Tennis Club's Fancy Dress Ball to-morrow night, and on Saturday the Carnival in aid of the Cadet corps will eventuate