NEW OPERA HOUSE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 426, 13 July 1905, Page 2

NEW OPERA HOUSE.

Formal Opening

Mayor Cohen's Fin* Spaeeh.

A very large number of citizens assembled to witness the ceremony of opening the Opera House yesterday and' - listened with interest to the very able and eloquent address delivered by bis Worship the Mayor, who spoke from a> platform in front of the building, upon which tbe members of local bodies and leading citizens and their wives were seated. ; ,■

In an eloquent and thoughtful address (for which unfortunately we have not full space) Mr Cohen, after briefly relating the history of the movement for the erection of the Opera House, said -' the wisdom of the Legislature in according municipalities the fullest powers to provide' music halls, museums, meeting rooms, etc., had been doubted, bat he voiced the opinjon that tbe time' was ■ fast approaching when it would be recognised that the progress and culture of a people depend upon its diversions ■ as well as its occupations, and that the

interests of the National Arts were not unworthy of the solicitude of thoughtful statesmen. ■'■'■?. ■■>■,:

During his travels abroad his Worship had noted a number of Slat© theatres and had been impressed with - the fact that in some famous acton had received life. appointments as State ' officials. The justification of public expenditure for euch purposes had been frequently made ibtf subject of. public comment. He would remind them that the Brains of a Nation must hay» reasonable recreation.•-■>..'" The resources of art are eudlcs?," exclaimed Mr Cohan, r " being as the Abbe Lemmeoaia teili* [us,' to man what creation is to God.'" !-* Dramaj Foetry^hdf Music jwere the 1 branches Vp|>.^^rt|i:-parti- \urly in evidence on tho stage. HidSflftariteri '' had ascribed the invention ofthe~Dr*fiiaN^ to a certain Sage, who when asked' what wore the qualities required in the Drama, replied: " Profound Exposition of tba Various Passions, Pleasing Interchange of Mutual Affection, Loftiness of Character, Delicate Expression of Desire, * Surprising Story and Elegant Language." Lofty and worthy ideals, in. deed for the exposition of a great art. The birth and. growth of music were next traced, Mr Cohen concluding his hsppily chosen and brightly-clothed rernarka with the words of the great dramatic bard: — ■ ■; "The man that hath'no music in him"self,. .' \ -..■: "■■-,;'.- :■■ Nor is moved with concord of sweet sounds, r Is fit for treason, stratagems, and spoils. ;. , The motions of bis spirit are aa dull as night, ■ , And his affections dark as Erebus Lot no such man bo trusted," But as no germ could thrive jn any but a oongenial atmosphere, bo in the cbaracter of their edifice. Thoße surround* ings had been provided, where the' community might enjoy those pursuit* .' which ennoble the soul, if kept pare * and free from tbe parasitical impuritiM which infested even nature itself. Thai the Opera House was to be kept under municipal control was some safeguard in aecuriDg that end. It was interesting to note that the first public übo to which their Temple of Art was to be put was in the diviae cause of chanty; He hoped that snob • dedication would provide an auspicious augury for the years to come, and that the strains of the great National hymn whicli he would presently ask diem to sing would mark their sense and pride in their National aims and responsibilities. "May the loyalty which finds; expression in our hearts, to-day," he concluded, "and which the dead walla of tbis building will reecho, be an earnest that neither inside nor out will they ever be polluted with one unworthy or disloyal sentiment." (Prolonged applause). 7 OPEN SESAME. ./^ The National Anthem was then SUflg to a joint band accompaniment, and Mr Cohen called upon the Mayoress to open the entrance doors. For-this purpose Councillor Holben had in readiness a golden key which he presented to Mre Cohen with a few appropriate remarks, to which the Mayoress made suitable response. The key was ir/serted, the bolts drawn back, and the curious crowd swept forward into the full enjoyment of their new possession. Soon the building was filled through and through 'with a chattering throng who gazed and com- . mented upon the appointments 'and decorations, passing judgment in a great hum of conversation. Then the bands played some lively tunes for the delectation of tbe visitors; and the Opera House was well and truly opened.