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picture patrons something extra special in the way of musical programmes.
The erection of the theatre in this locality is evidence of the progress being made in the western portion of the
municipality and the fact that the theatre is in the centre of a very thickly-populated area, and the additional fact
that the majority of the shareholders live in the same area. augurs well for the success of the enterprise. The
directors emphasise the fact that this is a locally owned and controlled venture, and as such claim the patron-
age of Essendon's picture patrons. Arrangements have been made that ensure the exhibition in the Southern
Cross of the best pictures released, and the usual prices will be charged.

The Gazette of 3rd December 1925, carried the following account of the opening of the theatre:-
Southem Cross Theatre - The Opening Ceremony

The new Southern Cross Theatre which has been in course of erection for some months past at the corner of
Buckley Street and Lincoln Road, Essendon, was officially opened on Thursday last, in the presence of a full
house. Although the theatre was practically unfinished owing to unforeseen circumstances, the management
made the best of things and went on with the programme as promised.

This theatre was built by an Essendon contractor (Mr. W.G. Miller) the plans were drafted by an Essendon
architect (Mr. V.G. Cook) and the bulk of the money has been provided by local people. Everything has been
done to ensure the comfort of the patrons, good wholesome pictures are promised by the management, and
such a guarantee should be conducive to bumper houses in the future.

The interior is decorated on classic lines. the cornices and mouldings representing classical statuary. The
foyer, when finished, will be a place of elegance and comfort, and patrons will enjoy an inteNal spent in this
lovely lounge. The painting and decorating throughout were done by Mr. H.A. Brooks, comer of Buckley and
Scott Streets, Essendon, who has carried out the interior decoration of several local theatres. The ornate
panelling and ceiling decoration show the artistic taste and excellence of his work. In the foyer his beautiful
Jacobean panelling adorns walls which are cream with ornamental bordering picked out in gold and light blue.
The Opening

Mr. A.J. Thaw, the Chairman of Directors. introduced Cr. G. Mitchell. who was present to perform the opening.
In declaring the theatre open Cr. Mitchell said it was becoming quite a habit to declare theatres open in
Essendon. About 12 months ago a new theatre was opened in Ascot Vale and since then two more had been
opened. Now they had the Southern Cross Theatre which was designed by an Essendon man, built by an
Essendon man, the management chiefly composed of Essendon men, and the bulk of the capital subscribed
by Essendon people. Residents were to be congratulated upon securing a theatre with such fine appointments.

There are 1,400 tip-up seats in the theatre and 400 of these are in the dress circle. DeseNing of special
mention is the beautiful and spacious foyer with its heavily draped leadlight windows and massive lounge suite,
in keeping with the colour scheme throughout. Provision will possibly be made at an early date for dancing in
these delightful quarters and Mr. Casey anticipates an immediate success. The presence of the typhoon sys-
tem of ventilation ensures comfort in the sultry evenings not far distant and the beautiful grand piano, which
cost over 300 pounds, and a full emergency plant in addition to two Simplex machines show clearly that
expense has not been spared in securing comfort for patrons of the Southern Cross.

Under the Burgoyne and Casey banner, 1927 proved to be a most interesting year for the Southern Cross. The
same films were shown simultaneously in both theatres which seems a strange move considering their proxim-
ity to each other. I expect the answer was that Hoyts, who were still operating the Essendon Theatre in Russell
Street, had a stranglehold on film supplies.

There were ventures into stage presentations at the Southern Cross. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
May 16, 17 and 18. Wong Toy Sun, the amazing Chinaman and his own company, presenting a gorgeous
review of magic. A bewildering display of illusions and scientific problems. Popular prices 1/-, 1/6, 2/-.
Colin Crane (later of "Village Glee Club" fame on the A.B. C.) appeared on Saturday, May 28th and Wednesday
June 1st. and Clarence Weber on Saturday 4th June explained "The art of wrestling." I fancy that these
appearances would be supplementing the picture programme. Saturday, June 18th was obviously a recital by
celebrities - Madam Elsa Stralia (billed as "The World's greatest dramatic soprano") and Maxim Brodi - The
famous Russian tenor accompanied by Paul Mona, the celebrated pianist.

Burgoyne and Casey honoured their promise to introduce dancing at the Southern Cross - in conjunction with
pictures. The Essendon Gazette of 23rd June, 1927 tells it all :-

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