Page 19 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf
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floored in modem light-tone tiles. The foyer featured a paneled marble dado, with hard finish Gypsum plaster
             walls and ceiling in gothic design panels. Large double doors leading to the main hall were at the end of the
             foyer, while on the left-hand side were reinforced concrete stairs leading to the mezzanine floor. Also to the left
             was a ticket-box, and a cloak room situated under the staircase.

             The mezzanine level contained a meeting room, 40 feet by 20 feet, church office, 14 feet by 12 feet, a ladles
             retiring room, and ample storage space. Also included was a room for biograph projection. Although the Trustees
             of the church had initially decided against the Installation of a bio machine, a letter to the Health Department,
             dated 28 December 1928, stated the intention to install  a complete bioscopic outfit, provision for which had
             been made in the original plan.

             The main hall  measured 64 feet wide and 88 feel deep. There was a  slight grade to the floor towards the
             platform, which was 24 feet wide and 16 feet deep, with retiring rooms on each side, fitted with toilets, to serve
            both the hall and the church. Wide doors were also on either side of the platform, and on the east side led to the
             church and lhe new connecting building which contained a kitchen, smaller assembly rooms, Deacon's offices
             and Choir rooms elc.

             The hall was floored with polished parquetry wood blocks set In bitumen on the concrete underftoor. The ceiling,
             of a very slight barrel-vaulted type, averaged 18feet in height, with glass panels and ventilation openings. Walls
             were paneled wood dado, 5 feet high, with plaster finish above dado.

             Large columns  down either side of the hall were unavoidable, due to the height of the building, however, a clear
             span of 44 feet between the columns avoided any sight-line difficulties. Seating capacity was for approximately
            800 patrons.













































             The hall  proved to be an Immediate success, and was particularly popular with  various amateur theatrical
             productions, much to the frustration of the Health Department as no such licence had been granted. Numerous
             Inspections by department inspectors found any number of complaints, such as scenery stored against exits
             etc. The church officials Indeed appear to have had a Guardian Angel looking after their interests, as every
             letter threatening action or closure over breaches of the Public Halls Acl seems to have been countered by a
             plea of Ignorance, and/or, being forced Into taking such unsuitable bookings due to financial hardships. This
             was followed by solemn promises that such situations would not occur again.
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