Page 11 - CR-95

entered into for the supply of the latest and
best biograph films on the market. There will
be continuous picture shows from 11 a.m. till
7.30 p.m., and again from 8 p.m., which will
be the evening show. A good orchestra has
been engaged, which will be led by Miss Eva
Creese, the orchestra occupying an elevated
platform in front of the screen.”
The use of the word “Emersonian” to describe
the installation rather threw the writer, as
anecdotal comments indicated that Ernemann,
Pathè and Powers projectors were fairly
common in early Tasmania. However, I
understand that the word has been used to
denote a superlative.

The Mercury reporter then furnished a
detailed description of the opening night of
the Palace in the Mercury of 3 June 1914.
This is reproduced as follows:
“PICTURE PALACE THEATRE”
“The Opening”
“The Picture Palace Theatre, in Elizabeth-
street, a description of which appeared in
“The Mercury” on Monday, was formally
opened yesterday afternoon by the Mayor
(Alderman Meagher), in the presence of a
crowded attendance of people.
Mr. Arthur T. Davis said that, as chairman of
directors, he had great pleasure in welcoming
those present and would particularly thank
the Mayor for attending in his official
capacity to declare the new theatre open. A
little over six months ago an old-fashioned
building occupied the site of the beautiful new
structure they were assembled in, and which
was certainly an ornament to the city, and in
that achievement he thought the directors
could be credited with having done something
towards the ornamentation and progress of
the city of which they could feel proud.
(Applause).

When the question of erecting a picture palace
was first mooted, twelve months ago, by their
present manager, Mr. A. C. Davis, he
approached those who were now the
directors, who, after carefully going into the
financial question involved, formed a limited
liability company, and proceeded with the
venture, with Messrs. Arthur Nathan (who,
they regretted to say, had just died on his way the day to spare, it was hoped, would drop in, appearance of that part of one of the principal
to Japan) as chairman, W. J. Fullerton, also people in town from the country, and to streets of Hobart. The front elevation showed
M.H.A. Ashton Jones, F. D. Valentine, meet these conditions it was intended to run a daring distinctiveness in design which had
C. E. Chesterman and himself as directors. continuous day shows, each programme not hitherto been attempted in Hobart, but
They spent a lot of time, and took a great deal occupying an hour to an hour and a half, none the less successful in effect. There were
of trouble over the matter. First of all, there commencing at 11 a.m., and prices of a few finishing touches to be made to the
was the difficulty of obtaining a suitable site. admission of 3d and 6d, with an evening interior, and when these were done it would
That and many other difficulties were performance from 8 to 10.30. Entire changes certainly be a perfect and attractive place of
surmounted, one after another, and now they of programmes would be made on Monday entertainment.
had one of the finest and most up-to-date and Thursday evenings. The films would be
picture palaces in the whole of the supplied from the finest picture palace in The directors had shown a readiness to
Commonwealth. Melbourne. (Applause.) conform to all the requirements of the Health
Act and the laws dealing with places of
The company intended screening none but The Mayor said they had met to take part in a entertainment in regard to safety, protection
first class pictures, of an interesting and new house-warming, and, judging by the from fire, and so on. It was truly remarkable
educational character, feeling that in doing so large attendance there was warmth about the what progress had been made in the
they would obtain the support of parents, who function that would appeal to the energetic appearance of the city by new buildings
would send their children along, and the and enterprising directors. The erection of the during the last ten years. Last year the amount
general public. People having odd hours of building marked an epoch in the architectural of money expended on new buildings was

CINEMARECORD # 95 11