Page 30 - CR-95

THE NEWMARKET THEATRE

Mike Trickett

n the early years of the 20 Century, the
th
Iinner Melbourne suburb of Newmarket
boasted the largest livestock sale yards in the
world. The sale yards gave their name and a
distinct ambience to the neighbourhood.
Livestock were driven through the streets, with
local footpaths and gardens protected by metal
railings, breakaway cattle occasionally lending
an element of drama and danger. Only a few
hundred metres away, the Flemington Race
Course, home of the famous Melbourne Cup
horse race is located. The suburb was well-
served by both trams and trains, so
310 Racecourse Road, Newmarket was seen
as a desirable location for a picture theatre.

A prospectus was issued in the name of The
Newmarket Picture Theatre Limited in July
1912, seeking shareholders for a picture
theatre, with proposed seating for
approximately 2000 people.

Within weeks, the Newmarket Picture Theatre
company was formed and purchased a large
site in Racecourse Road measuring 80 feet by
177 feet. A prospectus was drawn up to raise It has been reported in various quarters that the The Melbourne Age reported the proceedings
the capital of £10,000 ($20,000) through the theatre was originally named the Crown, this as – “The latest addition to the increasing
release of twenty thousand shares at is incorrect. The image below shows the number of picture theatres in Melbourne and
10 shillings ($1.00) each. proposed name “Crown” was changed to suburbs opened at Newmarket on Friday
“Newmarket” before the prospectus was issued. evening, when some 2000 people accepted the
The promoters and principle shareholders were directors’ invitation to be present. The theatre
William Pridham, A. J. Allen, J. H. Cross, Architects, Twentyman and Askew were is situated in Racecourse Road and is a very
H. G. McKim, George W. Brown and engaged to draw up the plans for the theatre fine structure costing, with shops, a sum of
L. Marshall. According to the Flemington and four shops fronting Racecourse Road. £10,000, subscribed mostly by local
Heritage web site, Pridham was the local During construction, a controversy developed shareholders.”
butcher and George Brown, the local printer. over the employment of non-unionised labour.
However, the theatre The theatre was certainly impressive for its
complete with sloping floor, time, featuring a classical style Victorian
two sliding roof sections and façade with balustrade pediment, shields,
tip-up chairs was completed braids, decorative work and tympanum, all
in time for the official well proportioned. No other photos are known
opening. to exist of the theatre other the ones shown
here, and there are no images of the auditorium
The Newmarket Theatre available.
was officially opened on
Friday, 31 October 1913, Regular business commenced the following
with a large number of night with an “Exclusive Talking Picture”
invited guests present when
the manager, Mr George W. Below: The Helios Orchestrion was made by
Brown, introduced Mr. J. Hupfeld in Holland, possibly originally as a
E. Fenton MHR, Federal fairground organ.
Member for Maribyrnong,
who performed the opening
ceremony. Mr Fenton said
“he had much pleasure in
formally declaring the
Newmarket Picture Theatre
open”, he added “it was a
pleasure to see such a fine
ornamental building open
for the combined purpose of
rational amusement and
instruction. The vast sum of
£10,000 had been expended
on the building, which was
well worthy of Newmarket
and district”.

30 CINEMARECORD # 95