OPERA HOUSE

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 46, 24 February 1902, Page 2

OPERA HOUSE

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —It was with much pleasure 1 noticed a paragraph in Tuesday night's "Star" stating- that improvements were contemplated at the Opera House, and I trust that in such improvements greater facilities for escape in case of fire'will not be overlooked. A verandah with casement windows from the dress circle would be an important factor in this direction, as not only would it be a means of escape from fire, but a pleasant lounge on a hot night between the acts. I trust our slowmoving—indifferent to the safety of the public—City Council will insist on an improvement in the matter of exits, and also, when the application for alteration comes before it, refuse to grant the same unless the management give an undertaking- to abolish the present abominable plan of filling up all gangways in the dress circle either with seats or people standing. Had a fire occurred on Monday night with the crowded state of the house and the filled-up gangways, one can only contemplate with horror what the result would have been, and some day we shall find out, when too late, that our civic authorities are shutting their eyes to what might possibly amount to .manslaughter from a fear of offending the proprietors of theatrical companies who visit us for the purpose of gaining our dollars, no matter what the consequences may be. Is there no law in this* slow-moving community to stop these reprehensible practices which outside of New Zealand arc no longer permitted?—l

am, etc.,

PLAYGOER,