SMOKING IN THE THEATRE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 173, 22 July 1903, Page 2

SMOKING IN THE THEATRE.

(To the Editor.) gj r) — i quite agree with your correspondent "Frequenter" re smoking in theatres, and that it should be put down with a strong hand, now that ladies frequent that part of the house (family circle) so much, thanks to the care and oversight of those in charge, and those of the public who feel inclined may help them by approving of what they consider right. I see the proprietors have put up a notice to the effect that anyone seen smoking will be prosecuted, and they offer a reward of £ 2 on , conviction, which I hope will make the smokers more cautious. Being a married man myself, and not in a position to frequent other parts of the house. I feel thankful to those in charge of the F.C. for doing their best to make it respectable so that a man can take hia his wife and enjoy themselves. I might state I am a heavy smoker myself, but I can either wait or go down at intervals. I hope those in charge will make an example of some of those who put the officials at defiance, and so put a stop to what is a great public nuisance. 1 noticed in a late paper that in a case of smoking in a theatre down South the Magistrate said he was determined to put such a nuisance down, and that he would send the next one to gaol without the option of a fine. It is to be hoped such a step will not need to be taken in this beautiful city. I have been to a good many theatres in my time, but I have not seen the family circle so well patronised by the ladies as at His Majesty's, due, I think, to the exertions of Mr Healey, whose duties are most onerous. —I am, etc., FAMILY CIRCLE.