FIREMEN AT THEATRES

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27502, 9 November 1954, Page 3

FIREMEN AT THEATRES

DISPENSATION GRANTED FOR SMALL HOUSES

Firemen-doormen may be “dispensed with” in picture theatres with a seating capacity of fewer than 500. The by-laws, finance, and departmental committee of the Christchurch City Council has given a ruling to this effect, based on the council’s by-laws, according to advice received last evening from the Town Clerk (Mr H. S. Feast) by the Christchurch Fire Board.

The board had written to the council last month drawing the council’s attention to an alleged anomaly which had arisen concerning the wearing cf a uniform by firemen-doormen at certain picture houses.” Three years ago, the board’s letter recaUed, the Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.) had noted the absence of a man in uniform at matinee performances at picture houses and suggested that a man in uniform would give members of the public more safeguard against.fire. “This suggestion was approved by. Superintendent Morriston, and the by-laws committee subsequently authorised the endorsement of all theatre and picture house licences by the requirement that ‘either a uniformed fireman or uniformed firemandoorman be on duty at all sessions.’ It is understood that all the licences issued for 1954 have been so endorsed. "Certain owners of picture houses where the seating capacity is less than 500 have, however, claimed exemption from the requirement and quote the proviso to Section 616 of Part XVI of the Christchurch City, By-Law No. 1, which sets out that the provision of a ffreman shall apply only to licensed buildings having seating accommodation for 500 persons.”

The letter sought a ruling from the by-laws committee on the matter. “Regardless of the number in the theatre, I think there should be a fireman on duty,” said the chairman of the board (Mr N. R. Forbes), commenting on the letter from the City Council. “The public expect to see a uniformed fireman there, and it gives them extra confidence.”

The board authorised its Chief Fire Officer (Mr L. R. Osmond) to discuss the position further with the Town Clerk and the chairman of the council’s by-laws committee.