PASS-OUT CHECKS IN JAPAN.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 22, 19 September 1911, Page 1

PASS-OUT CHECKS IN JAPAN.

'Le Courrier Australien' publishes <ui account of the methods adopted at Japanese theatres to prevent the illegal traffic in passes. It is the universal custom, says that- paper, to provide theatre patrons, who wish to take the fresh air or smoke a cigarette between acts, with a pass-out check, which they have to produce in order to regain their seats. In Japan, however, when a spectator leaves the theatre, he is not trusted with a. little card, which is always transferable to another person. He is compelled to present his right hand before leaving the theatre, and a small seal is pressed upon the palm. The seal is examined on his return, and if it is still intact his identification is satisfactorily established. The chief drawback to this system is that by washing one's hands during at interval one"runs the risk of paying a. second time for one's seat.