AFFRAY IN THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 81, 30 December 1931, Page 10

AFFRAY IN THEATRE

Ten Actors Driven Out CLUBS AND HOSE USED Ten actors were driven out of the Gaiety Theatre in Oxford Street, Sydney, recently, following a desperate affray in which several men were injured. t r , Wooden clubs, hammers, boots and the butt end of a rifle were used in the fight, which occurred for the most part in darkness. Combatants and several of the police were drenched by two men who used a fire hose as a last resort to repel the intruders. Finally police under Sergeant Pascoe, of Darlinghurst, quelled the disturabnce, and the actors were ejected from the premises. William Maguire, a saxophone player, was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital and treated for injuries to the back, and James Scott, commissionaire, had his ribs injured. The trouble was precipitated by the theatre owners’ decision to discontinue performances, as they had proved unprofitable. Ten actors refused to leave the building and made beds on the stage and in the dressing-rooms. Mr. V. Mack, the actors’ leader, explaining the manner in which they had been ejected, said that about 6 o’clock that morning three large vans drew up outside the theatre in Brisbane Street. Two of the vans contained the eviction party. The other was loaded with wood to barricade the theatre after the occupants had been ejected. The attacking party, about 20 men, soon forced their way into the theatre. . , , , The noise of their coming had alarmed the actors, and the intruders were soon struggling in darkness. When the lights were turned on the battle became more intense, and the combatants were able to use their improvised weapons. Weight of numbers was beginning to tell when the fire hose was brought into play. The building was drenched. Sergeant Pascoe came on the scene at this stage, and ordered the men with the hose to turn off the water. This was done, and with the arrival of several constables the fight stopped. The actors then departed without further trouble.