CHRISTCHURCH THEATRE TAKINGS

Evening Star, Issue 20253, 14 August 1929, Page 8

CHRISTCHURCH THEATRE TAKINGS

HIT BY FIRE BOG AND EARTHQUAKE [Special to the ‘ Star.’J CHRISTCHURCH, August 13. The activities of tho firebug and the recent severe earthquakes have had a serious effect on the box office receipts, according to a statement made to a reporter by various theatre managers to-day. “People are afraid to leave their homes.” said one manager, “1 have been told repeatedly by people whom I have invited to my show that their wives would not stir outside at night for fear that their homes might be visited by the firebug or burglar. Some people even are leaving their lights burning ail night,.” Other managers reported .similarly, though no figures were available. It was stated that there had been a big dropping off in attendances. Jho earthquake was another factor which for a time caused losses. People were afraid to go into a big building or theatre for any length of time, leaving that if there was a big shake there might be a panic. “Even now,” said one manager, “there are some people who will not go into the dress circle. I had a request for some reserved seats the other night f rone two ladies, who asked that they ho given seats downstairs and away from the circle. They were afraid that if a quake camotho circle would fail on top of them. 1