THEATRE FOYERS.

Evening Star, Issue 20317, 28 October 1929, Page 11

THEATRE FOYERS.

TO THK BDITOIi. Sir,—lt is said, with a considerable amount of truth, that “a thing of beauty is a joy for ever,” but it is apparent from your article in Saturday’s ‘ Star' that there is a grave danger of a meddlesome officialdom trying to desnoil what is unquestionably one of the most beautiful showplaces, not only of Dunedin, but of the dominion. It has been my privilege to attend tbo theatre in question regularly, and always—even at wdiat I presume are called capacity houses one is impressed with the case with which the theatre is emptied, and this despite the so-called obstacles. After reading your article one is left with the impression that the whole position savours more of pin-pricking tactics than a genuine desire to safeguard the public. To my way of thinking, it would be better if the army of inspectors and officials reversed the usual order of things and learned to “swallow the gnats.”—l am, etc.. H.C. October 28. TO TH* EDITOR Sir,—After reading your leader in tonight's ‘ Star,’ would you kindly allow the man in the street ia pass a few- remarks ? The foyers of the Regent and Empire 'Hie-H-es would look r-itlK- "om; '"l if denuded of their furnishings. I am sure the citizens c.f r)uncd ; ’i are proud of the ; - two beautiful theatres, and would resent any interference. Tourists would also be surprised when, at the intermission, they went to the foyers to enjoy a smoke and chat, and found nowhere to sit. I would suggest to our budding municipal officers, before taking office, to travel a bit and see how things are done in other cities. There is nothing in the foyers of the Regent and Empire Theatres, but what you would find in any first-class theatre in the world.—l am, etc., W.G. October 26. to THE EDITOR. Sir, —Although I agree with the views expressed in your leading article on ‘ Theatre Foyers,’ ‘there seems to mo to be another and more important aspect of the case which you have oink tod to merlin). That is in regard to the general prov' : -i m-’da for the evacuation of all theatre- m an emergency. Tct the assure the public hy et'l-’’ng ri'P leapt’’ of time u tokos to clear each rhaaGo a-d ■ numbe' -f ex ts provided, Dio n - :ont s erobably the tAf'Ere wh—b wan'd dorr > dm least length of rime, bit it is only me 'heatre. The mibbo will not be satisfied until the authorities re'p.onsiM" have given particulars regarding each house, and can genuinely assure them of—- ’ Safety First. October 26,