FIRES IN THEATRES.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 56, 20 October 1887, Page 2

FIRES IN THEATRES.

At the Borough Council meeting last night the subject of “ Fires in Theatres” ■vas again opened up by a letter from Mr P. McFarlane, proprietor of the Academy of Music, in which he complains that the Fire Inspector's report is not altogether in accordance with the facts of the case, and that our remarks were based upon that report, The letter caused some little discussion which strengthens us in saying, that, whether our remarks were based upon a slightly inaccurate report or not, the Council were in duty bound to close to the public a division of the hall which did not admit of proper egress. Our remarks were simply made in the interest of the public safety, for no one dare deny that the outlet from the gallery in question is altogether inadequate should a panic occur. It is absurd for Mr McFarlane to attempt to show otherwise. No one will dispute the fact that there is a door leading from the staircase into the body of the hall, and another into the passage. Hut there are strong objections to both these outlets. In the first a crowd rushing out would be met by those in the body of the hall, a circumstance which would lead to disastrous results, and the second there is a door opening inwards. The suggestion that people can open the trap-doors made in the parapet and jump down below is so ridiculous as to make comment needless. We can imagine them attempting such a thing, but it is obvious that the consequences would be terrible. Fancy men and women jumping ten or twelve feet, and then on to the heads of those below. The staircase is a winding, narrow one. and even on ordinary occasions it is not easy to descend, so steep is it. As we have said before we do not wish to become alarmists in any way, but as Mr McFarlane seems to think there is sufficient outlet, we simply draw conclusions which must be apparent to anyone. No doubt Mr McFarlane will be put to some expense in making necessary alterations, but if he wishes to keep open the gallery he will have to do it. If the Inspector can point out some inexpensive way of meeting the views of the Council so much the better. We hope shortly to hear that steps have been taken whereby the public can feel certain security should ever an alarm of fire arise.