FIREMEN AT MUNICIPAL THEATRE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VIII, Issue 217, 15 August 1918, Page 2

FIREMEN AT MUNICIPAL THEATRE.

Ito THT FTIITOR 1 Sir.-—I was surprised when reading last night’s ‘ Tnuune” to notice th it tbi Jln atre Committee had decided to stop the fireman who was < ompi.i m d il> mt it U’c C ipe I i and \V illnwiison entertainments, from attending the tneatre in future. Now. oir. as I am the fireman concerned in the matter, allow me to say that the Committee's action is most unBritish like, without giving me a (■bailee to report through my Superintendent, and make an explanation —it is the principle of British justicr to hear both sides before deciding. 1 have .‘cen the caretaker's r> pelts, and in regard to the persons he has named at the Cape'll concert, I will undertake to nrovc that he is wrong, or forfeit £5 to any fund he likes to name, provided the caretaker also deposits the same amount, which shall be forfeited if I prove my case. In regard to Williamson’s complaint, my fault was that I tried to stop overcrowding and it is very well for managers to- fill up passages to get a- good return tor their bosses, but. Sir, I hold that it is my duly as a fireman, to do my best l > protect the l.’lilo people the theatre is licensed to hold, for in the event of a- panic, it is necessary that all passages should be clear, and exits open. The taker says that other companies haa e complained about me. Well. Sir. 1 agree wit!) him on that point, ami 1 would like, the theatre-going public to know the grounds for the complaint. 1 compelled him to open the main fire escape from the stalls, which he had always kept closed and my action, was, alter being referred to the Municipal Association’s solicitor, (who reported in my favour) endorsed by the Theatre Committee. The proof of the matter is that tins particular fire escape is now always open. Aly record as a fireman .in Hast-iiigs for l«i years is without a black mark, which any Fire Brigade officer will verify, and when 1 go to the Municipal, or any other theatre. I will, as in the past,' see that, the safely of the nuibfic is not endangered. —I am, etc-., W. O'NEILL P.S. —Enclosed please find amount of challenge, £5.