POLLARDS' DISCIPLINE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 103, 2 May 1908, Page 5

POLLARDS' DISCIPLINE.

THE FIRE IN THE THEATRE ROYAL.

EXCELLENT BEHAVIOUR OF

THE CHILDREN

[from otjb correspondent.]

CHRISTCHURCH, May 1. > The new Theatre Royal had a very 'narrow, escape from fire las.t night, and Fire Superintendent Smith, after having viewed the scene of the outbreak, said that but for the promptness with which the fire was dealt with the theatre would have been extensively damaged. The flames had burnt through the wood lining in the dressing-room, but were extinguished before they could obtain a good hold. Had the fire remained undiscovered for but two minutes it would have travelled up under the lining ; and the water would have been of little use. The hose in the theatre wanted lengthening, said the superintendent and the gas jets in the dressing-rooms needed wire cages to protect them from the flimsy materials of the stage dresses.

The" discipline of the Opera Company v. as well exemplified. Whoa the outbreak occurred the children were in position to be photographed. When the fire was discovered one or two of the adult members of the company left the stage to help extinguish the flames, but the juveniles were told by Mr Tom Pollard that they were to r?main m their positions until ne gave them orders to move. Not on© of the children disobeyed the instructions, and they remained on the stage confidently Avaiting until the danger was suppressed.