THE OPERA HOUSE AND ITS EXITS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 151, 28 May 1929, Page 2

THE OPERA HOUSE AND ITS EXITS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —It seems rather a pity that the Opera House authorities appear to disregard the complaints that have recently been made through the Press as to the condition of the exits that would be available in the event of a panio resulting from a fire or an earthquake in this building. True, the most of the letters •' were written by non-ratepayers apparently, but visitors have an interest in such a matter, and the fact that they have taken the trouble to write to the papers on the subject shows that they believe what they write. A great many of the citizens of Palmerston North share the views expressed by the writers referred t 8 and would feel better satisfied if the authorities would display an interest in allaying the feelings of anxiety now felt by people in the habit of attending performances in the Opera House. Personally, I believe that the exits are entirely insufficient and if the last earthquake had taken place at, say, 9.30 p.m., instead of the following 3.45 a.m, then the people in the Opera House possibly would have received a shock that would not be easily forgotten. And it is ciuite possible, indeed, most likely, that lives might have been lost in a panic to get out through the jumble of forms and seats and narrow door-ways and passages with nobody in charge to take control.—l am., etc., CITIZEN.