FIRES IN THEATRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8055, 16 September 1887, Page 5

FIRES IN THEATRES.

ACTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL.

At the meeting of the City Council last night, the question of the licensing of public halls, theatres, etc., and the suggestions of the Town Clerk with respect to provisions for fires in public buildings, were introduced. Mr. H. N. Abbott wrote as follows :— "Seeing by this morning's Herald that the consideration of the new bye-laws re theatres, halls, etc., will be before the Council this evening, I intend to be present, and will be happy to answer any questions or oive any information in my power, if required, re the working of the same. Of course, I do not wish to be in any way intrusive, and only make this offer in the hope that what experience I have had in such matters might possibly be of some cie to the Council in their deliberations." Mr. Abbott was present in accordance with this resolution. The Mayor moved, "That the suggestion of the Town Ci»rk be referred to the Building By-law Committee, and that Mr. Abbott be invited to attend the meeting of that committee." Mr. Phillippa remarked that the walls of the Auckland Opera House were lined and papered, and therefore if the scenery were to catch fire, the nails of the building would in a tew minutes be in a blaze. He did not believe that the means of egress in either the Opera House or the City Hall were complete. The speaker moved, "That the licenses be issued, subject to such conditions as the Building By-laws Committee would make." Mr. Garratt did not think it necessary to take such prompt action in this matter aB some people urged, since hasty measures might hn taken. Panics occurred when there was no danger. There was 110 ana logy between theatres in Auckland aud those in the old country. A panic might take place in all places of public assemblage and not merely in theatres. The speaker contrasted the means of egress at the Tabernacle with those at the Choral Hall. Mr. Goldie remarked that the Council had set about making a by-law on the occasion of a firs at the Queen-street Wharf nine months ago, and tney had not yet completed it. They were now again talking of making a by-law because a fire had occurred 16,000 miles away. The Mayor remarked that the Town Clerk's suggestions were made before the fire at Exeter had been heard of. His Worship amended his motion as follows: — "That the suggestions of the Town Clerk be referred to the General By-law Committee, and the licenses be issued to public buildings, 4c., subject to such conditions as the By-law Committee may afterwards make; Mr. Abbott to be invited to attend the meeting of the committee to be held on Tuesday evening." This motion was carried.