ADDITIONAL MAIL NEWS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 816, 21 October 1887, Page 32

ADDITIONAL MAIL NEWS.

(Per s.s. Alameda, at Auckland.) (united press association.). Auckland, -October .17. • The Theatre Royal, Exeter; was totally destroyed by fire on the eyeuing of September 5. “Romany Rye” was -under performance, and the pit and gallery were paoked. The piece proceeded all right till near the end of the third act, about half-past 10 o’clock, when, as one of the characters was finishing his lines, the drop sceno suddenly fell in front of him. There was some laughter in the house at this, as it was thought to be a stage blander. In a moment, however, the scene burned in the centre, aud a great flame shot out. It was then seen that the whole stage was a mass of fire, and there was a wild panic. Instantly the occupants of the stalls, pit and dress circle, got away after a good deal of crushing and fighting. Many, especially ladies, were severely bruised and carried away in a fainting condition. The actors and actresses were nearly all in the dressingrooms, and were all saved. The fire spread with marvellous rapidity, and filled the house with a suffocating smoke. The occupants of the .upper circle and gallery rushed in numbers to the windows and screamed for ladders. As soon as possible these were brought, but several persons had jumped into the street before they arrived, and were taken away more or less hurt. Others got on to the verandah over the door and some jumped and others were taken off within five minntes of the outbreak. The City Fire Brigade were on the spot, bat the water then poured on the fire was absolutely without effect. Men implored the audience to be cool and try to check the frantic rush, but to little purpose. Women were fainting and wringing their hands. Some husbands carried out their wives. As soon as the flames were extinguished a large force of men began searching for the bodies. The stairway leading to the gallery was literally packed with' bodies, while at the head of the stairs there were scores of others piled one on top of another. The unfortunate victims had rushed to the door when the alarm was given, but had found the stairway blocked and all means of escape cut off. In a short time the flames reached them, and they suffered a horrible death. The victims were principally working men. In many cases fathers and mothers both perished, and numerous children were thus left withont means of support. Several bodies were burned so that only a small cinder remained. The number of persons severely injured is 60, but it is feared the death-list will reach 140. In nearly every case the elothing had been torn off the victims. From many of the bodies limbs were missing, and the remains showed evidence that they had been wrenched off. Several whole families, numbering from two to five persons, lost their lives. The statements of the origin of the fire differ. The scene-shifter says it started among some gauze, and the flames spread to the scenery, of - which the stage was unusually full, owing to the preparations for the production of the pantomime. The disaster has given a perceptible check to theatrical business all over the,'country, and the press is clamoring for the interference of the authorities to reduce the-risk: of such calamities in future. A serious conflict occurred at an open-air meeting held in Market-square, Mitchelstown, on the 9th September, to protest against the prosecution of William O’Brien. The police attempted to protect the Government stenographer, and a fight followed. The crowd repulsed the officers —60 in number—several of whom were struck with sticks and stones and severely damaged. The police obtained reinforcements, and returned to the scene, and fired six shots, when two of the crowd were instantly killed and several otherswounded. The rioters then dispersed. Condon previously tried to pacify the crowd, and Dillon advised them to treat the police with silent comtempt, because Home Ralewas nearly won, and then the Irißh police forces would be under the control of the people instead of in the hands of their enemies. All was quiet throughout the night of the 10th. Persons who attended on the previous day bad returned to their homes. Fifty-four constables were injured to such an extent that; physicians* services were required. One hundred and; fifty civilians were also injured. The police assert that the trouble was due to the Nationalist leaders shouting-for the mob tohold together. The Nationalists exalted over the good fight they made. A “Tipperary Boy ” broke through a square composed of twelve policemen, and fought them single-handed. The police finally overpowered him, but the mob made a rush, and a rescue was effected. At the police parade on the 10th, the majority of the men were bandaged! over their wounds. Fourteen police officers were so badly injured in the melee that they had to be carried to the hospital. There were about 5000 people present, including a large body of farmers from the outlying districts. The crowd was marshalled by priests and local leaders on horseback. The three English members of Parliament whoattended were Thomas Ellis, leader of the Welsh Liberal Party, Briinner, the newlyelected member for Northwich, and Henry Labouchere. They all made speeches denouncing the Government for its course in regard to Ireland.