A REAL ECONOMY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17324, 25 May 1918, Page 8

A REAL ECONOMY

THE 10.30 "CURFEW." (Fbom Oub Own Correspondent.) . LONDON, March 2L At the outset general concern was created in theatrical and restaurant ciroles bv tho announcement that Mr G. Calthrop, tho Ujal Controller, was considering the issue ° l t , 1111 Oltlcr requiring theatres, and all otner places of entertainment, as well as hotels, restaurants, and clubs to close at '* n A Pril 1 next. The National Committee .Representing the l&ntortoiiiments Industry met to consider the situation and appoint a deputation to wait upon the Coal Controller. Simultaneously a meeting for a like purpose was held by the council of the Hotels and Restaurants' Association. Eventually 10.30 p.m. was decided on—for, with summer time in force, that will in reality be 9.30: The main reason for tho change is the necessity of ooal saving for next winter's demands. It is suggested that tho various ways in which London may help arc the limitation of lighting expenditure in theatres, restaurants, and clubs after 10.30, and indirectly, in the saving of fuel in night train ser- ; vices, which would, be &blo to ease off a couple of hours earlier than at present. The less coal used in London means a reduction of the railway tonnage required to bring it from the north and Midlands to tho metropolis. The public will, no doubt, willingly fall m with tho wishes of the Government, and it will not be long before it accustoms itself to earlier hours. Theatres will begin eaxly and finish early, and the 10.30 closing will put an end to the unnecessary habit of theatre suppers, which are responsible for tho consumption of a great deal of heat in the cooking and of much light, to say nothing of the food. Everyone will arrive homo a couple of hours earlier than at present, and will thus release from work the myriads of 'bus and tram and train drivers and conductors. •As spokesman for hotels and restaurants, Mr J. Joseph (J. Lyons and Co.) said: l i'j '? 40 national interest that wo should close earlier, then all the hotel and restaurant proprietors are of opinion that we should make the sacrifice and close, though undoubtedly it will be a great sacrifice. From what we have been told, I suould say that it is in the national interest that wo should close some time earlier, and that all economy should be practised in the uso of gas and electric light and coal. It is not a matter of compromise; it is entirely a question of the national interest." Some theatrical managers were rather concerned at the suggestion of the earlier closing, but the majority are ready to comply. Mr Gerald du Maurier said: "I am one of those who always bow to authority. If those who arc in authority think it is right to do 'this in _ the national interest, it would be impertinent for me to express an opinion on it." Mr ,T; E. Vedrenne confidently believes that the managers can trust the Government to realise that theatres, music-lialls, and kinemas are necessary to 'the welfare, physical and mental, of the nation, and not to ruin, consequently, by any preoipitate step, the only means of amusement left to the people in these terrible times. Mr Oscar Aashe is quite in agreement with the proposal, remarking: " I don't think it will make much difference to the business of the theatres if the licenses to restauran f s and hotels are altered accordingly—that is to ray, if a man who leaves his business at 5 o'clock is enabled to get bis dinner at 5.30, and have wines or whisky w;th it, instead of having to wait till 6.30. I think people will feel much more secure if. they can leave the theatro in daylight. Of course, it won't affect tho coal question in the least, as the theatres will only light up the stage_ and auditorium earlier; but I certainly think it will be a good thing to let people leave the theatre before the danger time begins." Lord Sydenham is of opinion that the early closing is a very wise step. In certain ways it will save coal ana lighting, and probably save food as well, for the people will go earlier to bed and will not want to be fed at 11 p.m. In every way it will be a good thing. An official of the Gas Light and Coke Company declared that 6ome reduction in the amount of gas consumed is urgently necessary, adding: " When the curfew scheme was proposed we stated that in our opinion it would be the means of effecting some economy by inducing earlier habits among the people; but apparently more ia required, and some rationing system is, therefore, very probable. As to how it ia to be carried out is not yet settled." It was also proposed to ration all the larger power stations from which power is supplied for tramway and electric railway undertakings. It. will be necessary that all the tramways and electric railway services in this area, including the Underground in London, shall be quite considerably restricted. It is also proposed to extend to the greater pirt of England the scheme of rationing for household coal now in operation in London, and the ration allowed will be a considerably reduccd one as compared with 'that now allowed in London. Steps are being taken to reduce coal consumption in Ireland, but the scheme ia not yet completed.