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Otago Witness, Issue 3958, 21 January 1930, Page 10

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Public attention has been focussed by the theatre disaster at Paisley. Scotland, on the need of strict safeguards in respect of fires in theatres, and it is of interest to consider the position in Auckland (says the Star). Under the City Council’s by-laws the operating box of a kinema house must be built outside the theatre and in the event of fire any apertures connecting with the auditorium are automatically closed. The exits are illuminated by an oil wick device, in case of a failure of the lighting system in the theatre, and the aisles and exits are required to be kept clear at all times. During evening performances and at matinees firemen engaged by the Auckland Fire Board are posted, and the staff of men oil theatre duty in this city generally exceeds 20 and occasionally numbers 24. It is the business of firemen to see that no one is permitted to sit in the aisles, on the steps, or crowd the stalls or galleries. For additional safety, in theatres where there is moveable scenery for plays or var.dev lie use. a water curtain ami fireproof drop curtain are provided, to isolate an outbreak occurring on the stage. ‘