THEATRES AFFECTED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17029, 14 August 1929, Page 7

THEATRES AFFECTED

FIRE BUa AND 'QUAKES DEPLETED RECEIPTS (Special to the Herald.) CHRISTOHURCH, this day. The activities of the fire bug dnd the recent severe earthquakes have had a serious effect on box office receipts, according to a statement made to a reporter by various theatre managers today. "People are Afraid to leave their homes," said one manager. "I have been told repeatedly by people whom I have invited to my show that, their wives wouli not stir outside at night for fear that their homes may be visited by the fire bug, or a burglar. Some people even are leaving their lights burning all night." Other managers reported similarly. Though no figures are available, it was stated that there had been a big dropping off in attendances. The earthquake was another factor which, for a time, caused losses. People were afraid to go into a building or theatre for any length of time, fearing that if there was a big earthquake there might be a panic. "Even now," said one manager, "there are some people who will not go into the dress circle. I had a request for some reserved seats the other night from two ladies who asked that they be given reserved seats downstairs and away from the dress circle. They were afraid that if a 'quake came the circle would fall on top of them."