Panic Averted by Song.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14042, 28 October 1909, Page 4 (Supplement)

Panic Averted by Song.

FIRE AT A MFSIC HALf-. Some alarm was caused it! the Middlesex .Music-hall, Drury-iane, shortly after !).3() on August MOili. In a Jilm taking fire in the ciiK'inaiugiap.i operator's box. Preparations were being made to give the customary display, when there was a llash and a pull oi snioice, winch instantly caused an alarm of hre, and but for the piuacuco of mind ot Mr. Charles Lilburu, the well-known comedian, who was entertaining the audience at the time, and who kepi on singing, a panic might have resulted. As it was a number of persons left the hall hurriedly, but the cinematograph operator quickly extinguished the fire with the water which is always kept handy. On the first cry of •'Fire" (says another account) a number of children began to cry and scream, and women rushed for the doors. Mr. Lilburn went on singing as though nothing had happened, and his coolness and keen interest in his work attracted the attention of many who had risen in their seats to rush out.

The orchestra also proceeded uninterruptedly, while Mr. Gra.vdon, the proprietor, having caused the alarm of fire to be given, went on the stage and counselled the audience to keep quiet, assuring them that there was not the slightest danger. Mr Bollin, the manager, did the same at the exits. The outbreak was easily controlled, and within a few minutes there was not a sign of a fire or smoke. There was a little damage t.f the musi--hnll bywater, and those in the rear of the pit had a somewhat unwelcome experience l>v reason of it.

Later it was ascertained that when nn alarm was raised the occupants of the gallery and oil made for the stone staircase le-v'ling to the front'entrance, and on their wnv several tripned over the fire liose which bad already been brought into play. Many persons fainted and wore carried out. Several who were slightly injured were conveyed to Dr. Bremner's on the opposite side of the road, whilst surgical treatment w-<s net" ss;iry Tor the ow-itors who had been burned on the hands.