“DEFIED FIREMAN”

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 190, 20 August 1935, Page 3

“DEFIED FIREMAN”

Smoking in the Theatre

COMPLAINT BEFORE COUNCIL PROSECUTION TO FOLLOW Like Toowoomba., Waipukurau prohibits sinoki'ig in its municipal theatre, and disputes sometimes arise on the point between firemen and members of the public. The Borough Council, at its meeting last evening, decided to give authority to the Fire Brigade to take legal action against a young man, who, at a recent ball, is alleged to have defied a fireman by refusing to put out his cigarette.

“I wish to report that during the ball held in the Municipal Theatre on August 9 the firemen had considerable trouble over the smoking in the theatre,’’ said the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade (Mr. J. A. Chambers) in a report to the council. “One young man. of Argyll, absolutely defied the firemen on duty, and. when asked again to put out his cigarette, turned round and blew a big cloud of smoke in the fireman's face. This is the worst case that has happened in the theatre, and, I think, calls for immediate prosecution. The firemen on duty must be protected, and the only way is to make an example of the offenders.” “The brigade has had strict instructions from us to take all the necessary precautions against fire in the theatre and to see that the bylaws are carried out,” said the Mayor (Mr. I. W. N. Mackie). “The firemen on duty get frequent set-backs and I think we should support them, by giving them authority to take whatever action they consider necessary.”

Cr. J. L. Brathwaite said that he thought most people when told to stop smoking took it in the right spirit, but some young “bloods” when they had had a few “spots” ’tried to be funny. On the motion of Cr. H. A. Martin, seconded by Cr. G. J. Bromell. it was decided to give the brigade the necessary authority.