CHARGE OF OVERCROWDING

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 196, 14 May 1919, Page 3

CHARGE OF OVERCROWDING

i ~ — : —-».,-. - '. MANAGER OF PICTURE THEATRE PINED. A charge of permitting the Artcraft Theatre to bo overcrowded by allowing patrons to congregate in the passageways was preferred against Alexander M. Pickford, manager ot the theatre, at the Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Mr. P. V. Timer, S.M. Mr. J. (J'Shea, city solicitor, said that on Mnreh- 22 a city inspector visited tho theatre and found eight persons standing in tho passage-way in tho stalls and sixteen standing in the circle. Tho by-law was framed for two reasons—ono to prevent overcrowding; and the other, .the major one, to prevent any danger arising from panic. Evidence was given by a corporation inspector that he saw the people standing on tho night in question jit 8.30 o'clock, and he informed tho defendant, who went away to find room for thoso standing. Mr. T. Young, for tho defendant, said that the inspector called within half un hour of ti»o opening uf the theatre, whentho management wore arranging tor the accommodation of thoso who had reserved tickets. Pour persons were refunded their money, as tho management was unabla to provide them with seats. However, everything was in order by 8.15 p.m. The defoudaut .gave ovidenoo corroborating the statement of counsel. To Mr. O'Shco: The inspector called at 8.15 p.m., and not at 8.30 p.m. His Worship agreed that some reasonable time should bo allowed tho management to find seals for patrons. Tho words "remain standing" appeared to govern tho by-law, and in this oaso tho, management had permitted patrons to remain standing fill 5.15 p.m. Defendant would bo convicted aud fined .£1 with 7s. costs. y j