CROWDING OF THEATRES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 234, 27 June 1919, Page 6

CROWDING OF THEATRES

STILL NO -STANDING ROOM. It was decided at last evening's meeting of tlie City Council that the applicalitius ov various tneatre proprietors ior standing room uccoinuiodation to ho endorsed on their licenses should not he granted, and chat, the previous decision of the"council to require compliance with tile city by-laws, should be adhered to. Councillor Luckic stated that they had visited, the theatres and realised that differential treatment could be given to different houses, but owing to tho strong .recommendation :of the Fire Brigade Superintendent, who pointed out that sucn regulations would oe difficult to administer, it was decided to adhere strictly 10 the by-law. ' Councillor W. J. Thompson thought they might examine the theatres, and in such, eases where there was ample space for people to stand, they might make allowances. Councillor C. B. Norwood was of opinion that no moru should be allowed.in a theatre than it was licensed to seat. . Councillor M'Kenzie said that an injudicious, law restricting the hours of the theatre was to a great extent responsible for. the overcrowding in "congested hours." It seemed to him that the population had outgrown capacity of the theatres. Councillor JI. F. Luckie said the nuisance had arisen largely from the panic legislation of last session,. and tlie Minister had admitted that he had gone, too far. That legislation would probably be rescinded next session, and matters would largelv right themselves. In view, however, "of the Superintendent's report, he was not prepared to'go against it. The clause was adopted. n