AN EXPLANATION.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 30 September 1901, Page 3

AN EXPLANATION.

{To the Editor.)

Sir,— lt lias just come under my notice that on Friday last at the NewburySpada concert, an invalid lady was asked to move with some others because she had possession of a seat which was reserved. As it so happens that seat with other ten in the same row and immediately in front were taken by myself for some friends who asked me to take them. When going into the Opera House, I handed the tickets to the usher, who, on judging the seats occupied, I suppose asked the occupants to move. It is scarcely necessary for me to say that had any of us know the circumstances the lady would not have been disturbed. Until yesterday (Sunday) I was not aware of the facts, and only heard accidentally that some remarks had been made accusing me of what certainly would have been a most inhuman act. Little as I value the opinion of those who could think one capable of such an act, it is perhaps as well to let them know the truth. The mistake in the first place was caused by the managemeut of the Newbury-Spada Company issuing tickets for reserved seats and not marking the seats themselves “ Reserved.” And secondly, I think tiie usher ought to have mentioned the fact when he became awaie of it, that an invalid lady had unconsciously taken one of the seats. I have only to add that »I very much regret that the lady should have been put to any inconvenience.—l am, etc., F. W. Pochin.