THE EARTHQUAKE—A LESSON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 20 July 1929, Page 2

THE EARTHQUAKE—A LESSON

(To the Editor) Sir.—Under the above heading von recently published a letter commenting on the risks involved in tho event of a panic occurring among a crowded audience in certain of our public buildings. _ It is right that at the present time the material and other results of the recent earthquake should have the chief claim on the attention of the various authorities, rather than future eventualities. But 1 do trust that the matter of insuring the possibility of easy, rapid evacuation of public halls will not be lost, sight of. I can only speak personally of two. The new 1 heal re Inis many marked exits, bit? when one sees from the street how poor the outlet there is, one wonders whether all reasonable precautions have been taken. As regards the Marsden Church House, the upper hall is certainly one of which owners and architect may feel proud: but the two narrow and tortuous stone staircases for the use of the audience have no claim to the same dignity and appear to fall short of a reasonable margin of safety. I believe the synod of the Anglican Church is to assemble shortlv. I trust it can consider this question and that it will not disperse till the matter of improving the exits has been put in train. 1 have heard caustic comments on two halls in Bridge street. 1 am. etc., SUBURB. Nelson. 19th Julv. ’