THE THEATRE ROYAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 122, 23 June 1909, Page 3

THE THEATRE ROYAL.

COMDEMKED BY BOROUGH COUNCILLORS. At last night's meeting of the Borough Council, a letter was read from the Secretary of the New Plymouth Fire Board drawing attention to the fact that the Theatre Royal was being used without a license. The secretary of the Theatre Royal Co. intimated that the alterations 'required by the Eire Board were being proceeded with. Cr. Browne; And when they're completed the license we'll issue. The Mayor: Yes, unless the Fire Board comes trotting out some more requirements. s Cr. Gilbert complained that the Board was tinkering with the thing, instead of bringing down a full scheme of improveStents required. He wanted to know if the Board were within ite rights. Cr. Dockrill, replying, said the Board was only exercising its legal powers. He would take the opportunity of referring to the inefficient sanitary ar--1 rangements at the .Theatre Royal. He Stated that the ladiei' -who had been Working there recently in preparing supper for various functions had complained that the offices must be in a Very bad state, for on two occasions they had had to send out for Jeyes' Fluid "to keep down the smell. The ■tench was intolerable.

The Mayor said he .was in a position to corroborate these remarks. Cr. Watkins wanted to know how the Council would stand if an accident occurred in this unlicensed theatre. The town clerk said the Council might have a moral liability, but hardly" a legal one. Of course, the Council "had power to proceed against the company lor leasing an unlicensed place of entertainment.

Cr. Gilbert thought the Council Should tiee that the company complied •JKtii the Eire Board's requirements.