THE THEATRE ROYAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 139, 21 September 1910, Page 8

THE THEATRE ROYAL

"JUMP, OR BE BURNT." A deputation of Uio directorate of the New Plymouth Theatre Company interviewed the Borough Council last night concerning a letter from the Fire Board to the Council and the complaints concerning the fire exits at the theatre. Those present were : Messrs J, S. S. Aledlev, T. Avery, F. Messenger, and E. Gihnour, secretary to the company. There was a full meeting of the Council, with the exception that Councillor Bellringer, superintendent under the Fire Board, was not in his seat.

Mr. Medley, who acted as spokesman for the deputation, said the company! was prepared to do anything in reason j in the matter of exits. He proposed that a deputation from the Council should meet the directors at the theatre with a view of seeing what was really the position. He remarked thatl the company had very little margin of profit to expend on additions or im-| provements. Mr. Medley remarked that' the theatre company contributed fairly I largely to the borough funds. Theyj paid a considerable amount; £4O 3s 4d in rates, £lO in license, and £65 for; electric light. In addition to this, the' picture shows paid about 30s a week for light. The company would like some' finality from the Fire Board. For some time .they had been making these requests for alterations, and the company; wanted to know when they were going to stop. Mr. T. Avery pointed out that it was only on occasions such as when "Aladdin" was performed here that the theatre took long to empty. A couple of minutes usually sufficed, or two and a half minutes at the most.

The Mayor said it was reported that human life was at stake, and the Council wasn't likely to issue a license and shoulder such responsibility. Councillor Wilson said the deputation was mistaken in approaching the Council. Whilst, no doubt, an august body in its way, the Borough Council was merely a pipe in this instance, through which tliie Fire Board passed its .requirements to the company. The Council had 'nothing to do with the theatre but to issue the license upon the Board's certificate, aud the license could not be issued without that certificate. If the company wanted to satisfy the "powers that be," they should satisfy the Fire Board.

Mr. Avery pointed out that the company had had no communication from the Fire Board, but only from the Council. He submitted that the license should sta.te how many people could be admitted to the building. At present the company had no power in the matter.

The Mayor pointed out that this was provided for in the license. In answer to Councillor Gilbert, it was stated by Mr. Gilmour, secretary ■to (the company, that permission to place extra chairs in the dress circle and other parts of the theatre had been given by Superintendent Bellringer himself.

Mr. Avery quoted figures from the company's balance-sheet, showing that there was a very small margin between theatre earnings and the cost of maintenance.

Councillor Hobbs thought the Fire Board might fairly be asked to state its requirements definitely. Councillor Gilbert advanced a proposition to hold a conference of the Fire Board, the Borough Council, and the Theatre Company; so that the actual requirements could be definitely stated, and 'the company enabled to say whether it would go on with the improvements asked.

Councillor Wilson said the Council knew well enough what was required — a fire exit from the dress circle to ensure the safety of the people sitting on the east side of the circle entrance. The Council would be morally guilty of manslaughter if a fatality. occurred as a consequence of an outbreak of fire in the buildings adjoining the hall. A• fire in the Burlington or in Veale's would effectually cut off the east end of the circle from the exit, and it would be a case of "jump to the floor, or be burnt/ He submitted that there was nothing unreasonable and nothing very expensive in the request. Councillor Gilbert regretted that Superintendent Bellringer was away. He would have liked to ask him a few questions. i

Councillor Wilson: You wouldn't have done so. Councillor Bellringer and Superintendent Bellringer are two quite dis-' tinct persons. J Councillor Gilbert: Pardon me, you are wrong. I could have asked _ any questions I liked. Councillor Bellringer could have pleased himself about answering them. . i The Mayor said it would be a hardship if the theatre were shut up, but still it was not fair to ask the Council to bear all the liability and responsibility by licensing the building. Councillor Browne suggested licensing only those portions of the building which were adequately provided with fire

escapes. I Councillor Doekrill advocated a conference with' the superintendent. J ' Councillor Wilson moved that the Theatre Company be informed that the Council will be satisfied with whatever improvements satisfy the Fire Board, and that the company be referred the Board direct. , Seconded by Councdlor West, and, carried.