THE NEWHAVEN DISASTER.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 November 1921, Page 4

THE NEWHAVEN DISASTER.

Such a great hold have cinema shows obtained upon the peopile of all countries where they have been introduced that they have become a permanent institution, attracting large gatherings of all classes and ages. The terrible calamity that happened at the Riialto Theatre at Newhaven (Connecticut) will, therefore, com as a great shock to the world at large. Apparently a thousand pleasure - seekers were enjoying this favorite entertainment when, during the burning of incense. as a preliminary to a brilliant tableau, a flame, wiith one roar, enveloped the audience, bringing death or injury to many. Exactly what happened does not appear to have been discovered when the first xPress message was despatched, hut the nature of the panic which ensued can readily be conceived by those who have witnessed -stampedeis when a cry of “Fire!” lis raised at a theatre. Such a terrible event cannot be too greatly deplored, and deep sympathy will be felt for the victims and relatives. The risk of such an exhibition taking place in an old building is always great, and the Rialto Theatre was no exception to the rule. Fortunately most of t'he cinema theatres in the Dominion are modern fireproof buildings, and there need be little or no fear of a similar catastrophe occurring here.