MASTERTON TOWN HALL

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3213, 12 June 1909, Page 5

MASTERTON TOWN HALL

QUESTION OF FIRE ESCAPES,

At the meeting of the Trustj Lands Trust last evening, Superintendent Jenkins, Fire Inspector, submitted a copy of his report as forwarded to the Fire Board on the fire escapes of the Town Hall, as follows:—"Town Hall, downstairs—This portion "f the hall is I well provided with exits, except that . the rows of chairs are loose and too close together, not sufficient passage way being left between to provide free exit to outside fire escape doors in case of panic. Dress circle —ln regard to the dress circle, I find i the exits are not satisfactory, and | consider that escape doors should fce fitted up at each side of the building. At the present time the only exits are the main entrance stairs, tnd a small open stairs leading to the stage, the latter of which can hardly be classed as a fire escape. I would point out that apart from an alarm wnich may be given for fire on the stage an alarm may be given for a fire in the cloak room or ticket office, thus causing a panic, in which case there would be a grave danger of serious trouble, as practicailv the only means of escape would be cut off. Fire appliances— The staera is fitted up with perforated pipes connected with the Borough hieh pressure water supply by two-inch mains, which should check, if riot extinguish, an outbreak of fire in that part of the building. In the body of the hall there are two stand pipes, with twoinch hose attached of very inferior quality, and not of sufficient length .to be of much use in case of emergency." Mr Krahaeen moved that the report be over, as he understood improvements were ' going to be effected, and the matter could be dealt with then. Mr Caselberg considered the matter urgent, and moved that an architect be asked to submit plans and specifications as to the cost of constructing effective fire escapes upstairs.

Mr Robinson seconded the motion. Mr Jackson moved as an amendment that the Chairman and Mr Michell be asked to submit a report >n the matter with power to employ expert assistance, and to give their recommendation to the next meeting of the Trustees. Mr Fragnell seconded he amendment. After further discussion Mr Caselberg withdrew the motion. The name of Mr Pragnell as Chairman of the Fire Board was added to the other two names and the amendment wa*) carried.