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(7) That the gates to the porch in front of the principal entrance next Old
Street be made to lock back when open.
(8) That a 2½ inch hydrant be placed on the ground floor and one on the hall
floor, both in an approved position, each provided with 40 feet length of
hose, with all necessary branch pipes and nozzles of the Metropolitan
Fire Brigade pattern.
(9) That the doors leading from the ante-rooms on to the short flight of
wooden steps be made to open outwards.
(10) That the gas plate on the short flight of steps from the ante-room in the
south-west angle of the hall, be removed, and be re-fixed in an approved
position.
(11) That the gangways round the four sides of the hall be made not less than
3 feet 6 inches wide, and that a central gangway be formed not less than
3 feet wide.
Mr. Martin, following the Vestry's instructions to confer with the Council's
Surveyor, and draw up plans of proposed alterations, presented his report to the
Vestry on the 16th December, 1890, which was referred to the Town Hall Committee.
After full consideration, the Committee referred their recommendation to
the Vestry on the 17th March, 1891, when the Vestry resolved to protest against
the required alterations of the London County Council, as they were considered
extravagant, and as to some requirements unnecessary.
The plans drawn up by the Surveyor provided for the above requirements
and some extra accommodation for Coroner's Court and Committee Rooms
and were estimated to cost £4,637 to carry into effect. The London
County Council pointed out that the Music and Dancing License for the Hall
would not be granted unless the alterations were made, and as the Committee
considered it would be a public misfortune if the poor of three east end parishes
were deprived of the only large hall available for the performance of good concerts
and high class music, they submitted Mr. Martin's plans on the 21st April, 1891,
to the Vestry, with a recommendation that they be approved and sealed, which
recommendation was adopted, and the plans were submitted to the Council as the
provisional proposals of the Vestry. The Council's Theatres Committee thereupon
made out the following further list of requirements in addition to those originally
ordered.
(12) That the floor and ceiling of the Coroner's room should be formed of fire
resisting materials.
(13) That an extra exit 4 feet 6 inches wide should be made on the west side of
the Council Chamber, the doors to be hung in two folds and made to open
outwards, and fitted with automatic bolts.