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(14) That the emergency staircases on the east and west sides of the building
should bo enclosed with brick walls, and lead directly into the passage
way at the side, and not through tho ladies' lavatories as shown on the
drawings.
(15) That the swing doors in tho glazed screcn must be increased in width equal
to the main entrance.
(1G) That a hydrant and fitting be provided in the main entrance hall on the
ground floor level in an approved position.
(17) That handrails must be provided to the lower flights of staircases to be
retained.
The whole question was then debated at length by the Vestry at a special
meeting called for the purpose. It appeared on a careful consideration of the
Council's requirements, that the alterations if carried out would leave the floor of
the large hall with only two exits at one end instead of four (two at each end) as at
present, and that though the two new exits would discharge directly out of the
building, there would be more danger of crushing in case of panic than existed
with the four exits discharging into the entrance hall. The fact of a Fire Brigade
Station with all necessary appliances existing next door to the Hall in Old Street
seemed to have been overlooked by the Theatres Committee, and after much
discussion the following resolution was passed on the 14th July, 1891—
"That a communication be addressed to the London County Council
informing them that the Vestry is not prepared to incur the outlay
necessary to comply with the Council's requirements, and must abandon
the license if those requirements are insisted upon."
On the 1st September, 1891, a letter was received from the London County
Council stating that the Council must insist on its requirements with respect to tho
alterations being complied with, if it was the intention of the Vestry to apply to
the Council for tho renewal of tho music and dancing license. Whereupon it was
resolved that the Vestry Clerk be instructed to make the usual application for the
Vestry's license, and the Council's letter was referred to the Town Hall Committee.
The anticipation of the loss of the Vestry's music license for the Hall had
already occasioned much dissatisfaction in the neighbourhood among those
interested in the provision of good music for the people, and the inability of the
Committee to make their annual engagement with the Hackney Choral Association
for the performance of Sacred Oratorios in the winter was followed by the dissolution
of that excellent association. The Town Hall Committee feeling the gravity of the
situation accordingly recommended the Vestry on the 15th September, 1891 —