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the performances at the above music hall, led to an inspection of the premises, when
it. was found that the hall had seating accommodation for 200 persons for whom no
lavatory accommodation of any kind had been provided on the premises.
In accordance with my suggestions and under my superintendence a considerable
alteration in the structure has been effected, and, in conjunction therewith,
two w.crs have been constructed for females and two for men. This accommodation
appears to have had the effect of abating the nuisance complained of.
STANDARD THEATRE.
In my report of 1893, to the Vestry, it was mentioned that the proprietor of the
above Theatre had rectified the unclean and defective urinals and water-closets then
existing, and so far as it was possible to do so, without remodelling the whole establishment,
that had been done; but further experience proved the inherent defects in
the original construction to be so great, that in the summer of 1896, it became
necessary again to complain, and a communication was addressed to the proprietor,
showing among other defects:—
(1) That the position of the urinals, close to the auditorium, caused the house
to be impregnated with the most offensive smells.
(2) That the space under the stage (containing stage machinery and properties)
was unpaved, covered very thickly with dust, and was very deficient in
head room.
(3) That this space extending under the whole area of the stage, was
unventilated, that its atmosphere was very impure, and that it contributed
largely to the general impurity of the atmosphere of the house.
I
i \
The proprietor was interviewed, and comprehensive alterations were suggested,
including the removal of the floor to a sufficient depth, giving moderate headroom,
the provision of a concrete floor, and the construction of an underground passageway
(about thirty feet in length) to Holywell Lane, to secure a current of fresh air,
through the space under the stage. The reasonableness of all these suggestions was
admitted, nevertheless much delay ensued, and many consultations, and some pressure
had to take place, and then it was finally decided (the County Council having also
intervened), to reconstruct and remodel the entire premises. In conjunction therewith,
water closets and urinals are now properly ventilated into the open air. The space
under the stage has been dug out to provide headroom, the floor has been paved with
concrete so that it may now be kept clean, and the whole space properly ventilated
by the construction of an underground passage-way to Holywell Lane, in accordance
with my suggestions, its contribution of air to the atmosphere of the house is therefore
no longer of a noxious character. It is very gratifying to state that the
Theatre—which was opened again for the last Christmas season—is now probably
one of the best appointed place3 of amusement in East London.