Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-03-22

the most fragrant violations of the
law. Whether this was because Of
their own design to escape the ad-
ditional costs imposed by proper
equipments and registration, or
whether it was negligence upon the
part of the municipal officers in fall
ing to acquairt themselves with the
facts, it was not always clear to de-
termine. That the law was being ig-
nored was very evident where these
exhibitions were being held. Many
of the places were fire traps, there
We're no fire escapes in many cases.
there were unused exposed films and
an utter disregard was shown for
other legal requirements.
Il, therefore, as the official of this
state charged with the fire marshal S
duties as we'll as those of the insur-
ance commissioner, call your especial
attention to the laws contained in
the revised statutes, Cha ter 80, Sec
tons II to 81, inclusive, and ask
that you thoroughly acquaint your
selves with the various requirements.
If a copy of the statutes is not i'm
mediately available. if YOU Will write
this department l will be glad to send
YOU an excerpt of the law in pamphlet
form covering these especial sections.
4 call upon you with the thought
of the serious Importance of at once
bringing these conditions involving
possible loss of life and property to a
definite and Immediate end.
al ic+ J,,t m, n
prevcntionist. ! prefer to inspect and
inquire before an accident or a con-
fiagration occurs, rather than after
the harm has been done. l am very
much in earnest in this matter. ]
submit this statement to you that the
responsibility will be placed where it
belongs in the event of anything oc-
curing after this plain and definite
notice has been given.
The chief feature Of the law re-
quires:
"First-License must be obtained
from the municipal officers wherever
said exhibition is to occur.
"Second-No machine of any kind
shall be used unless it is in a fire.
proof booth, excepting where the ma :
chine uses and is constructed for eel
lu.ose acetate films not more than one
and one fourth inch in width, using
only an enclosed incandescent lamp,
in other words, non nflammable
film.
"Third-No machine or apparatus
Of the above nature is permitted to
be used unless the manufacturer has
previously received the approval Of
the insurance commissioner. Special
restrictions are necessary for public
is charged.
"Fourth-The municipal officers
when applied to for a license shall in
spect the enclosure or housing pro-
vided for the machine, and the en-
frances, exits and fire escapes, and
shall collect the fee for such permit
before the issuance of tie license
picture exhibitions.
"Fifth-No person shall operate
without a license, an operator shall
be IS years OF age and thoroughly
skilled. the license to continue in
force for one year.
Il am merely outlining the chief
| features of the law. If l were not
absolutely sure that many. if not the
majority, of these so called exhibit
! tons were being conducted withou,
regard to license, age of operator, Ii
cense of operator, nature of films
used and e-proof booths, | would
not feel so insistent or so thoroughly
! appreciate the gravity Of the situa
| ton. and I ask your earnest and
| hearty cooperation"