At one time fires in London theatres were of frequent occurrence. There is scarcely a playhouse in London that has not been burned down twice or thrice. But of late years very few London theatres have fallen a victim to the flames. I think we may take it for granted that the much abused but occasionally useful London County Council has had something to do with bringing about this satisfactory result. The Lord Chamberlain, too, has had his say about the matter with good effect. Some little while ago I had personal experience of the zeal of both parties. In a theatrical entertainment with which I was connected had been given by invitation in the Hall of Gray's Inn. As it was, of course, a gratuitous performance no one could interfere with us-and by I mean the Members of the Hon. Society of Gray's Inn. A few years later it was proposed to repeat the performance in the Hall of the Inner Temple, but, on this occasion, for a charitable object. Money having to be received at the doors it was necessary to get a licence. There was a long discussion as to whom had the right to grant the licence. The Lord Chamberlain insisted it should be