Royal Concert To Be In Barracks

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30044, 31 January 1963, Page 10

Royal Concert To Be In Barracks

The Christchurch Civic Music Council has adhered to its original decision to hold the Royal concert on February 16 in the King Edward Barracks. “We are taking a gamble with the weather,” said Sir James Hay, the Music Council’s president, in announcing the decision last evening, after a meeting lasting from 4 p.m. to 6.20 p.m.

The meeting considered the possibility of using Canterbury Court, which has the advantage that its roof does not leek during rain. However, during a Christchurch Fire Brigade inspection of Canterbury Court on Tuesday afternoon, it was revealed that Canterbury Court was licensed to hold only 2500 persons, said Sir James Hay. “The King Edward Barracks is the only building in the city licensed to accommodate the 3000 persons who have applied and paid for tickota.he said. The decision had already been referred to, and endorsed by, Royal tour officials in Wellington, Sir James Hay aaid. Asked if anything was to be done about the roof of the barracks, Sir James Hay said it was “a bit risky to start fiddling around with the roof. “We are taking a gamble with the weather,” he said. “Weather statistics show that, on the avenge, February is one of oar lowest rainfall months.” However, steps were being taken to see that the Royal box was properly protected in the event of a wet night, he said. The stage for the orches-

tra, with tiered seating tot the choirs, will be built al the west end of the barracks, with the Royal Box (which will be elevated to give the audience the beet possible view of the Queen) on the south side. The Royal party will entei the barracks to a special fanfare for brass and woodwind, composed by Profeoot J. A. Ritchie, conductor oi the Christchurch Civic Orchestra The party will enter through the Cashel street doors nearest the Bridge of Remembrance, and w?“ walk to the Royal box along the main aisle between the seating. This will also enable the audience to get a good view of the Queen. Queen Replies To Welcome (NX Pr«s< Association) WELLINGTON Jan. 30. The Governor-General (Sir Bernard Fergusson) has received the following message from the Queen in reply to the telegram of good wishes sent to her. “Many thanks for your kind telegram. Please tell the Government and people of New Zealand how much my husband and I appreciate their message of welcome. We are greatly looking forward to our arrival. (Signed) Elizabeth R.”