FINAL DETAILS FOR ROYAL CONCERT

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30054, 12 February 1963, Page 12

FINAL DETAILS FOR ROYAL CONCERT

The sealing of the roof of the King Edward Barracks appeared to be satisfactory and if there was rain next Saturday night there should be no inconvenience to patrons of the Royal concert, said Sir James Hay, chairman of the Civic Music Council, last evening, when he announced the final details for the concert.

Army Department authorities were co-operating with the city engineer’s department in erecting a tiered stage and platform to accommodate the choirs and orchestra, which would consist of 500 persons, Sir James Hay said. A specially-designed Royal box for the Royal party of 13 would be prepared towards the end of the week So that everyone attending the concert would obtain as good a view aj possible of Her Majesty, the Royal party would enter the barracks by the Cashel street door nearest the Bridge of Remembrance, Sir James Hay said. There they would be met by himself and Lady Hay.

While a fanfare was being played the party would walk to the Royal box. On their arrival these, the massed choirs would sing Gordon Jacob’s version of the National Anthem, and then Juliet Hay, aged six. a daughter of Cr H. G. Hay and a grand -daughter of Sir James Hay, would present a bouquet made by Mrs R Elcock. After the concert members of the executive of the Civic Music Council would be presented to Her Majesty and

the Royal Party would leave by the door on to Montreal street.

Sir James Hay said a highquality souvenir programme had been produced and would be on sale at 2s 6d on the night of the concert. “The finding and transport of 3000 chain tor the audience has been a major task organised by Mr R. J. Stanton, an executive member of the council,” he said

A street map indicating the areas reserved for Royal tour officials, police and Army authorities would be published later this week, he said. The Traffic Superintendent (Mr J. F. Thomas) had suggested that as many persons as possible should use taxis, which would have a special area reserved in Montreal street between Hereford street and Cashel street. The headmaster of Christ's College had made parking available, and drivers producing concert tickets would be admitted until the parking area was full All the proceeds of the concert would be given to the Queen Elizabeth n Arts Council Fund, Six James Hay said.

Mount Pleasant MastaxTwo 120 ft masts will be placed in position on the summit of Mount Pleasant today. They will provide an improved high - frequency radio coverage for taxis and currying firms. The masts—in two secticne—will ba transported to Mount Pleasant by Army vehicles.