Hall mural to be surprise

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32639, 22 June 1971, Page 1

Hall mural to be surprise

The mural for the Town Hall to be done by Patrick Hanly, an Auckland artist, will cost $3900; and it will not be shown to the City Council or the public in advance.

Cr H. G. Hay, chairman of the town hall committee, made these points at the City Council’s meeting last evening after Cr N. G. Pickering had drawn attention to a newspaper report quoting $lO,OOO as a possible cost and had asked if the council would see a sketch of the mural.

The report was factually incorrect, and it was unfortu-

nate that some of the statements had been made, Cr Hay replied. The artist had given a firm price of $3900, and the committee hoped and was given some encouragement to believe that the cost might be met by the Queen Elizabeth n Arts Council.

The committee had a small sketch of the proposed mural giving something of what was in the mind of the artist, Cr Hay said.

“I am not sure that this should now be submitted to this council or any other council for approval,” he said. "The mural has been fully discussed by the committee, which has representatives of all councillors, and it is very difficult to portray accurately what is in the mind of the artist on a mural of this nature and size.

“An indication has been given to the committee and it has given its support. The council and the community have to trust the committee and the artist to produce something that will be a credit to the Town Hall.”