Civic orchestra manager resigns

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33462, 18 February 1974, Page 2

Civic orchestra manager resigns

The secretary-manager of the Christchurch Civic Orchestra Foundation, Mr E. H. Williams, confirmed last evening that he had resigned his position from March 31. Mr Williams, who has held the position since February’ 1 last year, said he did not wish to comment! on his reason for resigning.

The foundation’s chairman, the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr N. G. Pickering), said last evening it was correct that Mr Williams had resigned. and he also said that the position would not he advertised, as it would cease to exist.

"We are having a complete reorganisation of the duties of various people within the orchestra foundation, and we are certain that these changes will improve

the efficiency of the organisation.

“The post of secretarymanager will not now exist. The reorganisation is such that we feel there is no need to advertise the position,” Mr Pickering said. In January last year thefoundation’s board of management chose Mr Williams from 13 applicants, including one from California and one from London. Mr Williams’s appointment was made aftei a period in which the foundation’s patron, president, and secretary-treasurer resigned, and the general manager was dismissed. Mr Williams was selected for the full-time position with the foundation because of his record of varied and successful administrative appointments, and his interest in music and.the arts.

After attending Timaru Boys’ High School, Mr Wil-1 liams spent fr< 1941 to 1953 in various local-body positions in South Canterbury.

From 1953 to 1958 he was chief cashier of Christchurch Gas, Coal and Coke. Ltd, and he then spent seven years as accounting supervisor of the Internationa! Harvester Company of New Zealand, Ltd. Mr Williams has been an executive officer and public relations officer of the' Canterbury Hotel Associ-i ation, and a member of the Canterbury division of the Liquor Industry Council. He has also been active in such bodies as the South Island Promotion Association, and the Canterbury Progress League.