Town Hall to work on P.A. system

Press, 23 February 1978, Page 6

Town Hall to work on P.A. system

The first stage in a four-; year programme to improve and up-grade the Town Hall’s sound systems will begin in April with the provision of sound systems in conference and meeting areas most suited to the demands of conferences and formal occasions.

A six-month survey of all of the building’s sound equipment has just been completed and provides the basis for the improvement programme.

According to the Town Hall’s manager (Mr B. P. Connell) the existing system has been able to cope with the ever-changing demands of hirers but on many occasions the technicians have “only just got by.”

Mr Connell told a meeting of the Town Hall board that more complaints are received because of sound sys-

tern inadequacies than any other single item. “Work in the auditorium and James Hay Theatre is extensive,” he said. “The rapid development in electronics since 1971-72 when our present equipment was installed has meant that much of our equipment is now obsolete or difficult to obtain parts for,” said Mr Connell.

The board approved ex[penditure for this year’s estimates of $6BOO to improve sound systems in the Limes Room, Conference Room, Cambridge Room, and the foyer and to repair and improve the closed circuit television system. “Difficulties have been experienced in these areas i with the increased demands ! of conferences and formal occasions,” said Mr Connell. “Most of the work re-

quired centres on the type of equipment in use, the placement of speakers, and the unreliability of the main amplifiers controlling the systems. At present concert equipment is being adapted for use in these areas and on occasion is proving inadequate,” he said.

The closed-circuit television system, installed primarily for late-comers who are required to wait outside the auditorium or James Hay Theatre until a suitable break in the programme occurs, has given only erratic service, mainly because of economies made during its installation, said Mr Connell. The board will consider the details of improvements to the sound systems in the main venues when drawing up next year’s estimates, and the work approved yesterday will start after the Arts Festival.