Christchurch Town Hall had two good months

Press, 11 September 1986, Page 31

Christchurch Town Hall had two good months

July and August were good months for the Christchurch Town Hall, the auditorium almost doubling income compared with the same time last year. In August, the auditorium received $83,263 in rent, compared with $45,800 last year, and in

July $75,820, compared with $39,947. Eighty-seven events have been held in the auditorium so far this year, compared to 73 for the whole of 1985. The manager, Mr Ray Sleeman, said the Town Hall was on the right side of the books as far as

reaching the projected budget of $150,000 for the 1986-87 year. “The use of publicity and marketing • has helped, with increases in smaller functions such as weddings,” he said. “Bookings for all the facilities are going well.” Training Mr Sleeman said a series of staff-training seminars had proved very informative and useful. All sectors of the staff attended, about 100 people in all. “As they are our greatest resource they have to be aware of the customers’ needs —■ how to recognise them and help out. I think the seminars were of substantial benefit,” he said.

Two-city festival The chairman. Sir Hamish Hay, and Mr Sleeman met the Mayor of Auckland, Dame Catherine Tizard, last week to discuss co-operation between Auckland and Christchurch for the promotion of international events in both cities. Sir Hamish said all representatives at the meeting were enthusiastic about developing links which would enrich cultural programmes and through the link reduce the costs of organising the events. March, 1989, was suggested as the earliest possible date for a two-city festival. "We should be aware that Christchurch was once the leader in arts festivals in New Zealand, and if we let ourselves slip we will be left out of future plans,” he said. Sir Hamish, who recently returned from Adelaide, and talks with organisers of the Adelaide Arts Festival, said such festivals were important to a city because they attracted interest from outside, and also added to the quality of life for those living in the city.