Town crier for Chch?

Press, 4 April 1989, Page 7

Town crier for Chch?

Oyez, oyez. Be it announced that Christchurch City, New Zealand, may soon have its own town crier.

The councillors of Christchurch believe a crier, in three-cornered hat and frock and with a bell, should announce events of interest in the city.

Councillors at a meeting yesterday of the property and promotion committee endorsed Cr David Cox’s suggestion for a traditional English town crier. Further investigation will be made.

Cr Cox argued that a crier, in black, red and gold regalia, would enhance Christchurch’s image as an English city. He suggested if someone was engaged for the part-time position at $8 to $lO an hour it would cost no more than $5OOO a year. The town crier duties could be contracted out or included in the terms of one of two promotional positions about to be filled. The crier could announce events at lunchtime and other appropriate times.

Cr Cox said he did not envisage Christchurch’s Wizard filling the position. “Of course not,” said Cr Ruby Fowler. “It would have to be someone from Actors’ Equity.” Cr Cox suggested the crier should announce in the Cathedral Square-City Mall-Victoria Square area. Christchurch’s sister city, Christchurch, in Dorset, England, has a crier.