THAT ECHO.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXII, Issue 48, 25 August 1911, Page 8

THAT ECHO.

■ * ACOUSTICS OF THE TOWN HALL. An interesting report on the defective acoustics of the Towtt Hall has been prepared by the City Engineer in answer to several complainte made on that score to the City Council lately. It wae laid before the council at last evening's meeting. The Engitteei 4 saya : "During the recent performances of Sousa's Band it was clearly demonstrate ed that when the hall wa« filled ther,© was nothing to complain of. When the hall is but partially filled there is a very distinct «eh«j, and a. person Bitting in the body of the hall, after hearing the direct sound from the platform, heara an. echo after the eouad waves have travelled from the platform, and then from tie side walls or ceiling to th© back wall and forward again to the body of the hall, "In tny opinion, the most satisfactory way to obviate the trouble would be to hang a curtain at the back of the hall from the ceiling to about the level of the cornice ; also to fill in- t3i« panels between the columns with frames covered with suitable material which would eofb tile sound waves, h would alao be an advantage if for small attendance a Curtain in flections can be- hung underneath the balcony at th© southern ©nd I of the hall. This could, be easily removable when large attendances were expected. To caffy out the above would ; coat about £50. "Great benefit would be derived if the seats u&der the aotJfch balcony w«r« MVefed with cork carpet, and upholstered seat* t»ed instead of chairs. This would, however, run into considerable expenditure, which at present i do not think is warranted. 1 feel satisfied that to treat the southern end of the hall in thk manner would give very much better results than any system of wiring, fts undoubtedly tho reverberation: is Caused by sound! waves being deflected from the back w\alls of the building towards the platform" In reply to a question by Councillor Fletcher, the ' Mayor stated that the Council Chamber would also' receive attention. • The report was adopted, and the expenditure of £.50 authorised.