EMPIRE GAMES VENUE: Fencing

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31001, 5 March 1966, Page 11

EMPIRE GAMES VENUE: Fencing

TN the Christchurch appli--1 cation for the 1970 Commonwealth and Empire Games the venue closest to Cathedral Square is the Horticultural Hall which has been recommended as the headquarters for fencing. Situated in Gloucester street, the hall is only about 300 yards from the square. This building comprises several halls, the largest being 45ft x 88ft giving a floor space of 3960 square feet. Separated by a line of pillars is an aisle measuring 93ft x 10ft, giving a further 930 square feet. It is anticipated that these two adjoining spaces would be the competitive arena. Four or six fencing pistes, each 40ft x 6ft, can be provided in this area with room to spare. Adjoining the main arena is a smaller, self-contained area measuring 50ft x 30ft which would give 1500 square feet of warming-up and training space.

1 i For previous games the number of fencing entrants has averaged 40 but the Canterbury Fencing Association believes provision should be made for 80 competitors- The hall could provide for about 120 competitors so an increased entry would provide no problem. However, the changing and shower facilities will have to be enlarged as it is possible that both men’s and women’s events will be held concurrently. Electrical timing and scori ing equipment will be in use and all the requisite gear i can be provided by the New ! Zealand Amateur Fencing Association. I It is estimated that 400 i spectators would be able to watch the events and it is

unlikely that the accommodation could be increased beyond this figure. Raised tiered platforms will be arranged at right-angles to the pistes so spectators will get a side-on view of the bouts. Being in the centre of the city, the hall is not in a good parking area. Although there is a car-park-ing building almost opposite with a capacity of 300. this is a public park with a large demand on its space during the working week. Steps might have to be taken to ensure that an alternative parking lot was available. The Horticultural Hall is so central that it will undoubtedly attract casual and lunch-time audiences if the Games are held and fencing is in the best position of all the recommended sports. The publicity any sport achieved by having an international contest in the centre of Christchurch should be immense.