COMMUNITY SINGING

Evening Star, Issue 22459, 2 October 1936, Page 12

COMMUNITY SINGING

BIG SCOTTISH DAY With Miss Molly Doyle and Mr Arthur Macdonald presenting the featured items, to-day’s “sing” in aid of the mayor’s relief of distress fund proved an unqualified success, despite the adverse conditions. Hundreds were unable to obtain either standing or sitting room, and the Strand Theatre was crammed to capacity some considerable time before the function was due to commence. There were, in fact, as many turned away as gained admittance. The principals were all attitred in kilts, and “ Demmy,” “ Himmy,” “ Alfie,” and “ Harry ” were all “ piped in ” as arranged by Miss Doyle, the talented 13-year-old Bluff girl, the youngest female piper in Australia or New Zealand. Her selections were accorded ovations, and so great was her popularity that she was obliged to give four items, each brilliantly played, before she was permitted to retire. Mr Arthur Macdonald, in his usual infectious style, presented two Highland choruses, which were received with equal enthusiasm. • A diversity of gifts was sent in for auction, and brought excellent prices. A doll from a ‘ Bluffite ” was purchased by the ‘ Southland News ’ for £5; an Invercargill man paid £2 10s for a Gordon tie 1 and Macdonald handkerchief given by Mrs D. Carty, of London; a Scottish “tammy” from a Kaitangata Scotsman realised £1; and for a Fraser tartan tie, 7s 6d was given. Tho amount collected, inclusive of telephonic contributions still to arrive, constitutes a record—over £6O. Cr W. H. Shepherd will be called upon, according to his promise, to subsidise no less, than 30 single contributions of £l, to the extent of one shilling. Such a satisfactory augmentation of the distress relief fund was possible only by the assiduous efforts of the Sing Committee and the many helpers, to whom much deserving credit is undoubtedly due.