COMMUNITY SINGING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4452, 11 August 1922, Page 2

COMMUNITY SINGING.

SECOND SERIES. That the sing germ has radiated was very evident from the packed appearance of) the hall last night,. Long before the appointed time large numbers could be seen wending their way to the hall to make sure of a seat. The chair was taken by Mr E. W. Popritt. president of the Chamber of Commerce, while the Deputy (Mayor “led on” and Mrs Budd ably presided at the piano. Enthusiasm was in no way lacking, and the assemblage struck up heartily right throughout the evening. After the singing of "God Save the King” the cheer germ song was taken up with vim, and after all had "Packed up their troubles” with a smile, smile, smile there was unbounded evidence that a good eveping’s sing-song was in store; even the “Old Folks at Home” must have felt the spirit stirring them bebore "Annie Laurie” was reached. Again a volunteer was asked for "Mother Machree,” and was found in a lady from Auckland, Mrs Sherson, who stepped on to the stage and saved the situation, fro which she was heartily encored. The “A short, short life” enthusiasm gave the conductor confidence, and he again, amidst much applause, sang "J'oggin.' along the Highway.” Just then a “platoon” arrived from a choir practice and sang very sweetly “By Killarney’s Lakes and Fells,” the conductor announcing it was the best of the evening. The Scotch are ever bashful, and there was no response to the conductor’s invitation for a Scotch lassie to sing, so "Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomon’ ” was taken as a competition piece between the scotch, Irish, and all comers, the Scots being declared the winners. Mr Furiey favoured -.he audience with “Juanita,’'’ the chorus being taken up heartily. “The “.Bell's of, St. Mary’s” chimed sweetly just before Mr Edwards took “Just a wee deoch-an’-doris.” "A Perfect Day” did not get. the justice it deserved, but “John Brown” got a really good hearing; so did “Three blind mice.” Congratulations were then extended to the pianist and conductor by the Rev. Mr Dobson, who was ably supported by the audience ip singing “For they are jolly gbod fellows.” The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” brought to a c’ose another very enjoyable and wo ihcpe profitable evening. Mr K. Edwards made a very capable leader, and, as he stated, in spite of his discomfiture at the commencement, thoroughly enjoyed himself.

"Yes, we’ll have another sing-song on Tuesday.”