COMMUNITY SINGING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4463, 6 September 1922, Page 2

COMMUNITY SINGING.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENING. The Central Theatre was well filled for community singing last night, and the old “song germ” was spread round with a right good will. Mr F. E. Flatt was chairman, and in introducing Mr E. Edwards, song leader, and Mr A. L.. Mitchell, accompanist. to the gathering, apologised for the unavoidable absence, through illness, of Mr L. Foster, who had been asked to lead the singing for last night. After congratulating the residents of Paeroa on their splendid turn-out the chairman briefly explained the aims and objects of community singing, and made an appeal th,at i special effort be made to obtain a bumper collection. At the conclusion of the chairman’s remarks Mr Edwards took over, and the singing opened with “God Save the King,” followed by the "Cheer germ song,” "Massa’s in de cold, cold ground,” “Pack up your, troubles,” “My ain folk,” "Cornin’ thro’ the rye,” “Poor old Jo.e,” “Juanita.”

At this stage of the proceedings the collection was taken up and resulted in the amount of £5 15s 10d, which amount is by no means the largest received at the isng-,song in Paeroa.

Mr W. Barclay took this opportunity of Ranking the residents of Paeroa and the district Tor their ready help and kind offers to his wife, family, and self during the recent disastrous fire of his home in Wood Street. Whilst gratefully thanking the fire brigade for the help given Mr Barclay suggested a community “sing” might be a help, aiid a collection taken up, the amount to go towards a fund for the purchase of a motor reel or fire engine. (Applause.) After some more popular airs the evening concluded with hearty Votes of thanks to the chairman, song leader, and pianist. Doubtless next Tuesday evening will be eagerly looked forward to, when another “sing” will be held. .Mr Edwards' is to be' thanked for stepping into the breach at the eleventh hour, and is to be congratulated on the success achieved by him in the effects he obtained from the gathering by the part singing, the small boys’ section being particularly clear and pleasing.

The settlers along the Orchard East Road met representatives of the Hauraki Plains County Council on Monday to discuss what, would be the best to be done in connection with the completion of the metalling of that road while the Department’s tramlines were still on the road. The Minister for Public Works, it was stated, had offered £1450, subject, to the County Council providing a similar amount. A'H points of the question were discussed, and the matter, will be one for consideration at, the next County Council meeting.