HIKUTAIA NOTES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4465, 11 September 1922, Page 3

HIKUTAIA NOTES.

COMMUNITY SINGING. The second community "sing-song,” which was held in the Public Hall on Tuesday night, was very well attended, the hall being comfortably crowded by an audience that, judged by the volume of sound evoked in the opening number, "God Save the King,” had assimilated the “cheer germ.” Mr A. R. Robinson most acceptably filled the chair, while Mr; T. Venables, of Te Aroha, again acted as song leader. With a plastic audiepce such, as was under the conductor's baton things went with such swing and verve that ten o’clock arrived before anyone was aware that two hours had fled. The rivalry between the occupants of two rows of seats on each side of the back of the hall, respectively christened “The lads of the village" and the "elite of the town/ gave rise to much amusement, the members of each party doing their utmost to outsing their opponentsThe tactful leader announced that a tie had resulted, the ‘‘lads” being awarded six points for volume, and “the elite” a similar number for harmony. All “weal merry” as the othodox wedding-bell, and for a couple of hours the daily irritants were “packed up in the old kit bag” and forgotten. Old and young—and one family was represented by three generations —participated in the funand were sorry when the programme came to an end. A delightful variation was found in the chairman’:’ sympathetic rendition of “The Deathless Army,” while Mr Venables’ fine baritone was heard to distinct advantage in “I hear you calling me,” a number that demanded and received artistic sympathetic treatment, The encbre, “Oberon in Fairyland,” was sung as only an artist can sing it. For the accompaniments Mrs I. M. Murdoch Miss Gibb, and Miss Soutn were responsible, while to the efforts of the orchestra, consisting of Miss Smith (piano), Mr M. C- Smith (violin), and Mr E. Lemon (flute) not a little of the success was due. Before the final number was sung the chairman intimated that the collection approximated five pounds, and asked if another sing-song was desirable, As a vociferous and ready, f'aye” greeted the question the chairman stated that the date of the final community pinging would be announced later. The usual courtesies to the chairman and the song leader brought a pleasant evening’s enjoyment to a close. POSTAL FACILITIES. A petition asking for greater postal facilities in the shape oS an outward despatch of a mail per the train which leaves Hikutaia at 5 p.m. and connects with the Main Trunk express at Frankton, has been numerously signed, and will be forwarded to the Chief Postmaster, Thames, at an early date. SOCIAL EVENING. The ladies’ committee, ’ consisting of Mesdames Alf. Alley, W. H. Alley. G. Avery, and Martin, who are instrumental in oragnisihg socials and enchre tournaments for the purpose of raising the funds necessary to instal electric light and other conveniences in .the public hall, are to be highly congratulated on the success of their third effort. Favoured with excellent weather, the hall was well filled, and the enjoyment provided left nothing to be desired. The music provided by Williams’ orchestra from Thames was highly appreciated, while the supper, provided by the ladies and purveyed by Mr Rheims, was both dainty and appetising. The Prizes in the euchre competition were won by Mrs Samson and Master R. Rare, the booby prizes being acquired by Miss Lucy Alley and Mr Samson. Master Rare also won the special guinea prize, presented by Mr Taiboys, of Paeroa. PERSONAL. It is pleasing to announce that a sufficient number of pupils having enrolled, Mr T. Venables will visit Hikutaia every week to give lessons in singing and in voice production.