COMMUNITY SINGING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4466, 13 September 1922, Page 2

COMMUNITY SINGING.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENING. The Central Theatre was comfortably filled last night, and the singing went with a swing from start to finish, and the audience were reluctant to depart. Mr J. L. Hanna (chairman), introducing Mrs Cooke (pianiste) and Mr. Leo Foster (conductor), made a brief appeal on behalf of the Paeroa Beautifying Society, explaining the good work the society had already done in the way of beautifying the Methodist Church corner. The erection of the new band rotunda at a cost of £l6o', and the work of improving the ground adjoining the railway station was now well under way: the cost of this work was expected to run into about £l5O. Mr Hanna intimated that the Beautifying Society was practically dependent, on the generosity of the public to finance and assist with its undertakings, and as the collection was to be devoted' in furtherance of the work of the society he appealed to the gathering for a generous response. After these few remarks Mr Leo Foster took over, and under his very capable conductorship the gathering was soon going strong, the first item being the “Cheer germ song,” followed by about. 19 songs from the songbook. “It a short, short life” was sung with great vim by the audience, after which one verse was sung by the Senior Cadets present, and evoked great applause, the .tuneful voices of the lads being heard to advantage. Mr Foster met with great success in the part-singing, and the division of the audience in different parts of the theatre created keen competition, each endeavouring to out do the other in their efforts.

Mr and Mrs Foster, Mr Leo Foster, and Master Foster, sang "OW! who will o'er the downs,” and met with tremendous applause, and they goodnaturedly returned to the platform and rendered the item again. . This song immediately became very popular, and the gathering did full justice to it. Paeroa is indeed to be congratulated In being so fortunate as to have such a musical quartette as the Fosters in their midst.

“Pack up your troubles” was sung by the whole audience, after whicn the men whistled the tune and then Mr Foster persuaded the ladies to whistle and try and put do the men. The result was surprising. The whistling of the ladies, although, perhaps, not quite so loud as that of the male members was certainly much truer and sweeter. At ,the conclusion of the sing-song cheers were heartily given for Mrs Cooke and Mr Foste. I '. The collection amounted to £5 8s 6d. Next Tuesday the chair will be taken by Mr G. H. Taylor, apd Mr Foster, senr., will conduct the singing.