COMMUNITY SINGING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4473, 29 September 1922, Page 2

COMMUNITY SINGING.

VERY ENJOYABLE SEASON; CLOSING EVENING. The present season was brought to an enjoyable conclusion on Tuesday evening by the Community Singing committee. Most of the and -feong leaders who had assisted at these gatherings during the season were present, each of whom led the singing in turn throughout t'he evening. The stage was occupied by Messrs E. W. Porritt, W. Marshall, G. Foster, L. Foster, E. Edwards, and PC. Furley. Mr Marshall, who presided, apologised for the unavoidable absence, through sickness, of the Mayor, Mr P. E. Brenan. He warmly congratulated the audience bn their attendance despite the wet night, and said that he felt quite sure the “cheer germ” had been well and truly spread in Paeroa. He considered the object of community singing had been achieved'- in' no small way in this town, as was evidenced by the consistently good attendances throughoiiv the season and the wholehearted enthusiasm shown by the large audiences in the way the old songs had been taken up and new ones familiarised. The speaker said it was anticipated that, occasional community “sing-songs” would be held throughout the year, so the gathering could keep in practice and await events. After the National Anthem had been sung the audience sat back to thoroughly enijoy themselves. Mrs FS. Budd very goodnaturedly acted as accompaniste throughout the evening, and the various songs were conducted by Messrs G. Foster, L. Foster, P. CFurley, and E. Edwards, respectively. Mr E. Edwards sang ‘‘Joggin’ along the Highway," and the chorus was taken up by the audience. Mr Edwards also contributed the verses of “Just A wee Deoch-an’-,Doris” in hisbest Scotch (?) style. Mr Furley supplied the words to the verses of “Yip, 1,-addy, I-ay,” Mn G. Foster sang “Mary,” and Mr L. Foster rendered “Love’s Old Sweet Song,” receiving a well deserved encore. Among the many enjoyab’e items submitted to the audience was the quartette, comprising Messrs Foster (2), Furley, and Edwards, who sang “Massa’s-' in de cold cold ground." .This was verv much enjoyed, the blending and harmony.of the voices being particularly effective and pleasing. All tastes were undoubtedly' catered for, as the following songs were heartily sung in addition to the ones already referred to: “Long, Long Trail,” “Old Fqlks at Home,” “Come to the Fair.” “Annie Laurie,” “Lass from Lancashire,” “Mother, Machree,” “Clementine,” “Poor old Joe.” “Bsl’eve me, if all 'those endearing young charms,” “Pack up your troubles,” “I’ve lost my heart in Maoriland,” “Cornin’ thro the Rye,” “Camptown Races,” “Tipperary,” “Three Blind Mice,” “Red, White, and Blue” “Juanita,” “Tne Trail that leads to Home/’ and others. v At the conclusion of ttrn singipg Mr W. Porritt, as chairman of the Paeroa Chamber of Commerce, - said he wished to congratulate the people of Paeroa on the way they had taken up the singing. When the. Chamber if Commerce were asked to take up the matter of community singing in Paeroa they were all a bit sceptical about the support they would receive. But Messrs Edwards and Marshall were set up as a sub committee to arrange details. Mr Furtey was afterwards added, and the success' achieved is due in no small measure to these gentlemen. Mr Porritt wished to sincerely thank, Mesdames Budd and Cooke, and Messrs Leo Foster and AL. Mitchel for their untiring and voluntary work as . accompanists; also the various song leaders, Messrs Woods and Jennings, the collectors,, and different chairmen who had greatly assisted at the gathering. Cheers and applause were heartily accorded the helpers, and a most successful season was brought to a close with the singing of “Auld Lang syne.” The collection, amounting to just over £6, was handed to the local volunteer fire brigade..