PEACE CHOIR SERVICES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17688, 28 July 1919, Page 7

PEACE CHOIR SERVICES

It was a commendable spirit that led to the suggestion that the pleasure of hearing the Dunedin Peace Celebrations capable ohoir should be extended to the inmates,of the institutions and the residents at Waitati and Seacliff. Over 70 members of tho choir left Dunedin at 9 a.m. yesterday in motor cars, most of which had been kindly provided by good citizens for the purpose. The Mayor, with the Mayoress, accompanied tho party, which included Miss Belle M'Lean and Miss Graham, of the Red Cross Society, Messrs C. Speight, R, Bennell, H. L Tapley, J. Rennie, and H. Divers, representing the Peace Celebrations Committee, and Cr Thompson, representing (with' the Mayor) the City Corporation. In the absence of Cr J. S. Douglas, the organisation of the tour was under the direction of Mr Speight, with tho valued co-opera-tion of Mr Divers. The arrangements for tho services were made by the Rev. F. G. Cummingr. ■~.*'" On arriving at the Orokonui Homo the party was welcomed by Mr Bambury and regaled by the staff with light refreshments, especially acceptable after an hour's drive in the crisp, exhilarating morning air The service in tho hall, which took the place of the regular morning- church service, was conducted by Mr Cumming, the address being given by the Rev .T. C. Jamieson. The choir, conducted bv I Mr W. Paget Gale and Mr W. R. Don, contributed a generous portion of the musio which they have made so pleasantly familiar. In thanking- the Peace Celebrations Committee and tie ohoir, Mr Cumming expressed pleasuro at this, the first, .visit of the Mayor of Dunedin to tho institution, and trusted it would not be his last visit. A brief enjoyable run in bright sunshine brought the party to the Seachff Mental Hospital, where, in the absence of Dr Jeffreys, Mr Thomas, with Messrs Glanville and Hughes, extended a welcome, and the visitors sat down at table to enjoy the practical hospitality of Matron M'Dougall and her staff. Afterwards the "fine' hall which is a feature of the splendid block of buildings was filled by patients, staff, And resiuents. Mr F. G. puniming and the Rev G King, and — Weithy took part in the seryice, the Rev. G. King delivering an inspiring address based upon knowledge and experience gained during his services as chaplain with tho New Zealand Forces abroad The choir again gave of their best, the congregation joining heartily in tho hymns Messis J. M. Lomas and A. Milkr Hopo presided at the pianos at both servioes 4t the call of Mr Cumming, a hearty vote of thanks was given to the Mayor, and Mayoress, the Peace Celebrations Committee; and the choir. Mr Beg" briefly responded at both meetings. The return journey was made- without incident, the whole of the car owners having accomplished their tasks without the slightest hitch. The Peace Celebration Executive isdeeplv indebted to Messrs W. J. P. M'Culloch H L. Tapley, F. J. Carter, S. R. Stedman,'and P. W. Breen for granting the use of their cars, and also.to Messrs Burt, R. S. Black Hudson, C. Payne, Hallenstein, and Theomin, who each donated £5 towards the cost of motor transit; also to Messrs R. Hudson and Co., who distributed sweets to each member of tho choir.