A SUCCESSFUL FINALE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24422, 7 October 1940, Page 4

A SUCCESSFUL FINALE

SOUTH DUNEDIN COMMUNITY SING £l5O FOR AIR RAID RELIEF The grand finale of the community sing season conducted under the auspices of the South Dunedin Businessmen’s Association was held on Saturday night, when a highly successful special sing was attended by a capacity audience in His Majesty’s Theatre. From the financial aspect, the session provided a particularly fitting climax to the season, as the sum of £133 was actually collected in the theatre for the Air Raid Relief Fund, and with promised donations the total receipts for the night will amount to approximately £l5O. It is interesting to note that the total amount collected during the season at the Mayfaii Theatre sings, with the addition of the larg amounts received at the various country sessions at which Mr R. McKenzie, the sing leader, was present, has reached the excellent sum of approximately £3OOO. The great deal of preparation which had gone into Saturday night’s session was reflected in the artistic and effective stage appointments, while the actual opening of the sing was conducted in novel and spectacular style, the session leaders being introduced to the audience by a magician who produced them out of special stage effects prepared for the occasion. The assisting artists also contributed largely to the success of the session, enjoyable items being provided by Mr Archie Jones (songs), children’s vocal trios from Invercargill and Green Island, Master Alan Cropley and Miss Philippa Young (dances), Mrs Caldwell (songs). Miss Joyce Rowley (dance), and Miss Maureen Keenan (songs). At the commencement of the sing the finalists in the children’s talent test were also heard, the winners being Master Billie Chambers and Miss Elaine King. During the evening many generous donations were received, among the larger amounts being £2O from an American who desired to remain anonymous, £l2 from Patearca. and £lO from the Lawrence A. and P. Society. The sing was again efficiently conducted by Mr R. McKenzie, Mr E. Fish assisting as song leader, and Mrs E. D. Cameron providing the piano accompaniments.