The Late John Prouse

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 5, 15 August 1930, Page 27

The Late John Prouse

‘WIDESPREAD regret was felt in Wellington musical and social circles at the death of the late John Prouse. His voice was well known to listeners by reason of his frequent appearance before the microphone at 2YA; but, in addition to his achievement in that sphere, his influence for the good of. music and the best in life was widespread. His decease leaves a definite gap in the circle graced by him. Prior to the commencement of the programme in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening last Mr. Hrnest Dawson, on behalf of the Music Week Conimittee, said he desired to express the deep regret of all music lovers at the death of Mr. Prouse, The privilege of paying a tribute to Mr. Prouse had been accorded to the Hon. L. M. Isitt. Mr. Isitt paid to the departed singer a most eloquent and moving tribute. He had first come in contact with Mr. Prouse when he (the speaker) was attached to the Taranaki Street Wesleyan Church. They possessed then avery wonderful choir, second to none in New Zealand, as it included in its membership Miss Harriett Randell, Miss Warren (contralto), B. J. and J. W. Hill as tenors, and John Prouse as baritone. Mr. Prouse commanded his admiration not alone for his singing but for the heart and soul he infused into anything likely to improve the morals of the people. . "It is a great thing to be a fine stger," said Mr. Isitt, "but it is more difficult to be a good man. I have never known him to sound a sharp or a flat in his life. He was true-in tone all through as a man as well as a singer. He was a man of cleanly habit, clean in thought and action: a clean-living man. I-make no apology for bringing in religion, -as I believe my friend made it the basis of his life. and fashioned it on that of the living Christ." Mr. Isitt coneluded a sincere and eloquent tribute by expressing his belief that the life of John Prouse may be regarded as an example to all to follow.in his footsteps as he followed jn the footstens of the Master; after which the "Dead March" in "Saul" was preved by the orchestra and organ.