FAMOUS SINGER

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 269, 10 August 1938, Page 6

FAMOUS SINGER

Lawrence Tibbett Guest Of Travel Club WELCOME TO DOMINION “Music and art are perhaps the greatest factors in welding peoples together,” said Mr. Lawrence Tibbett, the famous singer, last night at the Wellington Travel Club. With Mrs. Tibbett, he was guest of honour at. a reception given by the chib at the Majestic Cabaret, which was crowded. Fundamentally people were the same the world over, Mr. Tibbett said. They had the same desire for beauty and peace, the only distinguishing difference being the superficial ones of accent and sometimes of appearance. When people gathered to hear music or witness art they came together in the cause of beauty to pay tribute to those things which helped to pull people together in these days of unrest and uncertainty. . Although he missed his home and his family, Mr. Tibbett said he felt that in “peddling his wares around the world” he was serving a great cause, and in coming to New Zealand as an international representative from the musical world he had already felt the warmth of the New Zealand welcome which all artists received. He knew all about New Zealand’s generosity and looked forward to seeing the mountains and lakes and to sampling some New Zealand fishing. Mr. Tibbett concluded by saying bow difficult he found it to express his gratitude fully for the friqndly welcome he had received. Mrs. Tibbett and his colleagues joined with him iu expressing gratitude for the cordial welcome extended to them all. As Mr. Tibbett rose to speak guests joined in singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” and at the conclusion oil his address he received hearty apP As president of the Travel Club, the mayor of Wellington, Mr. T. C. A-His-lop, introduced Mr. and Mrs. tibbett and extended the good wishes of everyone for a successful and happy stay in New Zealand. The Hon. P. Fraser, Minister of Education, also spoke on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government of New Zealand, wishing Mr. and Mrs. Tibbett a very happy and enjoyable time while in the Dominion. He said it was a privilege to hear great artists, and New Zealand people warmly welcomed those who came bearing artistic gifts. A feature of the programme was items by the Young Maori party, who obvious!v delighted Mr. and Mrs. Tibbett and their party with action songs, poi dances, hakas, and a war dance. They were dressed in picturesque Maori costume and were enthusiastically applauded by the audience. At the' conclusion of their performance, Mr. and Mrs. Tibbett shook hands with them and congratulated each member of the party. An attractive programme had been arranged, including songs by Mrs. Wilfred Andrews and Mr. 11. F. Wood, both accompanied by Mr. Reg. Maddams, an exhibition dance by Miss M. O’Connor and Mr. E. W. Priestley, and “The Golden Lotus” ballet, arranged by Miss E. Bcere. A delightful supper was served and dancing was enjoyed. ' The hall was impressively decorated with British and American flags, which, attached to standards, were grouped round the tall pillars about the room. The wall embrasures were draped with red, white and blue bunting, and the “Stars and Stripes” 'was hung from the central banner, guarded at each side by flags of the British Empire. Drapings of blue outlined the archways and were sprinkled with silver stars which twinkled in the light. Coloured strings of lights were hung from the main pillars and added a carnival touch to a very gay scene. The official table was decorated with silver vases of d'affodlls and freesias, and at Mrs. Tibbett’s place there was a bouquet of scarlet begonias and violets. Fragrant shoulder sprays were placed for each of the other women guests at the official table. Guests at the official table were: Mr. and Mrs. T. C. A. Hislop, the Hon. P. Fraser and Mrs. Fraser, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Tibbett, Mr. John Evans, Mr. Stewart Wille, Mr. Claude Kingston, Mr. C. E. Critchley (Australian Trade Commissioner) and Mrs. Crltehley, Mr. J. L. Menzies (Assistant-Aus-tralian Trade Commissioner) and Mrs. Menzies, Mr. and Airs. J. Mason and Miss Mason, and Miss Amy Kane.

Members of the executive present were: Miss Amy Kane, Mrs. 11. B. Oakes, Mr. 11. G. Miller, Mr. T. M. Donovan, Mr. 11. F. "Wood, Mr. Edmund Anscombe, Miss N. E. Donovan (secretary). Members of the women’s committee present included: "Mrs. C. C. Bullock, Mrs. T. M. Donovan, Mrs. "Wallis Jackson, Mrs. Hepburn Dick. Mrs. J. I. Goldsmith, Mrs. A. W. Mulligan, Mrs. Vernon Sutherland, Mrs. Len McKay, Mrs. C. Bott, Mrs. G. Castle, Miss D. L. ’Tanner, Mrs. W. Urquhart, Mrs. A. G. Bowater, Mrs. J. S. Vinsen.