COMMUNITY SING

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 7, 8 July 1931, Page 12

COMMUNITY SING

DISAPPOINTED PEOPLE

Considerable disappointment was evident among those who attended the community sing at the Town Hall today when it was announced that Mr. Peter Dawson, the famous baritone, would not bo present to conduct the singing, as had been stated in the advertisement. In his absence, Mr. O. M. Pritchard, station director of 2YA, and. Mr. Albert Kussell 'offered., their services as conductors, and'their efforts were wholly successful. . So thoroughly, in fact, did the gatheringenjter into the spirit of the idea that it was stated officially that there would be another sing next "Wednesday, and others in all likelihood throughout the winter months. Madame Evelyn do Mauny was the accompanist to-day, and Mrs. Eussell also took part in the conducting. Members of the. Bed Cross Society and City Council traffic officers were in charge of the collection boxes, and the sale of song books, and the Mayor's Distress Belief Fund should benefit considerably. The Mayor (Mr. T. C A. Hislop) said, at the outset that when he was approached by Messrs. E. Palliser, E. Dawson, aaid W. P. M'Lachlan, representing the Musical and Dramatic Advisory Committee of 2TA, in connection with a revival of community singing, he was delighted to place the Town Hall at their disposal. It/ had been expected that Mr. Peter Dawson would lead the singing, but unfortunately his manager had advised just a short time before the time of starting that unforeseen circumstances would prevent Mr. Dawson from''attending, i It was a surprise and a disappointment to learn of the position. In a statement made after the gathering dispersed Messrs. • Palliser, E. Dawson, and M'Lachlan said that they had waited upon Mr. Peter Dawson's manager, Mr. Hugo Larsen, and explained that it was proposed to.revive community singing, and it was thought that the time was opportune in view- of Mr. Dawson's presence in 'Wellington. They pointed out that community singing some years ago had been led by a number of eminent artists, including Sir Harry Lauder and Madame. Rosina Buekman, and that, when Sir Harry Lauder was in charge £135 had been collected towards, the Blenheim flood relief funds. There was also the question of publicity. Mr. Larsen introduced Mr. Griffiths,' Mr. Dawson's personal representative, who said the matter would be discussed and the committee advised of the result.: On the following day it was announced that Mr.",Dawson had consented to the request. After the first advertisement announcing Mr. Dawson as the song leader Mr. Griffiths pointed out that people might be led to believe that Mr. Dawson would sing solos. The advertisement was accordingly altered to Mr. Griffiths's wording. At no time was any intimation given that Mr. Dawson would not conduct the singing, and it was not until 11.30 this morning that the committee was advised of the position. '

The collection, amounted to £21 10s lOd.