TO RADIATE CHEER

Evening Star, Issue 22798, 5 November 1937, Page 7

TO RADIATE CHEER

PURPOSE OF COMMUNITY SINGS RECORD YEAR CONCLUDING Started during the depression in 1931 with the object of providing cheer for those who were downhearted, community singing, has grown in popularity in Dunedin. By the amount of support received the committee has been encouraged to carry on, and not only is it serving the purpose of heartening the spirit of those who attend as well as those who' listen by radio to the weekly broadcasts, but it is a valuable medium for the collecting of funds for various charitable objects. When the committee was formed and the sings organised seven years ago, the monetary gain was a secondary consideration —the most important object was to spread cheer. _ So universally popular have the singing sessions become that people all over the country desire their continuance { and the National Broadcasting Service’s offer to broadcast the sings for the benefit of all has now become almost 'a necessity. By means of the powerful 4YA transmitter, local sings are being brought into homes in scattered areas all over New Zealand and even overseas. In 1931 the sum of £74 10s was collected at the weekly sings, and every year since then the total amount has grown, the money reaching the surprisingly high figure last year of £919. In addition, the three principals of the sings—Messrs H. P. Desmoulins (leader),-Mr A Pettitt (pianist), and Mr J. F. Himburg (secretary) visited outside districts, and by their efforts raised another £2OO by voluntary subscription. ' This year’s total sum to date constitutes a record, the exceedingly satisfactory amount of £961 being jn hand. A final] effort is to be made at the big 'sing to bo held in the Town Hall on Monday night to reach the £I,OOO mark. ■ In fact, there is every probability that that sum will be exceeded by a substantial amount. During the year appeals were made for special purposes, and the listenersin and those in attendance at the sings: responded generously. The following are details of the results of special appeals:—King George V. Memorial Fund, £110; Plunket Society building fund, £210: Johnston quadruplets’ fund, £100; Mayoress’s Christmas cheer fund, approximately £IOO. The three, leading workers again visited the country area this year, returning to town with over £3OO. At Roxburgh alone £62 was collected in ■one night. The committee is very proud of the success which has attends its efforts. Ail monies received have been given voluntarily—no raffles or games of chance have been instituted for the benefit of any collections. Listeners-in have given the committee many useful and valuable articles for sale, while children have helped to swell the general fund by holding their own little concerts and sending along the proceeds. One 12-year-old girl, known simply as Jean, and residing at Ravensbourne, made several artistic duchesse sets, which netted a few pounds for the funds The secretary has experienced an exceptionally busy period, having received and checked thousands of letters. Each of these had to be condensed _ for the purpose of sending “ cheerios,” and it is not difficult to

imagine the tremendous task entailed in this duty alone. This week letter* have arrived containing most complimentary references to the sings and their general organisation. The committee has been exceedingly fortunate in the selection of its members and helpers. Beside those already mentioned, Mr Harry Marsden has assisted in the good cause, while local soloists and visiting artists have been pleased to give a helping hand. For her untiring work as the keeper of the stall, at which a variety of goods ara sold each week, Mrs M'lntyre deserves special praise. Her task is not a light one, but she attends regularly and goes about the work cheerfully It is expected that Monday night s sing will be largely attended, and that it will mark an appropriate close to the 19.37 season. A special programme is being arranged.