COMMUNITY SINGING

Evening Star, Issue 25344, 28 November 1944, Page 3

COMMUNITY SINGING

POPULARITY OF WEEKLY SESSIONS

Instituted in the depression days of the early 1930's as a medium of dispensing the "cheer germ," Dunedjn's weekly community sing has more than maintained its popularity. This was confirmed at the annual meeting of the sing committee yesterday, when receipts from the 23 sings during the season were reported at £1,355, bringing the total receipts during 13 years to over £27,000. Mr W. It. Sinclair occupied the chair. The committee had every reason to be proud of its record during the season from the point of view of both the singing and financial results, stated the annual report. Victory Loan bonds sold under the auspices of the committee amounted to-£8.281, while small amounts donated for the purchase of

these bonds totalled £55. and these had been given to Heritage Inc. The hymn, ' A Prayer for Airmen,' had been used regularly throughout the season and contributions for copies of the words had netted £6B, while engrossed copies had been sent to Mr Winston Churchill and Sir Harry Batterbee. Contributions this year amounted to £1,355, which with the sale of Victory Bonds sponsored by the committee and amounts raised on country trips made a total of £10,107. The committee was proud of the fact that the whole of the amounts contributed were voluntary or from the sale of articles sent in. Since 1031 the sing had brought comfort to countless people, said Mr Sinclair, moving ' the adoption of the annual report. The work of the sing leaders was deserving of commendation, and particularly the efforts of Mr J. F. Himburg. secretary of the committee.

The earlier days of the sing were reviewed by Mr -J. G. Butler, who seconded the motion. The continued popularity of the weekly sessions augured well for the future. The object of the sing was to give pleasure, said the Mayor (Mr D.r C Cameron), and he could bear witness to the success of the venture. As mayor of the city, he thought the sing was one of the finest community services in Dunediii.