CITIZENS WELCOME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 2 December 1922, Page 4

CITIZENS WELCOME

TO SISTINE CHOIR LARGE AND ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING * The members of the famous Sistine Choir arrived overland from the West Coa-st late yesterday afternoon, and in the evening gave their first concert at ’ the Theatre Royal before a large and enthusiastic; audience. At the Munici- . pal Chambers this forenoon an informal welcome was extended to the Choir by (he Mayor (Mr W. Lode). There was a very large attendance,, the musical portion of the community being well represented. The Chamber was charmingly decorated with flowers obtained from the public gardens. The function was a most cordial one, and the visitors . received a" very warm welcome. In extending a very cordial welcome to the choir, the Mayor said he thought , it was the largest and most representative body of citizens who had come together at so short a notice. The occasion was the greatest musical event Nelson had ever known —in fact tbe greatest musical event New Zealand had ever known. (Applause). The Mayor also referred to the fact that the Italians were our allies in the great war. Although the function was quite informal, the Mayor said he could not allow such an occasion to pass by without the cityshowing its appreciation. (Loud applause). Mr H. Atmore, on behalf of the larger district, also extended a -welcome tq the Choir. He referred to the visitors as distinguished artists; and Nelson as one of the most cultured towns in New Zen land. (Applause).. At the call of the Mayor, three cheers were then given for the Choir.

j Signor Ruggerio, on behalf of his 1 countrymen, said it was very difficult for him to find words to express his feelings; hut as his friends had asked him to say a few words he had to do so. ‘My English is shaky,”’ he smilingly tolil'his audience, “and I hope you will be kind to me.” (Laughter). He . expressed pleasure at the reference made to the part the Italians took in the war, because it was very seldom anything was seen in the papers in reference to Italy. “We do not want sympathy,” lie'said, “but only want justice.” His friends had been very pleased with tbe natural beauties of New Zealand and the kindly, disposition of its inhabitants. A more warm-hearted people than the British could not be found anywhere in the world./ TJie conductor, Maestro Emilo Casolari also made a Wave attempt in broken English to express his thanks. He raised laughter by. stating that he could speak to them in Italian for easily half an hour, but in English he*, could say onlv a few words. “I thank you from my’ heart on behalf of my friends. ThauK you very much for this good reception, for your kind words, and for the warmth of the audience last night. I Thank everybody, especially the ‘lord mayor for presiding. (Laughter and great <-p----of the hoir, on behalf of the management, express id his very cordial thanks for the reception. The “boys” had been very dtlicrbted with their,reception throagnout New Zealand though where the reception was of the most glowing kind, the concerts were enjoyed in New Zealand with more un- > derstanding. , New Zealand had a tetter understanding of all the good things in life, particularly of the good things in music. The warmth of the reception last night for\ a small town was quite impressing, and up some of the larger cities the reception had been absolutely memorable. ■ . The Qaoir then delighted those present with a selection, after which three more cheers were given, which was resoonded to by the Choir m a very enthusiastic manner. Then the audience broke into ‘For they are■ jolly good f fellows,’ and a happy little ceremony concluded.' ■ L '■ '