AT LOWER HUTT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11246, 26 June 1922, Page 4

AT LOWER HUTT

MARCH OF THE “SING GERM/' The introduction of community singing at Lower Hutt met with a great response by the citizens there last Wednesday evening at the King George . Theatre, Lower Hutt, and the attendance in the hall was five hundred, from, babies in arms to the grown-up. Sharp to time [the stage was occupied by the Mayor, Mr W. T. Strand, and associated with him were Councillors J. Mitchell. W. Cotton, and A. J. West, as well as Mr M. J. Hodgins. At the niano was Mr Vie. Frazer, assisted by Mr Jean Le Roi. The singing was under the conductorship of Mr Blandford. who carried out his duties in a very efficient manner, and received the approval of the audience on the oall of the Mayor by the ringing of ’ Re’s a Jolly Good Fellow’’ and three hearty cheeps. Prior to the opening of the ringing those present, Under the oonduetorsh+p of Mr Blandford, sang the National Anthem, After which the Mayor, Mr Strand, addressed the audience in an appropriate speech in connection with community singing. TO IMPROVE THE BOROUGH. He deeply appreciated the generosity of tho management of the King George Theatre in allowing the U6e of the hall for the occasion, as well as in granting the council 50 per cent, of the profits of the takings at the door. Further, he went on to say that the money got from the community singing will be used for the purpose of beautifying the borough, and in course of time a beautifying society will be formed. Then all moneys received from the singing will go to the society for the above purpose. As community ringing is getting a hold elsewhere in due time It will take effect in the borough. ''LET'S ALL SING.” The singing followed, and those present lent their voices—good or bad— to the various popular songs contributed, such as “Three Blind Mice" “Bells of St. Mary's,” "Land of Hope and Glory," 'John Brown’s Bodv.” ''Pack Your Trouble in your Own Kit Bag ” “Swanee.” “Abe,” "Boys of the old Brigade,” "Host my Heart in. Maoriland," "Good-bye-e,” “Just a Song at Twilight,” "Till the Sands of the Desert Grow Cold.” “Old Folks at Home." "Auld Gang Syne,” “Home, Sweet Home,” "Annie Laurie,” aDd were thoroughly appreciated bv the audience. Whistling was also included. Interval followed, after which "A. Charlie Chaplin” serial was introduced, which met with the approval of the community.