COMMUNITY SINGING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18876, 31 May 1923, Page 3

COMMUNITY SINGING

THE HAPPY GERM REVIVED. PACKED HOUSE AT THE EMPIRE. That community singing has not waned in popularity was evidenced by the crowd which gathered at the Empire ’theatre at 12.50 yesterday afternoon to participate in the first “sing” of tho season. The Mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley) opened the proceedings by extending, a hearty- welcome to all present. He remarked that this was the second year of community singing, and judging by the attendance he felt convinced that the “germ” had come to stay. There was no better antidote for business worries and cares than singing in community, for it varied the monotony of everyday life to a very great extent and was a great “refresher” to the mind. The singing was greatly assisted by the leadership of Mr Vernon Drew whose happy smile and business-like methods inspired life into the singers whenever they showed signs of a “collapse,” Mr Gordon Henderson sang two solos—“ Juanita” _ and “Annie Latirie,” the audience joining in at the choruses, and Mr H. P. Desmoulins was called upon to sing “The Battle Hymn of the Renublic,” which he did in a way that brought continuous applause from his hearers. _ ■ There was one happy incident when tho leader called upon the ladies to sing Harry Didder’s “Roamin’ in the GloamiiT.” They stuck gallantly to their guns and gained courage as they proceeded, until by the time they had finished the volume of sound was quite a creditable one. Then came the men's turn. Alas! they had completely lost their nerve! Only one brave soul responded, and ho plodded right through the piece like the hero that he was. His performance drew from the ladies ironical applause for the other men, and genuine applause for tho soloist. Referring to Sir Harry Lauder, Mr Drew stated that he was expected in Dunedin very shortly, and arrangements were being made for a “community sing” to be held tinder the leadership of this famous Scottish singer. ; Mr Roi Don played the accompaniments. The song sheets, which were on sale at the door at the modest sum of one penny, contained a substantial list of all tho bestknown songs and over-popular tunes such as “Pack Up Your Troubles,” “Happy.” “Till the Sands of the Desert Grow Cold,” “When .Johnny Comes Marching Home,” and “Mother Machroe.” The programme concluded with New Zealand’s national anthem, “God Defend New Zealand,” and the British National Anthem. The surplus collection will be devoted to the Flood Relief Fund, a worthy enough object, which, no doubt, will have made a ready appeal to the generosity of the Dunedin public.