COMMUNITY SINGING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18896, 23 June 1923, Page 12

COMMUNITY SINGING

SIR HARRY LAUDER’S APPEARANCE. A PACKED HOUSE. The fad that community singing was to be led this week by Sir Harry Lauder no doubt accounted for the largo gathering which filled the Princess Theatre at 12.30

yesterday. At half-past 10 a lengthy queue formed outside the doors, and it was not very long after iho doors were opened that it was found necessary to close them again. Major Lampen conducted the proceedings for the first few minutes, and then the chairman of the Community Singing Committee (Mr J. S. Douglas) introduced the Scottish singer, who greeted the gathering with his characteristic happy smile. The

singing now commenced in real earnest, and “Pack Up Your Troubles” was not allowed to pass until it was thoroughly mastered, first by the stalls, then by those on "the shelf,’’ and finally in unison. In answer to a call for selections, “Number Two!” was beard loud above the other demands. Number two? Ah, yes, here it is: j-voamin’ in the Gloamin’.” and a smile

of recognition lit up the features of the roan who had composed the song. Other songs might he sung in a slipshod manner, but not this! And the author proceeded tp demonstrate how it should be sung. Several other songs were sung also, including “The Red, While, and Blue,” “Land of Hope and Glory,” “Ye Banks and Braes.” “There’s a Piper Playing,” and “Tipperary.” Mr Roi Don played the accompaniments. A large crowd assembled at the “sing” at the Empire Theatre in anticipation of Sir Harry Lauder appearing there, but unfortunately there was some misunderstanding and Sir Harry did not put in an appearance. Mr J. Hanna led the sing there, and Miss Rita Holmes played tho accompaniments.