COMMUNITY SINGING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22742, 30 November 1935, Page 9

COMMUNITY SINGING

ANNUAL MEETING OF COMMITTEE The final meeting of the Dunedin Community Singing Committee was held in the Mayor’s room on Thursday afternoon, Mr W. R. Sinclair (chairman) presiding. The reoort and balance sheet was resented liy the secretary (Mr J. F. Himburg), and the chairman congratulated Mr H. P. Desmoulins (leader), Mr A. Pettitt (pianist), Mr Himburg, and all the members of the committee who had worked so hard during the long season. It had been a wonderful year, said Mr Sinclair, and he felt sure that the singing in Dunedin had reached a very high standard. It was hoped that when the sings were started in 1936 another successful year would result. The following is the report of the committee:— In presenting the report covering the activities of the Community Singing Committee for the season 1935, the committee has every reason to be proud of the results, both from the singing and financial part of the activities. The sings were held again in the Strand Theatre, by the courtesy of Messrs Fuller-Hayward, through Mr John Hamer, and on every occasion a very large audience was present, and, on some Fridays, numbers were unable to gain admission. The receipts f°r the 25 sings held, including £ll Is 2d brought forward from last year, totalled £666 3s 4d, as against £6OO 6s in 1934, an increase of £65 17s 4d. The expenses this year were £lB4 12s 4d, as against £154 Os 5d last year, the increase being caused by extra advertising, which was found necessary owing to opposition sings. The amount of £4OO has been handed to the Mayor’s Unemployment Fund. It is proposed to carry forward £8 16s 2d. A special day was set aside for the Mayoress’s Children Christmas Cheer Fund. This was held in the Strand Theatre at the end of the season, and was conducted by Big Brother Bill. The sum of £7O 8s lOd was received. After deducting expenses, £5 19s, the amount of £64 9s lOd was handed to the fund. Big Brother Bill is deserving of a special word of praise for his wonderful effort, as, through his appeal, the amount received this year was just on double that of 1934, when £33 9s lOd was handed over. , , ~ The final sing of the season was held in the Town Hall, and scenes of great enthusiasm were witnessed by one of the largest audiences seen in thc_ Town Hall. Every seat, including the choir seats, was occupied. The leaders were Mr Desmoulins and Mr Himburg, with Mr Pettitt at the piano, assisted by Begg’s orchestra. The sum of £69 Is was taken at the booking office, against £44 7s 7d last year, making a total of £l7l 16s 2d, which must be a record for New Zealand for a sing, an increase of £B2 7s 7d. A good programme had been arranged, and every-, thing went well. , There ie no doubt about the popularity of the sings, - This is clearly shown by the fact that in 1931 £74 0s 10d was the total receipt; 1932, £lO4 2a 9d; 1933, £399 10s; 1934, £6OO 6s; and this year £666 3s 4d. The committee is proud of the fact that the whole of the amount contributed is by voluntary subscriptions and from sale of articles sent in. No money has been raised by raffles. The committee are unanimously of-the opinion that what the public and listeners-iii want is singing and enjoyment. Apart from the actual financial results, the committee have reason to be "ratified in the knowledge that the weekly sings afford a great deal of pleasure to those taking part. Thousands of letters have been received from listeners-in expressing their gratitude to the committee for the opportunity to enjoy an hour of real happiness, and this year some substantial donations have accompanied these letters. The object of the sings is to give pleasure to. those attending and those listening-in, and in particular to patients in hospital and those unable-to attend, the financial aspect being a secondary consideration. The committee feels that it is doing its duty when it can give ’pleasure for an hour. This year the trio—Messrs Desmoulins, Pettitt, and Himburg-—have gone further afield, and given “sings” at Lawrence, Kaitangata, Gore, Milton and Roxburgh for worthy objects. The committee is again very much indebted to Mr Pettitt for his work at the piano, which gave so much pleasure to those present, and to listeners-in, and was of utmost assistance to the, leaders. The thanks of the committee are specially due to the loader, Mr Desmoulins, who conducted all the sings at the Strand, Big Brother Bill (Pastor More) for his excellent efforts, and Mr Himburg. It would be invidious to mention those who contributed vocal and instrumental items, but the committee desires to tender its sincere thanks to all. During the season visits were paid to the sings by various parties, and these visits were much appreciated. The committee appreciates the valuable assistance given by the 4YA station, and by the Evening Star and the Otago Daily Times. The committee also wish to thank Messrs Fuller-Hayward. through Dir Hamer, for the use of the Strand Theatre. Miss T.cggott. who made slides for the sings Messrs Crawford and White, an! Mr Reid f Manser 1 of the theatre, for their untirbi" assistance °t all 'imps. and the house staffs at the Town Hall, mem hers of the Toe H. Mr Bntl n dge and "'ll' Kennedy for assistance. "Mr H. Ho"" Mr S. Veitch for the use of the amplifying system at tba Town Hall. Snecial thanks are due to Mrs M'Tntvre. who had charge of the stall, and whose efforts in selling the different articles realised £35 12s fid. The report was adente.i.