PATRIOTIC COMMUNITY SING

Southland Times, Issue 24499, 29 July 1941, Page 2

PATRIOTIC COMMUNITY SING

SUCCESSFUL EFFORT AT ' WINTON ( | A large audience nlled the Winton I Theatre on Saturday night for the j community sing conducted by the wellknown sporting commentator, Mr R. McKenzie, and the popular vocalist, Mr A. Jones, both of Dunedin. From the outset the programme proceeded with great zest, the crowd joining heartily |in the choruses and following with i much amusement the patter that proI vided both breathing space and enterjtainment. The younger folk in particular showed familiarity with such songs as “Maori Battalion,” “Little Sir Echo,” “Chestnut Tree” and “I’m Happy When I’m Hiking.” The highlight of the evening was the singing of Mr Jones, whose items, “MacGregor’s Gathering,” “Phil the Fluter’s Ball” and “Sussex By the Sea,” brought insistent demands for further contributions, his other songs being “I’ll Walk Beside You,” “A Cart Load of Hay” and “Gocdbye.” A Winton High School girl, Valma Stewart, sang “Rose of Tralee” and “Goodnight, Children Everywhere.” As | a special favour Mr McKenzie sang I “Kiss Me Goodnight, Sergeant-Major,” | which was well received by the audi- i ence. At the conclusion of the pro- ' gramme the pianist, Mrs McMechan, was accorded a very hearty vote of i thanks at the request of the song leader who referred to the excellence of her work, and presented her with a small token of appreciation. In thanking the public for the sup-poi-t it still gave to the patriotic cause, Mr W. J. Bennett reminded it of the many ways in which it could help and of the many methods by which it had been privileged to assist the boys overseas. He urged all to work together “till the boys come home.” Thanks were also accorded to the house staff, particularly the operator, Mr L. Brumby, for its co-operation. The Patriotic Fund will benefit substantially as a result of the entertainment. During the evening Mr McKenzie read a telegram of good wishes from Mr Norman Tilley, together with a donation to t’ e funds. Mr Tilley, a son of the Deputy-Mayor of Winton and a former well-Known Rugby referee, is now living in Levin.