SERVICE IN THEATRE

Southland Times, Issue 25669, 11 May 1945, Page 6

SERVICE IN THEATRE

The last of the organized victory celebrations in Invercargill took the form of a thanksgiving service in the Civic Theatre last evening. Singing by the combined musical societies and short addresses comprised . the programme. There was a fair attendance of the public. The Mayor (Mr Abraham Wachner) introduced the speakers (whose addresses are reported elsewhere) and acted as master of ceremonies. In his remarks the Mayor said that in compliance with the wishes of the Government the service had been arranged; functions of a similar nature were being held hi all parts of the Empire and in the countries of the Allies, so that thanks might be offered for the victory achieved and for the successful termination of the war in Europe. “The war is not yet won, however,” said the Mayor, “and we must restrain our 'jubilation until the task is accomplished. “At this assembly it would be out of place for me,” he added, “to dwell on the immense task which devolves upon Britain and her Allies, as liberators, in feeding and sheltering the impoverished masses in the countries that have been freed; but that responsibility will be met.” He thanked the various organizations who had worked so hard in arranging the services at Rugby Park and that evening. The musical programme consisted of the hymns “God Defend New Zealand,” “Recessional,” “Jerusalem,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Hymn of Nations” (Moscow), the “Hellelujah Chorus” and the singing of “Land of Hope and Glory” by Mr N. F. Sansom.

The choir was conducted by Mr Paul Wesney, the orchestra by Mr P. A. Poole, and Mr Alfred Walmsley directed the choir through the singing of the “Hallelujah Chorus.”