THE CHOIR AND TIMARU.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCIV, Issue 14484, 4 July 1911, Page 4

THE CHOIR AND TIMARU.

| II i.s unfortunate Hint Timarn will only see the Sheffield Choir, and hear them in a grace. Even ' ihat is a concession, for while " Grace before Meal " is a time-' honoured institution which ,still lingers, grace before morning' iea savours of a thankfulness for small mercies which is not characteristic of the times. It is possible, however, that the Choir, who must leave C'hristclairch at seven o'clock, probably on a raw and frosty morning', to reach Timaru by ten, will esteem the cup of, tea which it has been arranged to a:ive them outside the

railway station more than a small mercy. Timaru would have been glad Vj do more, and to receive more, but tin: fates have jiot been propitious. Jt in easy to understand why t)ja Choir cannot gi vo a inain performance in this town, wince ])r llarijNs explains tliut many of the members were unable to spare more than six and a hall' month,s for the tour, which takes in the chief cities of Canada, .•Aualralia, and South Africa, in addition to New Zealand. I'ho interest which ia fel<t in the Choir in Timaru was shown by the number of citizens who availed themselves of the special rates to Christchurch yesterday to attend tho concerts in that city. It is unfortunate that even the reception to bo Riven to the visitors on Thursday must be abridged, so that the public will be able to do little more than " speed the parting guest." It had been hoped to prolong the stoppage of their special train at Timaru, but tjie crossing of other slow trainshad to be considered, and for which tho forms are now unable to provide for a stay of more than ten minutes. Notwithstanding these discouragements, the Mayor will adhere to the promise which ho gave to provide refreshment for the cold and weary travellers at Timaru, and we are confident that the citizens will not allow all the trouble of so doing to fall upon his shoulders, or all tho expense to fall upon his pocket. There should bo a strong band of willing helpers to meet the Mayor and Mayoress at the Council Chambers this afternoon. The visitors are kinsmen from across the sea, they are travelling on a patriotic mission, and they will bo our guests, however fleeting. It will be u graceful act on the town's part to show them the small hospitality proposed.