PATRIOTIC SHEFFIELD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11207, 13 October 1914, Page 5

PATRIOTIC SHEFFIELD.

RALLIES TO WELCOME CO-OPS. £250 IS RAISED • [From Our Corresi-ondent.] Notwithstanding the unpleasant experience of facing a nor'-west gale of exceptional severity, the New Zealand Fanners' Co-operative Association's Choral Society, numbering about sixty performers, arrived at Sheffield on Saturday evening last and rendered a programme of high-class music such as is seldom heard in this district, to a delighted audience, judging by tho frequency of the applause. The company was under the able leadership of Mr W. A. Jameson. The large hall was packed. Mr H. A. Knight, chairman of the Malvern Comity Council, presided, and in a patriotic speech made forwent appeals to the peoplo to help in every possible way, and to the fullest extent of their abilities, the relief of suffering caused bj' the war. The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr Holland) was present, and also addressed the gathering, urging all to do their duty in upholding the flag of Britain. He also hinted at holding another concert at Sheffield for the Patriotic Fund in the near future. Mr E. W, Relph also spoke of tho pleasure it gave the Choral Society in being able to render assistance in the manner in which it was doing. During the interval Mr A. H. Bourn offered at auction a silk Union Jack, made and presented by the Farmers' Co-operative Choral and Orchestral Society, and after lively bidding the flag was secured by Mr Wright for thirtyfive guineas, on_ behalf of tho ladies of the Sheffield riding. At the conclusion the chairman thanked the people for responding sr, well to the efforts of the promoters o f the_ concert, and especially the Chor?l Society for their vnlwd as?"',stance arc! tho Farmers' Co-operative for the silk flag. Mr E. W, Relph suitably replied. The proceeds of the concert, sale of donations on sunscrintion lists should benefit the fn"d £250.