WELLINGTON’S “JOY HOUR.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16701, 5 April 1922, Page 6

WELLINGTON’S “JOY HOUR.”

COMMUNITY SINGING. A MUSICAL EXPERIMENT. (Special to- the f£ Star.”) WELLINGTON, April 5. “ Sing-songs ” were popular in the Army during the war, and undoubtedly had good effect upon the spirits of the soldiers. Wellington, following the example of many American and some Australian cities, is trying the experiment of a communal “sing-song” to promote cheerfulness and general good feeling among all classes during tho winter period. The initial experiment. led by an experienced organiser of .such affairs, took place in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, which has rarely contained such an enthusiastic crowd of vocalists. ”If you can’t sing, just make a joyful noise,” was the opening advice of Afr Cyril Alee, the leader of the proceedings. ‘ 1 Open and close your mouth,” he said. “ make a. musical noise or otherwise, and join in. You will be entering into the spirit of tho occasion ; you will be helping yourselves— and fooling me! ” The gathering received the blessings of the Alayor, who made up for lack of polish in his vocalism by some jocular urging to the audience to get into the spirit of a good thing. Anyone who didn’t attempt to sing, he declared, should be fined five pounds. There were no penalties, for it hardly took two minutes before the whole audience was in the proper mood, doing its best with a parody on ‘ 4 It’s a Long way to Tipperary,” in which appeared some clever local allusions. Some of Air ATee’s special items, with easy words and catchy music, were quickly picked up by the audience, for the leader had the able assistance of a soprano soloist and a- good accompanist. There was a “ Smiling Song,” and another with the happy title of

” Keep on Humming.” The whole tendency of tho programme was to create the idea that cheerfulness is a virtue to which everyone had an obligation to contribute. When the singsong was well under weigh, Air Alee easily managed to get the ladies to sing by themselves Ci just to let the men see how well you can manage.” The, tu m came of the male vocalists, and the latter section valiantly essayed—under good humoured urging from the stage-—to whistle an accompaniment- to the ladies in a popular chorus. Af a.nv well-known musical people Watched the performance. Some were disposed to think the music. “ cheap,” hut there were tuneful old songs and choruses which have woven themselves into the hearts of the populace, and they are not to be regarded as “ cheap.” Tt is intended to issue a small book of songs, mid to take great t care in their selection, so as to include l lie best of the folk-songs of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, with any other selections having the merit of tunefulness. Afusical taste may not be directly encouraged but it is bound t-o indirectly benefit, while the tone of tho gathering constituted an asset worth much in these trying times. Probably the Wellington experiment will spread, therefore a. few details of the methods of organising it are worth while. Collection boxes at- tho door enable the audience to contribute small ! sums for working expenses. This week's experiment produced £B. which is more than sufficient for average expenses. Tt has been the experience of Adelaide, where the community sing-song is well established, that the collections during the winter season pay expenses and leave a balance of over £7O. Hymns are excluded from the programme, ns there is some danger of raising religious questions, and experience elsewhere had led to this rule. The song leaders are chosen by a local committee, and Wellington seems fortunate in having at least half a dozen ready-witted musical men. who can fill tho bill. Tly*y select their own soloist and accompanist, and it is anticipated that these arrangements can bo made without fee. Wellington will carry on its community sing every Wednesday throughout tho winter. Tt starts at 12.30, and ends about- 1.30. Tho audience is free to wander in and out, which suits tho convenience of those who have to get away early or come late because of lunch arrangements. The first audience was thoroughly typical of the people who earn their living in city shops and offices.

<e Health and Strength ” of February 18, contains the following reference to a feat of strength by Mr F. A. Hornibrook, formerly of Christchurch : - On July 26 last, F. A. Hornibrook broke the existing British professional crucifix record by holding out 651 b in the right hand and 61£lb in the left—a. total of 126 fi- On Thursday evening, February 9 to celebrate his fortythird birthday, F. A. Hornibrook succeeded in breaking the record he had established last July- He accomplished the wonderful feat of holding out 13251 b in the right hand and 63|lh in the left, beating his own preions record by 6£lb. and beating the best other record, which was made by H. Vickers, of Bolton, of 1301 b, when he was an amateur. Tho referee and clerk of scales was H. Deykin, the wellknown professional referee; and the judges were H. (■- Crittenden and Bernard Bernard, editor of “ Health ami. Strength," and president of the British Amateur Weight Lifting A-sen iatiou.