EFFORT OF ROTARY CLUB REALISED £92 FOR NEEDY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18643, 24 December 1928, Page 14

EFFORT OF ROTARY CLUB REALISED £92 FOR NEEDY.

CONCERT GIVEN BY BANDS AND CHOIRS. Amid the beautiful surroundings of the Christchurch Hospital Grounds, yesterday afternoon, the concert given by massed bands and combined choirs of Christchurch, and arranged by the Rotary Club, was held. The concert was arranged to give the public an opportunity to assist the club in its good work of providing Christmas cheer for 200 families in Christchurch. The Mayor (the Rev J. K. Archer), speaking during the course of the afternoon, outlined the worthy object to which the public were being asked to contribute. He had no doubt that those present, and those many radio listeners, would help the club to achieve its aim. Thanks were due to them all and he was sure that during the festive season there would be a large number of families grateful to them for their generosity. The money would first be distributed to the children in orphanages and then would go to help to make up parcels and hampers for poor families. “At Christmas time we see human nature at its very best, and I am sure that by helping others we find real happiness,” he concluded. Bishop West-Watson said he was glad to be able to speak and commend such a worthy object. “You all know of Rotary,” he said, “ and how it puts goodwill and fellowship into all men, and you all know it has proved its worth time and time again. The club is doing some very practical and Christian work and not merely giving lectures and addresses. Before the New Year many people will be grateful to and blessing the Rotary Club. In two ways the club is achieving its object, firstly by this concert, and then by a street collection. It is to be hoped that all will give. Already £25 has been received from farmers at the Addington Saleyards, and £ls has been given by the children readers of the ‘ Star.’ However, there are 1127 people to distribute the money between and a great deal is needed. “ At Christmas all our thoughts turn to the children. Why should not those who have no children of their own help the many needy ones? They will find happiness in doing so. We have happy children of our own, because they know they have someone kind to keep them and love them. Help all these others.” The programme was excellent and the choirs and bands thoroughly deserved the praise that was showered upon them. “ The Great Little Army,” by the massed bands, was a masterpiece. Together the choirs and audience sang “O, Come, All Ye Faithful,” “At Even Ere the Sun was Set, ’ and “ Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” The combined choirs sang “ Worthy is the Lamb ” and the “ Hallelujah Chorus.” There were three bands present, Derry’s, Municipal, and Woolston. Two numbers were given by each, those of Derry’s being “In a Monastery Garden ” and “ War March of the Priests.” The Municipal Band played a medley and’ a march, and the Woolston Band contributed the overture “ Raymond ” and the march “ Brilliante.” The collection amounted to £92.