BEGONE, DULL CARE!

Waipa Post, Volume 48, Issue 3477, 9 June 1934, Page 7

BEGONE, DULL CARE!

LARGE AUDIENCE MAKES MERRY. SUCCESSFUL "COMMUNITY SING."

The very large audience at the Empire Theatre last evening made merry to some purpose, for dozens of popular songs and old time favourites figured on the bill-of-fare arranged in connection with the first public "community sing" held in Te Awamutu for many years. The function was arranged by the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union, primarily for the purpose of augmenting the Mayor's Relief Fund and the funds of the Division (Te Awamutu branch) and generally to give the people an opportunity to sing all their cares away.

Shortly after eight o'clock the deputy-Mayor, Cr H. C. Rainey, himself a warm admirer of the special guests, introduced Mr and Mrs Albert Russell and Mrs Barrington Snow, of Auckland, and in doing so he expressed the sincere regrets of the Mayor at being unable, through indisposition, to be present. However, he conveyed the best wishes of both the Mayor and Mayoress to the Auckland visitors, and heartily accorded them the greetings of the whole of the citizens, explaining that it was hardly necessary to formally introduce them, for they were so widely and favourably known for their wonderflu 1 work over a term of years, for their "happiness" work in Wellington and Auckland, Mr and Mrs Russell as leaders of weekly "community sings," and Mrs Barrington Snow as an exceptionally talented accompanist.

The visitors were accorded a tumultuous welcome, and Mr Russell (or "Albert," as he perhaps is even better known to all radio listenersin) appropriately acknowledged the welcome, saying he and Mrs Russell regarded their part in "community sings " as their/ hobby, and thus they got every bit as much enjoyment out of these functions as did anybody who attended them. He added that it was his first visit to Te Awamutu, but, oddly enough, he would also be in Te Awamutu again next Wednesday to deliver a public address on a matter of much more serious import. He hoped to see just such an interested and kindly audience as had greeted him that evening.

Then the "community singing" was commenced, with Mr and Mrs Russell as leaders. They soon had the audience singing lustily and tunefully, to the excellent accompaniments of Mrs Barrington Snow. The first song chosen was "We are Happy," and then followed "Pack Up Your Troubles," "It's a Long Way to Tipperary," "Give Yourself a Pat on the Back," "Mother Machree," "Sands of the Desert," "Oo! Ha! Ha!" "The Sun Has Got His Hat On," and "John Brown's Baby"—some of the items being exceedingly funny when the leaders introduced variations by inviting sections of the audience to take parts.

Then Mrs ißussell delighted all present with solos, such as "Come Sing to Me," "In the Gloaming," and "When Your Hair has Turned to Silver," the latter items with chorus.

Again community singing was indulged in, the songs chosen being "Annie Laurie," "Grandfather's Clock," "Moonlight and Roses," "Snap Your Fingers," and "Bells of St. Mary's." Mr Russell was next induced to sing a humorous solo, styled "Italiano," which produced a veritable storm of applause. He responded to insistent calls for an encore number with an exhibition of yodelling, but still the crowd wanted more, so with Mrs Russel, the duet, "The King's Horses," was presented. Then followed more community items, including "Daisy," "Here W'e Are Again," "Smiling Irish Eyes," "Have You Ever Been Lonely?" "Silver Threads Among the Gold" and "Bow-wow-wow" (with variations). Again Mrs Russell was heard to great advantage in the solos, "Auf We'dersohn" (Lovers' Lane), "Just a Song at Twilight," "In the Valley of the Moon," "Look for the Silver Lining," and "Old Kentucky Home," being assisted in some of them by the company.

Mr Russell created much merriment with his rendering of the comic item, "Ever So Goosy," and for an encore he gave an imitation of a little ecirl singing "Stay in Your Own Backyard." Community items followed, including "Who's Your Lady Friend," "Roamin' in the Gloamin'," "Bye. Bye, Blackbird," "Lily of Laguna," "Early in the Morning," "K-Katy," and "Round the Marble Arch," all rendered harmoniously and heartily. By request Mrs Russell sang "Mary Rose," with chorus," and she then led the audience in such old favourites as "Goodbye, Sweetheai-t," "There's a Tavern in the Town," and as the hour was getting late Mr Russell asked all present to join in the hymn, "Abide With Me," an item that proved decidedly popular, and it was followed by Another hymn, "Land of Hone and Glory." Mr Rainey brought proceedings to d close in expressing the thanks of the peopln of Te Awamutu and neighbourhood to Mr and Mrs Russell and Mrs Barrington Snow for "the wonderful night," and voicing the united hope that they will be r.ble to come again to Te Awamutu for another community sing at no distant date. That the wish was well backed up was evidenced by the hearty singmg of "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows."

M.r Russell, in appropriate terms, acknowledged the ovation, and the National Anthem terminated an evening's joy that will long be remembered in Te Awamutu.