MAORI EVENSONG

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 238, 8 October 1941, Page 5

MAORI EVENSONG

IN CAIRO CATHEDRAL

DEEP IMPRESSION MADE (N.Z.E.P. Official News Service.) I CAIRO, September 16. | Rich Maori voices were heard in] St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral at the Sun-i; day evensong when a choir from a' New Zealand training unit sang thel hymn "Aue E Ihu Tirohia."': Solemnity was added to the service! l as the melodious Maori words rolled! 1 through the huge cathedral, making!, a deep impression on the congrega-'<

tion of soldiers from all parts of the Empire and English residents of Cairo. Following the church service the Maori party under Second-Lieu tenant Hameora, entertained with songs and hymns in the Parish Hall. To convey an idea of Maori customs, a scene of welcome was enacted. The party was divided into two, one half being the hosts and the other the guests. After chants and a haka had been given and the two "chiefs" !had pressed noses, tribal games I were demonstrated. An action song dedicated to the Maori boys who |came to this country during the last jwar and several English songs of j this war were sung. Two further I hymns presented were "E Ihu Toku jOranga" and "Tama Ngakau Marie." I Soldiers and nurses from England, [South Africa and Australia showed i their appreciation of the programme iby prolonged applause. Many adimitted that they had been not only [surprised but deeply moved by the quality of the Maori music.