MAORI CONCERT

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25304, 2 October 1947, Page 5

MAORI CONCERT

Sir, —Aparira Riwai complains that the Tuahiwi Roopu Tamariki (Pipiwharauroa) have not been invited to join the Ngati-Otautahi concert this week. I would point out that a general invitation was extended verbally to air Maori people, and. as a result, several members of Pipiwharauroa are appearing in this concert with NgatiOtautahi.—Yours, etc., VERNON THOMAS, President, Ngati-Otautahi (Ch. Ch. Maori Association. October 1. 1947.

Sir, —Apenira Riwai seems to have been misinformed: my letter was written to correct a statement that this week’s Maori concert was the first Maori concert held in Christchurch for some years, and to explain that it is the first Otautahi concert since 1944. The personnel of the party is not my business, but lies in the capable hands of the leader, Mrs Norman Bell. As regards the comparison between Tuahiwi’s “Roopu Tamariki” and Ngati-Otautahi. if Aperira Riwai will do me the honour of being my guest at the concert on Thursday night, she will be able to draw her own conclusions.—Yours, etc., JOHN STEWART. October 1,. 1947.

Sir, —In reply to Aperira Riwai’s comment. I would like to say that she apparently iS not aware that there are quite a number of Pipiwharauroa members in the Ngtai-Otautahi concert party. As one who saw the enthusiastic reception given by a Maori audience to items performed by the Ngati-Otautahi concert party at Waimate over the week-end, I would say that Ngati-Otautahi will stand comparison with anything that has been seen in Christchurch for many years. —Yours, etc.,

F. G. BRIGGS. October 1. 1947.

oir.—l wonder why it is that every time the Maori people of Christchurch and the surrounding districts get together to work for a common cause in peace and harmony, somebody is always ready to throw a spanner in the works? The letter from your correspondent in this morning’s paper seems to me to be both” paltry and unnecessary.—Yours, etc., x L RANGIMARIE. October 1, 1947.