MAORI CONCERT

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27148, 18 September 1953, Page 11

MAORI CONCERT

SONGS, DANCES, AND HAKAS A capacity audience of more than 300 persons, some of whom had to stand round the walls, attended the first of a series of monthly Maori concerts in the Durham Street Methodist Church Hall, Christchurch. The concerts are being presented in Christchurch and in country districts by a concert party from the Rehua Hostel. The concert was of high standard, and was very well received. The whole programme was recorded, and it is hoped to have some of the better items issued on discs.

The leader of the concert? party was the matron of Rehua Hostel, Mrs R. Vuleticli, who has a diploma in Maori arts and culture presented by the late Sir Apirana Ngata. The programme opened with the National Anthem sung in Maori. One of the best items a short poi, one of the most intricate and difficult of Maori dances. , All the Maoris taking part in the programme wore traditional dress, complete with piu pius. headgear and tattooing. A haka, “Ko Rua Moko,” given by a group of three students, was outstanding. The seven-year-old daughter of Mrs Vuletich took part in most of the items, and performed particularly well. Items were given by the Christchurch Harmoica Band and by the dancing., class of the Scottish Society. Duets were sung by-Mesdames Whitworth and Lawrence, accompanied by Mrs Williams.

An appeal for a piano for the Rehua Hostel was made during the programme. The hostel is sponsored by the Methodist Central Mission, and is open to girls of all denominations from both the North and South Islands. Sir Ernest and Lady Andrews, who have just returned from a threemonths trip to Fiji, were welcomed at the concert. Both are members of the board of management of the Methodist Central Mission.