MAORI ENTERTAINERS

Evening Star, Issue 21048, 10 March 1932, Page 13

MAORI ENTERTAINERS

SPLENDID ANNIVERSARY CONCERT TREMENDOUS SUPPORT, WELL MERITED Proof that Maori entertainments are enjoyed by the majority of people was given once more last evening, when tho Town Hall was all but filled on the occasion of tho visit of the Rev. A. J, Seamer’s famous Maori choir. Tho tour of tho entertainers marks the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the Methodist Maori Mission, and, as in past years, the party in Native costume gave of their very best. Not once, but many times, the largo hall simply rang with applause. Judging by tho reception of the many items, the programme was greatly enjoyed, the largo audience being amply rewarded for its assistance to tho mission fund, for which the tour is being made. Everywhere the Maoris have so far visited on their way south, crowded houses have been the rule, and the concert truly deserves continued exceptional support throughout the remainder of its presentations. Members of the party were welcomed according to Maori custom by representatives of tho Maoris and Europeans on the stage. The Rev. H. E. Bellhouse welcomed the party on behalf of tho _ local Methodist Church. The speech in reply by the chief of Waikato (Te Aho-o-te-rangi Pihama) was interpreted by the Rev. A. J. Seamer (general superintendent of Methodist Home and Maori Missions). The call representing eight tribes travelling under tho Gospel banner it was said had been given in the welcome. The chief then spoke of what Christianity and civilisation had done for the uplift of the Maori, and ho told how the Methodist Church had sent many helpers to work amongst his people. He appealed to everybody to continue to help the young Maori. The opening ceremony was concluded by the party chanting ancient Maori greetings, and the members of the party were introduced to those on the platform, the usual Maori welcome of pressing noses amusing those present in no small degree. _ Psalms chanted in Maori and English opened the concert programme. Tho blend of the voices was a delight to the ear, the simple music being beautifully presented. There followed Kune’s (the Maori discoverer of New Zealand) waiata, and a poi waka. Tho first Christian hymn in Maori, composed before the settlement of the white man, was then rendered. Sung to good effect in Japan, England, and America by the Ratana party some yea n ago, the next Maori hymn was a particularly colourful one. ‘ E Pari Ra,’ with actions, by the party was a popular item, and so also was ‘ Kainate, Kamate,’ by Kiwi Couch (Canterbury, an unofficial member of the party). ‘ Whispers of Heaven,’ was a suitable Maori hymn for the lovely voice of Rangipeka Karamaina (King Country), who was recalled to sing ‘ Pass It On.’ Several types of poi dances, including an ancient one of greeting, were then staged. Teuira Tuteao (Kawhia) gave an exhibition of taiaha figures. Hone Wereta (Manawatu) sang ‘ The Song of the Locust,’ and he was accompanied on the piano by Airini Wereta (Chatham Islands). A typo of haka was also given in connection with this item. A concerted item introducing hymns and a medley of popular choruses followed, after which Paikea Toka (Auckland) gave a steel guitar solo. Alfred Hill’s popular ‘ Waiata Poi ’ was an excellent song for the talent of Wanairapgi Toka (Taranaki), Rangi Toka accompanying her qn_ the steel guitar, and the characteristic poi was danced. She was encored. A quartet sang the Ratana hymn in Maori and English. Airini Wereta sang ‘ Waiata Maori ’ unaccompanied, for which she won flattering applause, and she was enthusiastically recalled, when she sang ‘ Fear Ye Not, 0 Israel,’ Mr Frank Crawley (Dunedin) providing tho piano accompaniment. There was another quartet, and then came one of the most interesting features of the entertainment, entitled ‘ Maoris at Home.’ Favourite choruses accompanied on string instruments, Polynesian dances, and stone-age games, as played by their ancestors, were all included in this piece. A long-string poi dance was given, and the concert was brought to a close by a rousing haka.