“MERRY CHRISTMAS!”

Evening Star, Issue 23650, 9 August 1940, Page 6

“MERRY CHRISTMAS!”

FUNDS FOR SOLDIERS’ PARCELS OVER £6O FROM " MAORI SING " Over £6O, earmarked for parcels at Christmas for tho Otago soldiers overseas. was donated to-day at the Strand Theatre “ Maori Day ” community sing, when a party of Maoris from the Karitane district were the principal entertainers. There was a big crowd, augmented by soldiers on leave, and the choruses were excellent. One of the finest numbers was the ‘Maori Battalion Song,’ the words of which have not yet been published, but which seem to be generally known. The leaders were mostly in Maori dress, and this added further to the spontaneous gaiety that prevailed. Maori action songs" were the first on the programme to be presented, including ‘ Kia Ora Huirapa ’ and ‘ Tuki Tuki.’ A poi dance, ‘ Haere Mai e bine ma a solo by Ha Taiaroa, who had a great reception. was Alfred Hill’s ‘ Waiata Poi another action song, ‘ Uia Mai’; and a haka were also given, and then the Papakura soldiers were hpard in ‘ Farewell to Thee ’ and ‘ Aue mama cue papa.’ Mrs Campbell, wife of a serving soldier, introduced a song suitable for adoption by tho third echelon, this being also popularly received. Articles donated met with a ready sale at auction. Next week the sing will he devoted to raising funds for giving the boys overseas a Christmas gift.