UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 22 June 1931, Page 5

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

SUCCESSFUL CONCERTS. SATISFACTORY COLLECTIONS. An excellent programme was submitted ah the concert given in aid of ithe Unemployment Relief Fund by the New Zealand Maori Choir in the Hawera Opera House last evening. The house wag full and the performers were given a great reception. As a result the sum of £l7 was raised by a collection. Thus with the result amounting to £7 3s of the appeal made in High Street at the municipal hand performance made a total of over £24 for the week-end efforts. Tire band also assisted at the concert and gave as an opening number the hymn “Deep Harmony” and added during the evening the inarches “Underhill House,” and “Hale and Hearty” and the air “Harmonious Blacksmith.”

The Alaori choir was in great form and delighted all with their concerted numbers. The balance and blend were perfect and 1 the tone and expression really excellent. The combined effects were most effective, especially the pianissimo. Never has better part singing been heard in Hawera. The ohoir has that indefinable charm which belongs to Alaori part singing. Their choral numbers were, hymn “Awlii Mai” (Sunkey): quartette, “Alaori Folk Songs”* (traditional), Mrs. AVereta, Messrs. D. Nicholls. AV. Nikore and H. AVereta; hymn, “Toni AVairewa.” Each was enthusiastically encored.

Airs. AVereta L.A.8., the soprano (soloist, captured, her listeners with her delightful singing, clarity of tone and ease in performance being mark ed features. Her song was “Nightingales of June” and she was recalled twice and added further numbers. A violin solo was played by Mr Hemi Rikihana, an accomplished player, whose selection was “Zizenner AAteisen” (Sarasate). His execution and technique were of a very high order and he was given a reception that demanded a further solo. This was played also in the same finished manner and made a markedly good impression on his hearers. The steel guitar number “Hawaiian Airs” with solo by Air. H. AVereta was most enjoyable and the audience insisted on three recall items. Their playing of all was excellent. During the evening the Alayor (Air. E. A. Pacev) expressed the hearty appreciation of the people with the fine performance given by the Alaori party which all would admit had been remarkably good and helped a deserv ing cause. He referred also to the good' work of the AA T omen’s National Reserve and the fine response to their appeal for money and goods and food for the relief of need. He drew attention to the fact that the Alaori choir had given the performance free and appealed for hearty support to them for their own conceit on Tuesday evening when a great- programme of music, song and dancing would be given. ■ In conclusion the Alayor thanked the theatre company for it® generosity in giving the Opera House free, the band for its numbers., the “Hawera. Star” and- Mr. Ekdahl. the Power Board, the Women’s Club, the Unemployment Committee and its efficient lion, secretary, Air. J. E. Campbell, and Mrs. Rayher (of Sydney) who with the baud arranged and organised the concert which had been so great a success. The national, anthem concluded the evening programme. • .