THE MAORI AS ENTERTAINER.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 8 October 1931, Page 6

THE MAORI AS ENTERTAINER.

A NOTABLE EXAMPLE. PROGRAMME BY METHODIST MISSION PARTY. Much that is valuable from a traditional point- of view is preserved in the repertoire of the Maori company of entertainers who are on tour with ■Sister Nicholls in the interests of the Methodist mission. If one had time 'to inquire into the origins of the ancient dances, mulsic and games that were exemplified in the Century Hall last night in the course of an extensive* programme, they would provide material for years of study, and then the investigator would be left wondering where the Maori got his‘ musical gift, his artistic sense, and his poetic manner of speech. Mysterious race, that lacked the one thing—a written language—that would have led it straight to the civilisation which it so nearly approached! It is gratifying to record that the hall (was crowded —a fact which, in the face of economic stress, is a great tribute to the worth of the performance and likewise an acknowledgment of a worthy enterprise. Unfortunately, owing to illness, the Eev. A. J. Seamer, was not able to be with the company. His place on the platform was filled by the missionary Sister, and she was an excellent expositor of the party's folklore whether in indixidual or collective items, and was in addition an admirable interpreter. There were four male and four young lady performers in the troupe, and their resources as entertainers seemed endless. The voices were typical of the race —clear and sweet in the tenors and sopranos and full of mellowness in the lower registers. A figure of outstanding interest was the chief Hiringa (Waikato), who, at the commencement, advanced from the body of the. hall with the young women to the stage, where the ancient ceremony of challenge was initiated by the other men and enacted with its spectacular denouement of reconciliation.

After this preliminary, the party were addressed by Mr F. H. Hudson, circuit steward, who expressed the. pleasure of the local congregation at their visit and thanked them for their tour of the country, by which they were giving interesting demonstrations in the cause of the mission. He. also spoke in appreciation of Sister Nieh-i oils’ work, and in conclusion extended a hearty welcome to the whole party to Levin. Chief Hiringa responded in the Native tongue, his remarks being translated by Sister Nieholls. In the course of these he said, “You are right to welcome us in so fitting a manner, for do we not come as the descendants of many of thoJe great chiefs who at one time dominated this great land? When you welcome us you do honour •also to the memory of our departed and illustrious ancestors and the mhny tribes we here represent.” The party chanted one of their ancient waiatas, after which they exchanged with a group of local Pakehas who met them on the platform the ceremony Of hongi. The 95th Psalm was chanted by the Maoris, and they went on to give the ancient waiata of Kupe (credited by some tribes with the discovery of New Zealand); and, in English, they sang in harmony “Pur Fathers Crossed the Ocean.” The Polynesian migrations were further illustrated by a scena including the incantation of the: tohunga at the launching of the canoe, a poi appropriate to the motions of crossing the sea —a Maori barcarolle, in fact —and a joyful haka on their safe arrival. Before the missionaries came to New Zealand —Sister Nieholls explained —• some of the Maoris had gone for journeys overseas with the whalers; and the message of Christianity was first brought by one of these returning Natives, Ruatara, and he composed the first Christian hymn in Maori. This was sung by the company, who followed it with a hymn set to the tune of the “Marseillaise.” The warrior’s lament, “E pari ra,” was sung . by Miss Rangi Tawhai, and her plaintive rendering was followed by a more vigorous action presentation of -it by the party. A verse of a missionary hymn in the compass of the Maori scale of music afforded an interesting contrast 'with- two subsequent verses sung according to the Western register. A double poi by the four young ladies followed, to the accompaniment of a string trio and Ijhe interlocutions of the chieftain. Miss Rangipeka (King Country) rendered “Te Akoako and te Eangi” (“Whispers of Heaven”), partly in her own language and paxnly in English. She was encored, and came back to sing “Shepherd of the Hills.’* Mr Akonga Pihama (Waikato) was an adept with the steel guitar. By way of introduction to his item, Sister Nieholls stated that, 'ojwing to the troubles in the Waikato, between 1860 and 1871 only a very small remnant of the . converts kept true to the faith. Pihama was a descendant of the leader of that remnant. The item which he played was a lament of his people for the death of Sir Maui Pomare, their representative in Parliament, who had done a great deal for them. The interpretation was very appealing, and the executant was recalled. The thre male instrumentalists were also encored for a concerted number on the guitars. “I’m a-Rolling, ” an old hymn of the Jubilee Singers, was given by the party. A song, “Seeking the Bluebird,” was contributed by Mr Waka Taituha (Rahotu), who was encored and sang a song in praise of his home in Taranaki, after which he was again ’encor- : ed. The ladies of the party were associated, in a vocal quartette which they had practised for singing to Mr 'Seamer on his return, and their voices blended in rare harmony and rhythm. Another very effective selection was a hymn in English, “Ivory Palaces,” given by the company. AH joined in an exposition of an ancient and sacred poi dance, with Miss Kaiha (Whatawhata) as leader. The haunting melody of “Waiata Poi” was sung by Mrs Wana-i-rangi Toka, accompanied ■ by Mr Toka (Kaipara) on the Spanish guitar. Marked appreciation of [ the item was evinced, and Mrs Toka re- , turned and obliged .with the” ballad, .-“Waiting for iShipS that. Never Come' in.” The party rendered a medley, of choruses; including some well-known , Maori melodies, and chanted a Psalm.

Tor their tender rendition of “Annie Laurie’ ’ they were recalled. An impersonation of the tiki, followed by the tiki haka, caused hath interest and amusement. The girls Bangi and Baiha sang / ‘.Genevieve, ” and were deservedly encored. “The Maoris at Home” comprised some very fine vocal and instrumental work by the entire troupe, an exhibition of Stone Age games, single dances, some rousing hakaa, and a long-stringed poi dance. “Home Little Maori, Home,” was sung by Mrs Toka, with refrain by the party; and, being recalled, she responded with “Memories;” bringing a thoroughly enjoyable programme to , a close. ( Sister Nicholls gave various details of the mission work, in remarks between the items. She stated that there were five Maori ministers and two deaconesses working in the King Country. At Batana the Methodist mission was represented by two teachers, who were also missionanry sisters,'and they had 90 children On their rolls.' In the King Country there were '26 Maori Sunday Schools. The work of the mission as a whole was very extensive. In Hew Zealand there were 55,000 Maoris and half-castes, and over 52,000 of them were resident in the North Island. The mission workers, in helping the Maoris, felt that they were helping the future of the Dominion, as the Maori' and half-caste population was increasing and would play a large part in this country. The Sister • referred to the need of more literature . for the Natives, and stated that a Maori paper 'had now been established. She .thanked all who had support- 1 ed the mission so well in past years, ■ also the audience for their presence and ■ those who were so kindly giving hospitality to the party during their stay ( in Levin. The Bev. W. G-. Slade moved a very cordial vote of thanks to the party for their programme, which he described as at least' equal to any of the kiiid that he. had heard. in previous yearf}, . ... ■ The, motion 1 was carried.-with hearty acclamation, v' ■ A.-.- '-'"'x '■ " Griroup. photos of the paf|y'were pfe- • sente t d ; Andricksen and ; Eva, 'Taylor;: for theiV | good seryicea .in'Selling tickets. ‘