MAORI MlSSION PARTY.

Matamata Record, Volume XI, Issue 968, 1 November 1928, Page 1

MAORI MISSION PARTY.

EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE. j './■ [ On Monday evening, in the Matamata Town Hall, the Maori Mission Party, gave an excellent performance which was enjoyed by the very fair crowd of people in attendance.

Rhythmic pois and delightful music, together with a clever speech given in the Maori language by a fine old chief and interpreted into English by Sister Nicholls, were all immensely appreciated. The Maori singing voice is, perhaps, one of the softest and sweetest voices in the world, and the performers of the evening sang exceptionally well and tunefully. Before the programme there was a native welcome to the visiting party by local representa- j tives. Mr. J. F. Vosper spoke ap-

propriately, thanking the , for coming to Matamata. Sister ; Nicholls, on behalf of the troupe, replied, thanking the people for their attendance. She also mentioned that this was the 106th anniversary of the Methodist Maori Mission in New. Zealand. v ' • ' / The items were as follow: First hyman to be translated into Maori language (sung to old Maori tune), by Chief Te Ahoterangi Pihama, “Tama Ngakau Maori ”; Maori hymn, by the party; solo, Miss Tuahine Tautari; double poi, by the girls; solo, “ E Pari Ra/’ Miss Wanairangi Poihi, encore, “ WaiatSP Poi ”; Poi Ra, (long poi); solo, “ Home Little Maori Home,” by I Mr; Wi Perehama Mahauariki (en- I cored); Maori hymn, by the party; solo, “ Slumber Song,” Miss Hinerangi Hikuroa (encored); Poi Waka (canoe poi); solo, “ Maori Waiata,” Mr. Watson Nelson, encore “ God’s Own Country ”; Maori hymn, “Te Ariki ”; speech by Chief Te Ahoterangi Pihama, interpreted - by Sister Nicholls, ended in true Maori style by Chief Maori Waiata; “ Maori* At Home,” by the party, singing of Maori ditties, exhibition of old-time Maori games and hakas; instrumental items; solo, Mr. Watson Nelson; “ Awhi Mai E,” in English and Maori.