MAORI CHOIR VISITS FOXTON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LII, Issue 4806, 8 September 1932, Page 2

MAORI CHOIR VISITS FOXTON.

CONCERT IN AID OF METHODIST HOME MISSIONS.

A fairly good attendance greeted the Maori Choir in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening when the tourists gave a concert in the interests of the Methodist Home Missions.

The troupe, who were under the charge of the Rev. A. J. Seamer. general superintendent of N.Z. Horae Missions, consisted of four ladies and four men. The former were Sister Ropata (Canterbury), Airini Karenara (Mrs Wereta, Chatham Islands), Raiho Pihama (Raglan) and Raugipeka (King Country). The male members were Hone wireta (Manawatu), Te ,4kenga (Whatawhata, Tntawhiao Southland) and P. Tikao (Ripaki). After they had gone through the rites of welcome in accordance with the usages of their race, they were made welcome to Foxton in European fashion by the Mayor (Mr. M. E. Perreau).

A response was made by the spokesman of the party in liis Native tongue, Mr. Seamer acting as interpreter.

The sweet and mellow quality of the voices was evident as soon as the choir entered into the singing of an ancient waiata, which was followed by the contrasting vigour of a liaka. After the Rev. Mr. Seamer had thanked the Mayor for this welcome, the party sang, the Lord’s Prayer and went on to render a Maori chant, which was succeeded by the chanting in English of the 101 st Psalm, with admirable phrasing. An interesting example of the ancient music, and poetry of the race was the waiata which had been sung by the old navigators from Hawaiki, Ivupe and Ngapua, on their landing in New Zealand. “Part-singing in exeelsis” justly describes the unaccompanied rendition in English of “Our Fathers Crossed the Ocean,” the tone, balance and harmony being irresistibly appealing. The first canoe poi executed was by the whole company, and it was of much historical significance, as it Avas

descriptive of the expedition Avhich found its goal in Aotearoa, the salient features being the priest’s invocation, the launching of the canoes, the paddling, the landing, and the joyous haka upon a safe arrival. The party next sang a hymn composed by the chief Ruatara, who, according to tradition, brought the first message of Christianity to the Maoris, as the result of a journey Avhich he had made: to the Old Country. The party were heard in various other musical modes, and all their concerted work Avas unaccompanied, affording full opportunity of noting the refinements of light and shade Avhich ai*e as second nature to them. ; The Jubilee spiritual, “I’m a-Rolling,” was delivered Avith a wonderfully true sense of proportion. With a guitar accompaniment, Miss Rangipeka contributed a very sympathetic interpretation of “E pari ra,” that tender song of fareAvell that Avas Avritten for the Maori troops avlio sailed away jo the Great War. The company joined in after the first verse, and made old memories live again. An ancient poi was performed as a greeting to the local residents. TutaAvhiao demonstrated his fine tenor in “The Hymns of the Old Church Choir,” and AA*as heartily encored, A\hereupon he sang with persuading realism “When You Come Home.” The ladies Avere recalled for their clever presentation of a canoe poi. Miss Pihama sweetly rendered a vocal solo to steel guitar accompaniment ; and a trio of these instruments was much appreciated. Eager anticipation on the part of the audience Avas gratified when the cultured soprano, Mrs Wereta, gave her first solo, which Avas “Waiata Poi,” interpreted in the light of tradition and intimate understanding of the motif and hv the medium of a gift of melody such as it is the privilege of the. few to possess. Her liquid notes Avere cherished individually as they filled the hall, and the performance roused the audience to great enthusiasm, Avhich had the effect of bringing the singer hack to render just as happily “Annie Laurie,” Avhich she sang at the piano. Miss Pihama shoAved herself to he an adept in the execution of an ancieiit waiata. A medley of concerted items was offered, among the selections being a typical Maori chorus entitled “Tanhvha,” a. Tongan fisherman’s song —“Kara”—and the reviva 1 hymn, “Ivory Palaces,” Avhich was enunciated Avith rare art, the diminuendo Avith which it concluded) suggesting the dying notes of an org'an under a master hand. Several Native action numbers Avere presented at intervals, and the long-string pois were specially popular. Mr. Tikao afforded much pleasure by his singing of “Home, Little Maori, Home.” His l young tenor A r oice Avas under excellent control, and he Avas immediately recalled, his contribution in response being “When You Come to the End of the Day.” The company staged the scena, “Maoris all Home,” in which they introduced their Stone Age games, a- Polynesian quartette, and various dances. A particularly fine turn was a long poi by Miss Rangipeka, rath piano and A T iolin accompaniment.

Rev. Mr. Seamer thanked the audience for their attendance in such large numbers, which showed the interest they had in the Maori people—an interest which he hoped would be sustained in the years to come. He also thanked the friends who were giving hospitality to the company.