MAORI ARTISTRY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 238, 5 September 1933, Page 10

MAORI ARTISTRY

PACKED HOUSE ENTERTAINED. A packed Opera House last evening was a fitting reward for the efforts expended when Rev. A. J. Seamer’s Methodist Maori Choir presented what was probably the finest programme of its type ever witnessed in Palmerston North. The building was crowded in every portion and the enthusiasm and sympathy of the big audience were forthcoming as each phase of the programme was unwound. The Maori has come to be regarded as a most soulful race—one that expresses in song and story the sorrows, successes, and joys experienced. Poetic interpretation in a manner calculated to touch—and, if necessary, stir—the heart is the secret of the pattern comprising the warp and woof of the fabric of liis life, and when the true interpreter is found and linked with those of his kind the resultant messago is well-nigh “pregnant with celestial fire.” Last evening the programme appealed because of its novelty, covering the phases of the Maori’s life yesterday, to-day and tomorrow, and for the freshness of presentation. The first scene was that of a native kainga, or meeting house, with the Maori at home. After a brief insight had been obtained into the village home, preparations were made to welcome a visiting party, who made their way on to the stage from the back of the hall. In true fashion the visitors were welcomed with liaka.s and songs, waiatas and speeches, and then the ancient and graceful poi dance was executed. As a means of seeing the old Maori at pla.y the first part of the titiorea stick game was demonstrated, followed by dances, the section concluding with a waiata. Section two provided the means of appreciating the diversity of talent available from the most highly-ranked people of the principal tribes of both Islands. A set of very fine choruses, in which the harmony at times resembled the tones of a grand organ at full expression was given to the songs, opened the phase dealing with the Maori at home. Then followed a graceful dance and the second and third parts of the stick game. A double poi and single poi saw beautiful movements executed, A change was forthcoming when “E Pari Ra” —the -song of the first voyagers from Hawaiki —was presented as a soprano solo and with chorus —a piece of rich music. A canoe and long-stringed poi, which were presented with grace and trueness, served to introduce a spirited haka in which concerted participation illustrated the more hardy qualities of the race. A charming interlude in the period of transformation of the Maori as it is hoped he will be to-morrow was provided by Mr J. Moss singing in finished style “Kamate” and “When You Come Homo.” For those who might have found the feast of essentially native song and play rather a surfeit there was a very pleasant change when the curtain rose again. The party commenced with the chanting of Psalm 121 (“I Will Lift Up”), and passed on to the remarkably tender and expressive “How Excellent is Tliy Loving Kindness.” Following this beautiful offering, in which every note was liquid or limpid and true music, the Canterbury representative sang with an interpretation heard all too rarely the particularly appealing love song, “Come Little Maori” — one of Alfred Hill’s best offerings to the world. The celebrated quartette piece “Hinemoa” followed and an instrumental trio - demonstrated the Eower the Maori exercises in making is instrument all but sing. “Te Akoako” and a love song were vehicles for two splendid contralto soloists whose richness of notes was amazing. As the means of providing a pot pourri of the airs of tne race the choir concluded the entertainment with a series of Christian choruses and similar songs, outstanding among which was the wistful Alexander composition, “Ivory Palaces.” The concluding number on a most satisfying programme was “God Be With You,” in which the audience joined. In conversation with a “Standard” reporter during the evening, Rev. Mr Seamer said he desired to lay stress on the fact that it was primarily an educative tour in which it was hoped to acquaint the people of the Dominion more satisfactorily with the culture of their own race. There would be comparatively little margin despite the large house, he said.

At an appropriate interval, Rev. A. N. Scotter, as chairman of the district, expressed gratification at the patronage accorded the production and took the opportunity to thank those who had opened their homes to the visitors. The party had come in two portions by way of the Wairarapa and the Manawatu and would now split up again and - visit- the Taranaki and Napier districts.