MAORI CONCERT

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7018, 18 September 1929, Page 11

MAORI CONCERT

POLYNESIAN PROGRAMME.

A capacity audience greeted the presentation of a concert of Polynesian music, song and Maori items at the Opera House last evening when tmo senior and junior Methodist Maori , mission party rendered a most, enjoyable programme. Under the control of the Rev A. J. Seamer, New Zealand superintendent of Maori Missions, 14 members appeared to represent 10 Auckland, Waikato, King Country, -Wanganui, Taranaki, Manawatu, Canterbury and Otago districts led by the smiling Chief Te Ahooterangi. To commemorate the 197-th anniversary of the arrival of the Maori in New Zealand the first hymn— known m the Waikato as the “Jesus hymn” was rendered in beautiful harmony, the chief first leading with several of tUc verses as they appeared in original form. , To* the tune of ’' The Soldier s Farewell” the next choral rendering told of the natives' love of his ancestors. Stone age games were then presented followed by waiatas, tititoreato, homai songs, choruses, poi dances and hakas. 1 The Manawatu representative of the party received an ovation with his solo “Home Little Maori, Home,” while such items as “Until,” “Waiata Poi” and “Waiata Maori” were very well received. At a suitable juncture the . Rev. Seamer thanked the audience for its attendance, mentioning that the proceeds would be devoted to the work of assisting Maori children in the Waikato and King Country where over 500 wore receiving attention. B'O-uquets were handed over the footlights to the lady members of the party and insistent demands for encores were responded to with original numbers and the staging of additional hakas and poi action. At all times the choral numbers were in perfect unison and the harmony typical of Maori singing was much-appfcci-ated. . -