Maori Male Voice Choir

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 213, 6 September 1934, Page 3

Maori Male Voice Choir

CONCERT AT I’EILDINQ The advent of rain on Tuesday evening probably prevented many people from venturing forth, to attend the concert given in the Majestic tlieatro, Feilding, by the Methodist Maori Male Voice Choir, nevertheless there was a good attendance which was handsomely repaid with a splendid concert. Members of tho party were, a 3 Rev. E. O. Blamires later in the proceedings confirmed, certainly most versatile, and their range of iteni3 provided an entertainment of unusual quality and decidedly distinctive. Every member was enthusiastically applauded, tho singing being most satisfying. Proceedings commenced with a speech of welcome in Maori, which Sister Eopata interpreted, and this was followed by tho Lord’s Prayer in Maori. Solo and concerted song numbers in English followed, interspersed with hakas, poi dances and canoe songs, all of which held the interest of the audience. The concluding haka was one rarely performed outside the pa, and the members, from tho leader down, entered with spirit into the chant. Thanking the visitors for their gifted entertainment, Rev. E. O. Blamires recalled .that certain members of the party were direct descendants of the early Maori missioners in tho Taranaki district.

A member of the party briefly recounted tho activities of tho mission, referring to tho difficult times through which the country was passing and how tho activities had been continued by many of the field workers without remuneration for their services. This year’s tour to raise funds for the mission marked the 112th anniversary of the establishment, of the Methodist Mission among the Maoris, and every member of the party was happy to be associated with Rev. Mr. Scamcr’s •great work among the Maoris and Europeans in the back-blocks. Mission activities were not confined to tho Maori, tho speaker said, and he wished it to bo understood that the’ pakeha settlers in the back country were also helped by mission workers. Proceedings concluded with the sing ing of tho National Anthem. The choir appeared at. Cheltenham last evening and will appear at Colyton io-niglit.