MOTUEKA DISTRICT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 29 July 1933, Page 2

MOTUEKA DISTRICT

“THE CHANGING MAORI” ANGLICAN MISSION PARTY The Waikawa Maori concert party, under the leadership of To Ari Pitama, of the Anglican Maori Mission party, presented “The Changing Maori” at Upper Moutere, Ngatimoti and Riwaka on the 24th, 25th, and 26th July. Mr Pitama explained fully the traditional portion of the programme. The second part showed the Maori of to-day with I his interpretation of the modern jazz | music, while the third scene is unusual iu that it depicts tlie spiritual life in the Native village. The concert opened with To Kooti’s lament as the ancient canoe leaves llawaiki for (he shores of Totearoa. Tlie cunos ploughing through the waves was illustrated by the girls doing the Waka. Poi, followed by the Rarotongiau sen shanty Karu-Karu, and the iPowhiri (welcome), a liaka while the canoe is pulled ashore. The girls gave delightful exhibitions of the ever popular poi dances, which portray the flight of the birds. Kalii Riwaka, soprano, sang “Akc Ake o te Rangi” and “Home Sweet Home” in Maori. Roko Ropata, contralto, sang “Hine e Hivie,” and Rangi Morelni, tenor, “Home Little Maori.” Concerted singing of love ditties and action songs, hakas, blessing of the leaves before the weaving, by the Tohunga, and the farewell song “E Pari Ra” closed the traditional section.

The second part was comprised of instrumental numbers, guitar duets and trios by tlie girls and boys, and a piano duet by C. and P. Love. Comical songs worn sung by Mack Love—Picton’s favourite. Kalii Riwaka, the only trained singer in the party sang “Annie Laurie.” and Roka Ropata sang “Sleepy Hollow,” and “Sunset Land.” A pleas-

ing combination of singing was given by Rangi Moreliu and Poi Love. Wiremu Huutly supplied the humour. A medley of modern Maori music to which Charlotte Love did the Hula dance, concluded this part. The third scene depicted the interior of the village church. The choir opened with “Adeste Fideles” in Latin. The Kyrie Elison in Greek, and prayers sung to an old Wanganui chant were followed by two Maori hymns, and the concert concluded with the National i Anthem in Maori. j