MAORI SINGERS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 18960, 10 March 1936, Page 2

MAORI SINGERS

CHOIRS AND HYMN TESTS

HIGH STANDARD SET

COMMENTS BY JUDGE

"An exceptionally high standard was sci in the choir competitions held at the recent Maori synod at Manutuke, and the singers would bold their own with any pakeba choir in the Dominion," said Mrs. Inez. Wright, Mus. Bach. solo pianist, diploma, the judge of the singing, in an interview to-day. The function was fortunate in having the interest of the Bishop of Aotearoa, the Rt. Rev. F. A. Bennett, continued Mrs. Wright. His Lordship brought with him the Heretaunga choir from Hawke's Bay. and although it. was not eligible for the competitions it took part in the. festival and gave a polished performance, setting a good standard for the others-.

The judge also commented on the excellent management of the festival. under Mr. W. T. I'ilt, despite the adverse weather. The slandard of the work- was particularly high, notwithstanding the fact that, all the conductors were amateurs but one, the Haniii choir being conducted bv Mr. J. Carrington Wellby.

At the close of the competitions, Bishop Bennett said that never -before had such a high standard been reached both in the execution of the pieces by the competitors and in the judging. The judging was carried out with the greatest ofcare and all were satisfied with the results.

It was unfortunate that the. competitors from Haniti were unable to lake part on Saturday evening as the condition of the road in the bad weather delayed them, and 12 miles of their journey had Io be covered on foot. They were, however, allowed to perform their numbers on Sunday, and showed evidence of the sound work of their conductor.

The Torere team was unfortunate in having to travel without their conduetor. The choir showed its true worth in the unconducted hymn, in which if was placed first on its music. The winners of the aggregate shield, Manutuke, conducted bv the Rev. K. Hadfield, showed beautiful tone, expression and control. It was the only choir to sing the test anthem at the correct tempo.

The competitors from Hikurangi gave trood performances throughout, and showed evidence of capable teaching. Thev were the runners-up for the shield. Tn the nnfliem test Torere was conducted by Mr. Wellbv, who also conducted his own choir from Hauiti in this section.

HAUITI TROPHIES

GATHERING LAST NIGHT

Trophies won by the Hauiti-Whangiara choir at the Maori choir competitions at Manutuke during the week-end were exhibited at, a function "held at, Poho-o-Rawiri last night. Mr. J. Carrington Wellby, who trained the choir lor the occasion, and Mrs. Wellbv, were guests. Mr. Wellby was thanked for his efforts on behalf of the choir bv the Rev. Mr. Hanwhaho, Toiaga Bay.' and several other speakers, who hoped he would continue with Ins efforts, which had been greatly appreriated bv the members of the choir and nf the 'parish. Mr. Wellby, through Mr. Wi l'ere Amaru, as interpreter, thanked the speakers for their kindly expressions, and said he had derived much pleasure from his work ip connection with the choir, and he would be glad to continue.

During the evening, Mrs. Tureia received the trophies won by the choir, and presented them to the winners, A presentation of a hand-made cake stand was made to Mrs. Wellby by the people of Poho-o-Rawiri. who also thanked Mr. Wellby for his assistance with their choir for the dedication ol their church last Friday.