MAORI FESTIVAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 10529, 5 April 1930, Page 3

MAORI FESTIVAL.

LEV. A. J. SEAM MIPS TROUPE. VISIT TEMUKA. “What a wonderful I real!” Ibis was the exclamation heard on all sides last evening, after (he pro-gi-amiiu- delivered in the Dominion Theatre, Temuka, by I lie Maori eon-(.L-rl parly which, under the direction of the Rev. A. J. Sonnier, Snperiniendenl of Methodist Maori .Missions, is on tour through New Zealand. And without doubt it was a. rare treat, for seldom have Temuka people heard or seen such a unique enlerla.inmnl. The parly, comprised of only eight mem hers, demonstrated that as either partsingers, soloists, instrumentalists or entertainers, they were either collectively or individually artists of the first flight. Superb harmony of haunting Maori melodies, gesticulating and spirited hakas, fascinating, poi dances, talented solos, versatile instrumentalists, educative and interesting information of the old-time .Maori —these were the outstanding features of a truly extraordinarily splendid onl ertainmc-nl. The programme opened with the weird “Karanga” of one tribe welcoming another, this being particularly well clone, and without doubt was an education to the audience, since this custom is not common in the South Island. The Rev. A. Blakemore, in a short address, offered a most cordial welcome to the Rev. Seamer and his party. This was acknowledged with the weird chant of the Maori. To Ako Pihama, in thanking the Rev. Mr Blakemore in the Maori tongue, said that the party was comprised of representatives of the great tribes of the Dominion. Proceeding, he said that one of the principal purposes of their visit to Temuka and other places, was the seeking to establish a si ill more friendly contact between them as Maoris and the Pakeha. Then came the oldest of the Maori “pao,” "Pa to hau o wini rare.” This was followed by the “Hongi” (the hand-shaking salutation of the Maori) between Mr Blakemore. and his parly, and the entire Maori party. Te AVI Perehana Nlkora, of the Ngati Raukawa tribe (who surely is well-known to Temuka audiences, as he has given items in this town from time to time since 1915) again demonstrated that the wonderful tenor voice with which he thrilled his hearers then, had, if anything, improved in richness of timbre, when lie gave an excellent interpretation of "Home, Little Maori, Home.” Waka Taituha, of the Taranaki tribes, in dignified and regal style gave the tribal chant of his people. Miss Rang! Tawhai, of the Ngapuhi tribe, North Auckland, sang in pleasing style the well-known “E Pari Ra.” The poi dance, with all its fascinating suppleness, action and rhythm, proved a most popular item, and the crowd showed thenappreciation in no uncertain manner. Miss Taka Ropata, of the Ngai tabu tribe (Canterbury), rendered the Maori love song, “Tahi nci turn kino.” and, responding to an encore, sang “Haevo ra, c bine” (“Farewell, Dear Maiden”). Miss Mori Erihaua, of the Ngapahi tribe (Otago), a soprano of splendid calibre, won the unbounded admiration of the audience in her rendition of “Waiata. Poi,” and in response to an encore, gave the ever-popular “Pokare Kare Ana.” An excellent example of the difference between Polynesian and English melodies was afforded in the singing of the Maori rendition of the hymn, “Jesus, Lover ol Peace” "Tama Ngakau Maire”). Miss Irene Karenara (Oreimell) (representing the Maoris of the Chatham Islands), raised the audience to raptures with an entrancing interpretation of Hill’s ‘‘Waiata Maori.” “Annie Laurie” received at her hands, as an encore, a treatment which places this brilliant soprano amongst New Zealand’s foremost vocalists. Hoa-ni Werata, representative of the Ngaititoa tribes of Wellington, proved himself a master of the steel guitar, when he played "The Polynesian Lament.” The Rev. Mr Seamer thanked the audience for their excellent reception of the party’s efforts. He was also specially grateful to the various hosts and hostesses of the party, who had thrown their homes open to them.