MELODY AT RATANA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 98, 28 April 1930, Page 8

MELODY AT RATANA

GARRISON BAND’S RECITAL. APPRECIATIVE AUDIENCE. One of the greatest crowds ever seen it Katana gathered yesterday to listen to the programme of music" provided by the anganui Garrison Baud, and a very appreciative audience it proved to be. Among those present were Maoris from as far north as Kaitaia and as far south as The Bluff, while hundreds of their pakeha friends from over a wide area also attended.

The programme provided by the Garrison Band was a widely-varied one, as befitted tho occasion, and in addition to the many hymns and other sacred selections some popular Maori melodies found much favour with the audience. The younger generation showed their appreciation by joining in. tuneful unison in the well-known melodics of by Alfred Hill, New Zealand’s own composer, and “Waiata Poi” and others found equal favour. The conductor of the band, Lieutenant Tregilgas, stated that it was the largest Maori audience before which the popular musical combination had played, and at the same time one of the most appreciative. He also conducted the band in accompanying the Maori choir of combined voices in several well-known hymns, and these were a revelation to the many pakchas present. After the recital Mrs Ratana, as head of the ladies' committee, entertained the band at afternoon tea, the appreciation of the Katana settlement of the band’s il’.ion being extended with true Maori eloquence and feeling-