MAORIS AT EVENSONG

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 94, 17 October 1941, Page 3

MAORIS AT EVENSONG

Cairo Church Service

N.Z.E.F Official News Service.

Rich Maori voices were heard in St Mary's Pro-Cathedral at the Sunday Evensong-when a choir from a New Zealand training' unit sang the hymn “Aue E Ihu Tirohia.” Solemnity was added to the service as the melodious Maori words rolled through the huge cathedral, making a deep impression mi the congregation of soldiers from all parts of the Empire and English resi dents of Cairo.

Following the church service the Maori party under 2/Lieut. Hamevt i entertained with songs and hymns ’n the parish hall. To convey an idea of Maori customs, a scene of welcome wa' enacted. The party was divided hit < two. one half being the hosts and the other the guests. After chants and a haka had been given and the twc “chiefs” had pressed noses, tribal games were demonstrated. An action song dedicated to the Maori boys who came to this country during the last war and several English songs of this war were sung. Two further hymns presented were “E Ihu Toku Orange’ and “Tama Ngakau Marie.”

Soldiers and nurses from England. South Africa and Australia showed their appreciation of the programme by prolonged applause. Many admitted that they had been not only surprise but deeply moved by the quality of the Maori music.