UNIQUE PERFORMANCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 248, 18 September 1929, Page 3

UNIQUE PERFORMANCE

MAORI’MISSION PARTY. LARGE AUDIENCE AT OPERA HOUSE. There was a wonderful response from the public wlxen the united Alaori mission party gave a festival in the Opera House last evening, there being a capacity house. The Two a half hours allotted to the unique entertainment proved all too short for the largo audience, who enthusiastically encored every item of the programme of Polynesian music and songs. Tire party, which is in charge of the Rev. A. J. Seamer, superintendent of the Alethodist Maori missions, and Sister Nicliolls, was made up as follows: —T. Ahoote Rangi Pihanfa; Hone Wereta, Wi Penehama, Riki Turana, Akongo Pikama, Wiremu Tainui, Alori Erihana, Rirea Warihi, Rangi Aloerua, To Uruniianau, Alarua Wereta, Hino Wharuea, Tuahine Nikora and little Aloeroa. Practically all tho important divisions of the Alaori race, from those of Otago, Westland and Canterbury in the South Island to North Auckland at the other end of the Dominion, were represented. Waiatas, or songs telling of the coming .of the Alaori to New Zealand, proved most popular, notable among these being that sung by Chief Te Ahoote Rangi Pihama, the senior chief of the party. A descendant in the direct line of the chief of the famous Tainui canoe and one of the old school of Alaoris, lie is one of the most noted waiata singers in the Dominion. One waiata was sung by the assembled company in English. The stone-age games, as Mr Seamer termed them, were something quite new to the larger part of the audience and provided remarkable evidence of the dexterity of the Alaori. The old favourites, poi dances and hakas, were well represented on the programme and were as much to the liking of those present as ever, the party displaying high qualifications in their execution. A most spectacular item was the canoe poi. Tho singing, whether solo or concerted, was a real treat. The quaint old melodies were most enjoyable, while tho singers all showed that gift of harmony for which the Alaori is noted. Tho gom of the evening was the singing of “Waiata Poi” by Riria Warihi. Her rendition of Hill’s ever popular song was considered by many present to be one of tho finest ever heard in Palmerston North. A feature was the singing of hymns in Maori, ranging from those 100 and more years old to the Ratana hymn of recent composition. Rev. Mr Seamer acted as chairman and introduced each item with appropriate comment. Ho explained that the object of tho party’s visit was to encourage the friendly feeling between the British and the Alaoris under the Christian banner. The proceeds of the concert would be devoted to work among the children of the King Country and Waikato. In the early days of the colony grave injustice had been done to the Natives, and, instead of being wealthy, some of them Were now almost starving. To relieve this distress the proceeds would bo devoted. Sister Nicliolls, who had charge of a district 200 miles by 30, was in need of a new car and souvenir photographs would be sold to provide funds for this purpose. At the conclusion of the performance Air Seamer thanked the audience for being presented in such large numbers.