INIA TEWIATA GAVE OTAKI MUSICAL TREAT

Chronicle (Levin), 28 February 1947, Page 2

INIA TEWIATA GAVE OTAKI MUSICAL TREAT

Concert That Will Long Be Remembered When Mr. Inia Tewiata appeared on the stage' at the Civic Theatre on Wednesday night he ' was very warmly received, the plaudits of the l^rge audience lasting for some time and when Mr. Peter Dawson reft-rred to Mr. Tewiata's voice as "God-gifted — without hesitation. I maintain it to be the finest voice I have heard during my life-time," no doubt he spoke truthfully, and with a deal of feeling. In the opinion of those who heard Mr. Tewiata all acclaimed him as the greatest singer they had heard. He certainly possesses a very fine voice and it was therefore 110 wonder that encores were demanded, the^ plaudits of the audience being long and hearty. The power and richness of his voice was remarkable, and it is 110 wonder that there was a call to have his voice even further trained at the Trinity College School of Music, London. It is expected that this young singer will spend the next three years in London under Mr. Scott Kennedy, conductor of the London Philharrfionic orchestra, and successor to the great Garcia. Mr. Tewiata will receive a full musical education, including the study of certain languages. inia's wife is a niece of Princess Te Puea, and, naturally, it is with feelings of regret that he has to leave her and his family in New "Zealand while he pursues his studies. Mrs. Tewiata has willingly consented to this hoping eventually to welcome her husband who, she hopes, will gain both fame and fortune. Mr. Tewiata, who was born and educated at Otaki, is a member of the Ngati-Raukawa tribe. On Wednesday night the theatre was more than comfortably filled, extra seating accommodation being needed. It was a great gathering. ' the concert being one of the best ever held locally. From beginning to end there was not a dull moment and the Director of Ceremonies, Mr. Hawken of 2ZB, excelled' himself.. His humorous remarks were fully enjoyed. After Mr. Wi Nicholls, who had worked splendidly for tlie entertainment, had introduced the Pukekaraka Maori choir, Mr. Hawken stated that it was desired that all enter heart and soul into the concert, be a happy family, nothing formal, and make each other feel at home. The choir then rendered a song in very pleasing manner, and dressed in gaily coloured piu-pius, made an attractive picture. An apology was tendered on behalf of Miss Rbsa Mills, who had met with an accident in Wellington. It was announced that Miss Pat Fogden would substitute. This young lady delighted with an elocutionary item, after "-hich a

pianoforte duet. "Second Hungariar Rhapsody." by the Misses Pat anu Pauline Cook, pleased. These talented young ladies gave a fine .exhibition of the manipulation of the ivories. Then followed an action song "Whakarongo" and "Mere Mere" by Maori youths and maidens. This was an item well received, and as in previous items an encore was demanded. Miss Turi Hohipuha was the leader and Mrs. George Gray the accompanist. A vocal solo that was well received was that given by Mr. Noel McKay, 2ZB artist, who was described as an amazing double voice vocalist. Such he proved to be, and his item was heartily encored. Mr. McKay appeared later in the programme and again received well-merited applause. One of the highlights of the evening was the appearance of Miss Valma Hunt. N.Z. champion acrobat and contortionist. This young lady performed many clever feats to the amazement of the large audience, and her encore item was equally appreciated, while later in the programme she again performed splendidly to the delight of all. A vocal trio "Perfect Day" and "Little Farm Well Tilled." were items worth aione the price of admission. The singers were Messrs. James (second tenor) , Mr. Townrow (bass) and Mr. Lumley (first tenor). Their voices blended perfectly. Another vocal solo that received the hearty plaudits of the ! large audience were songs, "Charmaine" and ''Trees,'"by Mr. Mano Nicholls. This young singer well j deserved the plaudits he received. The poi ballet by Maori girls was : an item greatly appreciated. Mrs. I Te Hana was an excellent leader. | In the yodelling solos Mr. Jackj Christie, another 2ZB artist, was ; quite at home, and his items in both i sections of the programme were ' well received. A trio, "I Pray for You" and "The Rosary," were items nicely given by Messrs. Miki Rikihana, Dave Raika and George Johnson. All have voices that blended most harmoniously. Then eame the star items, solos by Mr. rnia Tewiata. who rendered "The Pirates," "Waiata Maori," and "Ole

Man River." The audience received •his singer with hearty and prolonged applause, and at the finish each item plaudits were most oronounced. Mr. Tewiata has a oleasing bass voice, and the audience would have liked to have heard nore of it.- However, he appeared •ater in the programme and his three items delighted, especially 'Father O'Flvnn."

At this stage the Mayor (Mr. Atmore), Rev. Temuera, 'Mr. and

Mrs. Inia Tewiata and Mrs. Grant, mounted the stage, and were warmly received. Unfortunately Dr. Atmore was prevented frcm attending on account of indisposition. The Mayor congratulated the Raukawa Committee on the excellence of the concert and added that he had enjoyed the items so much that he had almost forgotten what to say. But he had not forgotten the most important fact that "this handsome young man with the Heaven-sent voice belongs tc Otaki. He was born in Otaki and educated at the Otaki State School and College and was.a member of the Ngati-Raukawa tribe, and Otaki was very proud of him." Very many beautiful Maori voices, deep, resonant, rich and melodious were to be heard in New Zealand and two with outstanding merit were undoubtedly the voice- of Mr. Inia Tewiata and that of Bishop Bennett, the Maori Bishop of Aotearoa. The speaker congratulated Mr Tewiata on the well-earned distinction which had been conferred.on him by the New Zealand Government by being sent to London for a further three years' vocal education. He would be trained in London by Mr. Scott-Kennedy, the well-known conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Part of his education would include the study of other languages so tha* world-wide audiences could listen with appreciation and understanding. "Our suggestion to ' Mr. Tewiata," said the Mayor, "is that when you have sung to your audiences in English or in Italian or in German, do not forget to sing in Maori too, a.nd if by chance the beauty of the Maori language is not fully appreciated then you can always tell your audience, preferably in Maori too, that their education has been neglected. We offer you our best Wishes for your success. We feel" confident that you will take the fullest advantage of the wonderful opportunities which have now unfolded themselves and that you will worthily represent New Zealand wherever you may be. Good luck, and best Wishes from us all," the Mayor concluded. The Rev. Paora Temuera expressed warm appreciation for help given by both Maoris and pakehas, and extended thanks to the performers who had come all the way from Wellington to assist. To these all were grateful. The Rev. Temuera stated that both Maori and' pakeha were- 100 per cent. behind the guest of the evening, and knew that he would be a worthy representative of New Zealand. (The Maori farewell song followed) . Mr. Inia Tewiata feelingly thanked all for support and encouragement given, stating that he wa? indeed grateful for the generouc help accorded.him. He was goine away to pursue his studies. which

, would give him something to do and he intended to do his b^t. He referred to the great help h^ had rpceived from Mr. and Mrs. Grant They had been like parents to him, and also to Mrs. Tewiata, aua ic both he was extremely grateful. He was fortunate in having such good friends. To the Mayor of Hamilton ard others he alsc expressed thanks. Mr. Tewiata I amidst further applause, stated ! that it was his intention to do his utmost to improve his knowledge j while overseas. (Applause). I The second half of the programme opened with a nicelyplayed piano-dccordeon and banjo duet by Miss Dulcie Taylor and Mr. Edlin, and this was followed bv another action song by the Maoris. Mr. Tom Gray was heard to advantage in his solo, "One Alone," while , Miss Valma Hunt again delighted with her fine acrobatic turns. 4 l vocal sextette by Messrs. H. and G Johnson. M. and P. Rikihana. D. j Raika and Mano Nicholls wai appreciated, Iikewise the ballet bv jthe Maori combination. Mr. No-T I McKay and Mr. Jack Christie renjdered further items while Mr. Inia | Tewiata again delighted with three i vocal numbers. These were nicely [rendered. the singer gaining very hearty applause. His most pleasing item, perhaps, was "River, Stay ! Away From My Door." In this he jhad the support of some of his I Otaki Maori friends. | Mr. Tewiata. before the conclurion of the programme, expressed hearty appreciation of all that had ^een done for him. especially mentioning Mr. _ and Mrs. Grant. Thanks were also accorded to Mr. Wi Nicholls, who had done splendid work in organising the concert and otherwise hvelping. Mr. Tewiata was greeted with further applause, and "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" followed. Both Mr. Nicholls and Mr. Grwot "eturned thanks, boch wishing Mr. Tewiata elery success in his venture. Mrs. Tewiata was prerented with a choice bouauet, and the programme concluded with "For Old Acquaintance" and "God Save the King."

After the Concert After the concert had concluded an adjournment was made to Raukawa where Maoris and a limited number of Europeans assembled. Supper was se.rved and enjoyed. On entering the hall Mr. and Mrs. Tewiata received a warm reception in the native manner, after whicn Mr. Utiku Hapeta extended greetings and thanked all helpers Hp stated how pleasing it was to have such a distinguished guest present

and it was with pleasure that alh combined to give Mr. Tewiara fitj ting farewell, iifter wishing Mr. j Tewiata every success in his under- ! I iaking he expressed a wish that he I i would later return to these shores j and give of his knowledge. A lovely i rug was then presented to Mr. | Tewiata, who expressed his sincere 1 "hanks for ine gift, and the kind J words which accompanied it. He , i hcped to worthily uphold the honj our of New Zealand while overseas, . : and he knew that he had the best wishes of all. ' Several further . speeches (in Maori) followed, speakers wishing ' Mr. Tewiata bon voyage and a saf e j return. i Mr. Grant. after expressing pleasure at being present, stated that ' he appreciated the kind remarks maue about himseif and Mrs.( Grant. He trusted Mr. Tewiata would have Divine blessing, and asked that all pray for .his WPJfare. It was the spiritual side w.hich would lielD. Mr. Tewiata stated that he was too young to remember his father, nid therefore looked upon Mr. ■ -Grant as "pop." He had been a , most able and wiiling backer, and his work was appreciated. Mr. Tewiata stated that it was with regret that he could not take his wife and family overseas, while he " also wished that Mr. Grant could accompany him, especially as he had such confidence in him. He was a man who gave him courage. The Rev. Temuera, amidst . applause, then presented Mr. Tewiata with a lovely kiwi mat. i Mr. Tewiata stated that words cculd not express his feelings, but he could say he was deeply grateful for the gift which he would treasure. By special request Mr. Tewiata rendered "Tlie Song of the Locust," . Miss Tahiwi being the accompanist. The Otaki Tribal Committee which carried out details were:— J President. Mr. A. Knox; secretary, Mr. C. Enoka; committee, Rev. Temuera, M^srs. R. Cei'keek. M. ' Baker, P. Baker, H. Johnson, M. Rikihana, Wi Nicholls, P. Rikihana, T. Hawea, „J. Cook and Hoone; house manager, - Mr. M. Baker; stage directors, Messrs R. Carkeek and Wi Nicholls. Prior to the concert the Otaki Brass Band rendered choice selections. j