MR. INIA TE WIATA

Chronicle (Levin), 9 December 1947, Page 2

MR. INIA TE WIATA

SUCCESS ACHIEVED Mr. Jack Grant, 'of Onehunga, ihas received another letter from Mr. Inia Te Wiata, the noted Maori singer who is at present pursuing his studies in London. Mr. Te Wiata says he is deep in his studies, and is acclaimed as an apt pupil. His friends are leaving nothing un'done to anake his life a success. He had been accorded an invitation to hear Todd Duncan, the Negro baritone, at the Royal Albert Hall. The pass was issued j by Ulick Alexander, keeper of the JPrivy purse. Many other invita'tions had been received by Mr. Te Wiata, and warm welcomes greet him everywhere he goes. Mr. Te Wiata says the more he sees of the Mother : 'Country>' vthe more he likes it. The Wellington soprano, Miss Rosaleen Hickmott, had said that Inia's voice had made a 'deep impression wherever it had been heard. He acknowledges parcels from New Zealand and says he is extremely grateful for them. He adds that the people in England are desperately in need of "kai," and says he makes many happy by sharing the good things sent to him from New Zealand. Inia has been ma'de the subject of a painting by a foremost artist and it will be made use of at a later date. He sends greetings to his many New Zealand friends.