AT A MAORI CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 49, 28 February 1927, Page 10

AT A MAORI CONCERT.

ROYAL VISITORS ATTEND

NOVEL ENTERTAINMENT

Owing to the dispute between the Maoris of Ohinemutu and Whakarewa-

rewa, the proposed native entertainment at the former pa was abandoned, but entertainers from both places gave a performance at the King's Theatre, which Mr. Stanley McKay, of pantomime fame, who had the hall for that night, handed over when he heard of the contretemps. The McKay pantomime showed in another theatre, with quite insufficient stage space, so that the members of the company performed under great diiliculties. It was pleasing to learn, therefore, that their show was patronised by a crowed and appreciative audience.

Their Koval Higenesses did not arrive at the native entertainment until aquarter to nine, but they stayed until the end, and during the performance repeatedly applauded the entertainers, and tliey afterwards expressed themselves as having been greatly charmed by what was to them a very novel show. As the Royal party entered the hall they were accorded. a fine pohiri, which was followed by the playing of the National Anthem. The E Pari Ra was rendered by the Moteo. orchestra of East Coast Maoris, and Ana Hato did the attractive "Waiata Poi," with the Huia poi dancers, to the pretty music of Alfred Hill. There followed a rousing liaka by twelve of the Arawa tribe, the singing of the Maori ditties, Pokarekare and Poatarau, a poi dance by the Te Puke troupe, the Maori games, Tio Torea and Matemate, the Peruperu war dance, a canoe poi dance by the Huia party, a haka and a. p'oi dance by the Mat atu a from Whakatane, and the singing of He Putiputi Pai, first in Maori and then in English. As the line was sung, "You'rs just a ' flout-r from an Old Bouquet," little Winnie Mitchell, a daughter of the chief. Tni Mitchell, wearing a kiwi mat, advanced and handed the Duchess a splendid bouquet. It was beautifully done—and as beautifully acknowledged by the. Duchess, who seemed much affected-by. the novel circumstance.