MAORI CONCERT

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25305, 3 October 1947, Page 2

MAORI CONCERT

SUPPORT FOR MISS CANDIDATE

The popularity of Maori concerts in Christchurch was evident when the Ngati-Otautahi Maori Association concert party presented a concert last night in the Civic Theatre. The theatre was packed, and about a hundred persons were still waiting for admission well after the concert had begun. The first part of the programme depicted the life of the ancient Maori. Unfortunately, the audience apparently did not understand the full significance of some of the scenes. In particular, the entrance of the missionaries was not as impressive as it could have been, and was greeted with laughter from the audience.

The second section of the programme opened surprisingly enough with Hawaiian melodies, sung and played by “Peter Logan and his Hawaiians.” Although perhaps a rather inappropriate item, it was pleasantly presented and evidently appreciated by the audience. One of the young members of the party, Aro.ba Fahi, was perhaps the most popular solo performer. , She has a voice of unusual sweetness. Other soloists were Mr T. Barrett and Mr J. Moss.

Judging from the applause which greeted each item, most of the audience had come to be entertained and amused, and were satisfied.

The concert was sponsored by the United Ancient Order of Druids of Canterbury in support of Miss Gean Barnfes, who is their candidate in the Miss New Zealand contest. Towards the end of the programme Miss Barnes was introduced, arid thanked those present for their interest. She appealed for support for the Food for Britain Fund.