MAORI CONCERT

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25712, 26 January 1949, Page 2

MAORI CONCERT

TAIPORUTU CLUB MEMBERS An enjoyable and interesting concert was given by members of the Taiporutu Club of Rotorua in the Civic Theatre on Monday evening. The opening item was a scene in a village, typical of the times when i the men and women of the pa worked to music. The work of basket I making to music was shtfwn. The Performers at this stage seemed a little nervous, but only for a short time. When they lost that nervousness there was a remarkable unity in movement and voices. + . The powhiri, or welcome, was tne next item and there was enthusiasm in the audience when a party of visiting Maoris made its way noisily up the aisle. y x , Maori games were demonstrated by the stick game (ti-rakau) and here the performers showed skill and a sense of unity as the four or more, according to the number of players, sticks were tossed from hand to hand. A game equivalent to chess was demonstrated by two young men. The object was to anticipate the movements of the opponent's hands Then came some Maori love ditties and poi dances, short poi and double short poi. . . Two songs were sung by Miss Mahia Wikiriwhi. The haka was well received by the audience, which seemed to enjoy even more the elderly women’s imitation of it.

Two songs with guitar were sung by Toni Rihari, “E Hotu Nei te Manawa” and “Makurikuri.” . Miss Ana Hato, who left her sickbed to tour with the company, sang “Home Sweet Home” in Maori with the final verse in English. Because of her illness she gave no .encores although the audience clapped and called for them. Her voice still has its remarkable quality. Later she sang "Waiata Poi.”

The long poi item, showing more gracefulness than any other part of the programme, revealed great skill in speed and unison on the part of the performers. The proceeds of the concert will go to the funds of the Taiporutu Club for the building of a club-house. The club was founded by the late Mr Henry Taiporutu Mitchell as an avenue through which the arts, crafts, history, language and songs of his tribe might be revived. Another performance was given last evening.