MAORIS AT HOME

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 13, 10 October 1930, Page 13

MAORIS AT HOME

A Splendid Entertainment FOR MAKOGAI LEPERS It was something more than a gracious gesture for Mr. Ila Pomare and his Maori friends from Wanganui to provide the splendid entertainment of last evening at the Town Hall for the benefit of the leper colony at Makogai. Such a very complete and well-organised show was a kindly action on behalf of those cut off from the rest of the world which deserves the greatest credit. This much was conveyed by the Right Hon. J. G. Coates when he spoke of the outstanding work of the late Sir Maui Pomare and Lady Pomare on behalf of the lepers of New Zealand and the Cook Islands. Mr. Coates told of Sir Maui’s successful effort to interest the Government, and how he had gathered the lepers from New Zealand and Rarotonga and segregated them on the beautiful island of Makogai, in the Fiji Group. It was only fitting that the offspring of such parents should have come forward, and ,with his Maori friends, organised an entertainment the object of which was to bring comfort and happiness to the sufferers. An audience which almost filled the Town Hall was delighted at the varied entertainment provided by the Maoris, who were as talented as they were enthusiastic. The opening of the programme discovered the party, in native dress, disposed on the marae before the village meeting-house, where they gave a practical and vivid illustration of pa life as it was a hundred years ago. the men carving in wood and practising feats of arms with mere and taiaha, and the women engaged in domestic crafts and games. Visitors were announced, and immediately a ceremonial welcome in the old style was accorded them. Hakas were danced and food was offered in flax baskets as in the days of old. esquely done and created the liveliest interest.

The second part had more than a tang of the modern in it. The musical settings of Maori themes by pakeha composers were exploited with charming effect, and harmonious choruses and solos were interspersed with vigorous hakas and lovely poi dances. The ranks of the Maoris included some tuneful singers, who simply charmed the heart of the audience. Outstanding among them was Miss Whanarere, who uses a most sympathetic soprano voice with an. artistry that made an immediate impression. This was the case when she sang the bewitching “Haere ra, Pomare,” in association wi’th Misses T. Amihana and Kawau—a musical number of such delicacy and sweetness that it should be recorded for all the world to hear. Miss Whanarere was also appealing in “Hine e hine (an adaptation of an old French song). Miss Ka Winiata, who sang “Dream Boat,” is also a songster of undeniable charm, and Miss Mei Perepe raised frail tones of much beauty in “Waitangi.” Mr. R. Arama, a dramatic baritone, was very stirring in “Haere tonu ra,” and Mr. Tira Rautu was romantic in “Home Little Maori, Home” (with chorus). Miss M. Tahana sang “Homo Sweet Home” in Maori. The choral numbers, alive with melody and rhythm, were especially popular, none more than the action chorus/ “E Pari Ra,” which is a most joyous number. The hakas were stimulating, and the poi dances were the acme of Maori grace and precision. There is to be another performance this evening, when Dr. E. P. Ellison, Director of Maori Hygiene, will give a brief lantern lecture about the Makogai Island leper station. There should be a crowded audience.