MAORI CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 207, 29 May 1936, Page 2

MAORI CONCERT

A Feast of Native Song and Dance After a retirement of 35 years, the famous 1901 team reappeared to lake a leading part in a concert given last night for llm benefit of (he Sir Maui Pomace Memorial at Waitnrn. Every form of Maori entertainment was admirably presented by more than a hundred Maoris from Rotorua. Taranaki, Wanganui, Olaki and Wellington, and as on the previous evening, (be hall was filled to capacity with an audience that fully appre’ciated the delightful spontaneity of the peri'ornmnee. The Maori atmosphere of the programme was effectively intensified by a background of grotesque carvings, which arc to find a home in the new Sir Maui Poniare House at Waitara, disposed between fronds of woven reeds. The programme opened with a fullthroated hakn of welcome from the combined forces, following which the great ensemble broke into a rhythmical chorus of irresistible swing and lilt. The Waitara Tukutuku parly delighted in the singing numbers (with action), “Pokarekare” and “Ka Poupou te Marama.” and a double quartet of Wanganui huskies, armed with tainpas, gave a spirited war dance. Vocal numbers, including Alfred Hill's “Waiat:! Pol." were sung by Mr. Ilenare Tuhiwi. of Otaki. Illuminated pois swung on a darkened stage by the Lady I’omnre Memorial party formed one of the most impressive items on the second half of the programme, which also included vocal sides by Miss Weno Tnhiwi and further hakas and dances. 'The entertainment came to a crashing conclusion with a combined war dance by the whole party.