MAORI CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 59, 3 December 1941, Page 10

MAORI CONCERT

Ngati-Poneke Association Entertain DELIGHTFUL PROGRAMME Marked by the harmonic grace and rhythm which it seems that only the Maori can impart to song and dance, the entertainment staged before a large audience in the Wellington Town Hall last night by the Ngati-Poneke Maori Association won the full approbation of highly delighted listeners, who were treated to a programme of melodious music and given an insight into the pastimes and games which were so essentially a part of the life of the ancient Maori. It was a highclass entertainment, and regret will be felt that it will be repeated only tonight. Mr. M. R. Jones, private secretary to the Native Minister, introduced the principals, who were Mr. Kinga Tahiwi, a very efficient master of ceremonies, and Mrs. P. Heketa, of Hawke’S- Bay, whose skill, knowledge of the Maori movements and instructional ability had brought the performers to perfection. She took a very prominent part in the programme, enlivening many items with her Maori mannerisms. i. Songs with actions were necessarily a featured part of the programme. They included “Te Tira Taitama” (a farewell song to the Maori Battalion), "Ope Tuatahi (a tribute to the Pioneer Battalion of the Ist N.Z.E.F.), “Uia Mai” (historical), and an ancient chant and a joy song. An adaptation of “Sing Me To Sleep” (Au Mokamoki), by Witarina Harihi and Miriama Heketa, was very popular. Lou Paul, a well-known concert performer, was accorded an enthusiastic reception, and Corporal H. Tahiwi was in excellent voice for “Song of the Locust” (by Alfred Hill), and “Waikato.” The single poi and the waka (canoe) poi, were two very rhythmic numbers. Seven officer cadets of the Maori Battalion, were the visitors received at a typical ceremonial Maori welcome which had as its scene the marae. Games demonstrated were the tititorea (girls at stick drill), and taiaha drill, which was very spectacular. ■' The ceremonial powhirl (welcome) began with the karanga (chant) and “Utaina e!” (Bring in the visitors). This was followed by the action song depicting dragging the canoe, and tjie ka mate, ka mate of defiance. Characteristic speeches of welcome and reply were made. Concluding numbers were the Peru Peru, or physical drill, of the Maori, and haka taparahi (war dauee), which was carried out with plenty of grim gesticulation and vigorous action. The farewell song, "Po Atarau,” was sung as a gesture of honour to Air Commodore Saunders, who was present with Major-General Puttiek. The latter was warmly welcomed as coming back from Libya where Maori and pakeha were brothers in arms, fighting for the same cause of freedom. Proceeds of the entertainment, which concludes tonight, are to go to Maori welfare activities.