MAORI CONCERT

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 4, 5 July 1939, Page 16

MAORI CONCERT

ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE

Maori men and -maidens, in traditional Maori native costume, entertained a very large audience in the Town Hall last night at a concert given -by the .Ngati-Poneke Young Maori Club, under the guidance of Mr. Kingi Tahiwi, sen. . Lady Pomare, president of the Ngati-Poneke Mission Society, spoke briefly, and explained that the young Maori club was inaugurated three years ago by three Maori girls. Now the membership numbered over one hundred, under the guidance of Mr. Kingi Tahiwi, sen. She explained' that the proceeds of the two concerts given by the club this week'were in aid of the Diocesan Centenary' Ap-. peal, towards which ■ fund they had ■ promised £250. . : ' , 'This , cathedral," she said., "would; be an outward and visible sign of our love to\vards one another, and our help towards the betterment-of •mankind."'She''thanked'those present for their co-operation, sympathy, and help. There were, about forty-five performers. The girls were in gaily coloured bodices of woven : flax in red, black, and white design, and I graceful piu pius, each individually I patterned. Gay bandeaux and feathers were worn in the hair. The men, in shorter piu pius, were a handsome company as they opened the concert with the National Anthem, sung in Maori. Their ngeri, or paeans of welcome, were resounding, and much appreciated by their large and interested pakeha and Maori audience. Partr songs, also ruri with actions, were given, and two songs by Weno Tahiwi, soprano, were sung in a clear, sweet voice. The programme included action songs, poi dances, and a very stirring Maori war dance. Perhaps most impressive and popular was the canoe poi dance, which was performed by the whole company with dignity, rhythm, and melody. The grand finale, a combined action song, was a picturesque conclusion to an entertaining programme of music, songs, and dances.