'GLORIOUS NEW ZEALAND'

Evening Star, Issue 19352, 11 September 1926, Page 10

'GLORIOUS NEW ZEALAND'

A iARHIFIGEHT HIM CHARHG MAORI PROLOGUE At last 'the Government Las produced a film of the dominion which is worthy of the beauty and charm of “God’s Own Country.” A pacW house witnessed the screening of ‘ Glorious Now Zealand ’ at the, Octagon Theatre last evening, and rounds of applause greeted the various scenes. Scone after scene of charm followed one after another in rapid succession. The interest was maintained throughout. . , The picture opened with a view or a home liner landing its tourist passengers at Auckland, and a ziz-zag tour of the dominion was then commenced. The sets of_ scenes_ relating to Dunedin were very interesting. One wondered whether it was our own city under review. So splendid were the “ shots ” that the effect conveyed to the mind was of a ranch larger city. Port Chalmers, the University, the Boys’ High School, First Church, and various points of interest around the town were shown, while one could easily pick out acquaintances among the crowds in Princes street. _ Zane Grey was shown in New_ Zealand, and an exciting fight with a swordfish added zest to the_ picture. A marvellous underground view of the glowworm grotto, with myriads of glittering glowworms, their lights burning brightly, added delight to the scene. Pelorus Jack, the. wonderful fish of a few years ago, was plainly shown cavorting in front of a steamer. Mount Nganrnhoo, lie lolling smoke and debris, wns H.nd closc-np studies of tin's, bellbirds, etc., gave more than a touch of interest to the Stewart Island section. Lord Jelhcoc was seen climbing the great Franz Josef Glacier. A fantastic series.of ice formations, of the gorgeousness of which Now Zealanders are so little aware, was in trod need, and formed one of the appealing spectacles of the .West Coast series. But these were rivalled hv the charm of the mirrored Lake Wakatipu. The picture then switched on to a glimpse of the Antarctic, Boss Land, and the Irozen waste of Now Zealand’s ice territory. As a contrast, the coral strands of exotic Samoa, where gyrating natives welcomed with dances all their own, was screened Mount Conk, with its snow sports; Lake Wanaka. with its pleasing surroundings; llotonm nnd \Vn3pli\Ci, whoso uncanny mud geyser, miniature vo’canoes, and boiling waterfalls made one marvel. All bad their places in this really wonderful film. Summed np. it may he said with safety that ‘ morions. N«w’ Zealand ’ ranks as the finest scenic picture ever shown here. During the screening Mr Tano Fama narrated some strange facts concerning the ancient history of New Zealand, Maori life, and geographical formation of the islands. A prologue, in which ten picturesquely garbed Maori maidens and men took' part, was staged. Maori songs, canoe dances, chants, and_ a vigorous and thrilling baka wore included among the items. The _ performance was arranged by Kuini Parata. ‘ Glorious New Zealand will again be screened at the Octagon Theatre tonight.