RAROTONGAN PARTY ON CONCERT TOUR IN TRIBAL TERRITORIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22869, 12 February 1949, Page 7

RAROTONGAN PARTY ON CONCERT TOUR IN TRIBAL TERRITORIES

Planned as a gesture of goodwill and with the renewal of ties between the Maoris of New Zealand and the Cook Islands group respectively, a tour of the Dominion by a strong party of Rarotongan artists is attracting considerable attention. The party comprises a selected band of performers who demonstrate various aspects of Rarotangan culture, and its appearances to date have had highly favourable receptions. The tour has special significance for this district, for the party represents the Takitimu tribe in Rarotonga, who recognise ancient blood-brotherhood with the descendants of those who travelled‘to New Zealand in the canoe Takitimu, and who settled the lower East Coast of the North Island. Their tribal affiliations include all the settlements between the Wairarapa and East Cape, and during their stay in New Zealand the genealogical experts in the party will endeavour to match ancestries with those of leading New Zealand Maoris.

Their programmes include many examples of native dancing and other ceremonies which have been preserved unchanged for many generations, and \which bear a strong similarity in some respects to those of the New Zealand Maoris. Meticulous attention to detail in the presentation of these items is observed, and their authenticity is vouched for by Mr. Piri Maoate, of the Legislative Council of the Cook Islands. Travelling with the party is Pa te Rito Ariki, chieftainess of the Takitimu tribe in the Cook Islands. The visitors will reach Gisborne on Monday and will be welcomed and accomodated at Poho-o-Rawiri, where a dance in their honour will be given on Monday evening. Two public performances at the Opera House are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.