MAORI HAKAS

Grey River Argus, 24 July 1941, Page 8

MAORI HAKAS

IN EGYPTIAN CAMP. (From the Official War Correspondent with the 2nd. N.Z.E.F.). CAIRO, June 25. The performance of traditional Maori hakas and the singing of melodious Maori songs by members of the Maori Battalion before an audience mainly comprising members of the Greek ' Ro.yal Family constituted one of the most unusual spectacles vet seen in a New Zealand camp in Egypt. The occasion was a visit to the Maori camp by King George of Greece, and other members of the Greek Royal Family, on the day His Majesty decorated the members of an Auckland Battalion who had acteci as his bodyguard during the evacuation of Crete.

With the striking snap and precision which characterises the drill of the Maoris, the battalion accorded King George a Royal salute. After the inspection the members of the battalion removed hats and grounded arms preparatory to entertaining the visitors in true Maori fashion.

Led by an Officer, one party performed an unusual haka which is based on the physical training so familiar to every soldier. An English army officer amon- the spectators remarked that the haka was excellent “P.T.” He had interpreted the performance correct. It was enjoyed by the Maoris themselves as much as it was by the distinguished spectators. Other hakas were given by two different parties, one being led by the writer of the popular Maori Batta'ion song. Particularly effective was the singing of Haere Ra in this desert camp as the noise of the day was yielding place to the quiet of a beautiful Egyptian summer evening. King George and the members of his family were deeply moved. Later, as the whole battalion sang their battalion song under the leadership of the composer, the singers were greatly amused as a Greek Princess, an enthusiastic cinephotographer. advanced close up to the leader and “shot” several feet of film as he led the singing. The camp resounded with the cheers of the Maoris as the Royal visiters left the camp.