MAORI PAGEANT REHEARSED

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 10 March 1934, Page 5

MAORI PAGEANT REHEARSED

IPEBPS BEHIND THE SCENES. VISIT TO T A IPO R OITENiUI. Pitch darkness and heavy wind and rain outside, but indoors softly shaded lights, the rhythmic swish-swish of whirling pois and the melodious crooning of a lullaby to the strumming of muted mandolins. Coming from out of the night and the unpropitious elements it was the privilege of three pakehas last evening to view a special rehearsal at the Taiporohenui Hall of the Maori pageant to be presented next Wednesday evening (March 14) at the iHawera Opera House. For weeks past the parts have been practised under the personal supervision of Mr Scotty Panenui, whose team of performers, by strict attention to detail, gave every indication of the thoroughness of their work. Mr Panenui, if anything, is a strong disciplinarian among his people and" “a thing not done properly is not worth doing at all” has been his motto. A tribute to his versatility, is the programme of 25 items arranged for next Wednesday evening. Expression is given to a wealth of Maori songs, dances, hakas and games of" skill interspersed with numbers by a company of talented visiting and local artists. Last evening’s rehearsal emphasised the varied nature of the entertainment and the work was applauded enthusiastically by a large gathering of natives. The opening chorus is one of the most spectacular yet arranged for an amateur stage and row upon row of maidens, wahines and warriors extended a welcome in song and gesture to the visitors. The chorus was arranged specially for the iHawera jubilee celebration’s and, with a welcoming haka incorporated, it had a strong appeal. Tho performers made good exits and when recalled repeated the haka. The small boys of the tribe are given a place in the pageant and in their haka gave an interpretation of the hauling of a canoe to the riverside. A senior haka performed with staves, an original arrangement in honour of the recent Waitangi celebrations, ms rehearsed, the haka demonstrating the actions of a party of fully armed warriors as they advanced on a pa. A full stage -will be required for the presentation of fhe celebrated Oanoe Poi' which depicts in song and action the acute privations of the Maoris in the great migration from 'Hawaiiki and their joy on sighting land. Throughout the whole pageant runs a soft mandolin, ukelele and violin accompaniment and other items rehearsed included a poi with a setting of modern music. The principal event of the pageant, however, the Waitangi Poi, performed before Their Excellencies the GovernorGeneral and Lady Bledisloe on the marae at Waitangi, has 50 performers. It tells a story handed down from generation to generation and in it the traditional dress of tne (Maori plays an important part. The Taiporohenui maidens and wahines will be assisted in this number by a team which arrives from the Pariroa (Patea) pa on Monday. An effective soloist number, “Carolina,” was rehearsed by Nia Reid with Hawaiian guitar accompaniment and harmonising background, provided by the full company. Next a taiaha display featuring the correct defence in warding off attack was presented by two stalwarts and two games, tititiria (the amazingly quick exchange of sticks) and mate mate (a form of recreation to develop quickness of eye and hand), gave a spice of variety to the entertainment.

Items which time did not permit of a rehearsal last evening, but which will be features of the programme next Wednesday, include solo dances by Miss Weriana Tleketa, of Wellington, songs by Mrs Merry Toka, Mr M. R. Jones and the Fraser Road quartette, native love songs with actions and Rarotongan farewell songs by the company, duets by Mr and Mrs H. Toka and an oration with dramatic (and humorous) climax by Tupito Mnruera.