MAORIS FOR AMERICA.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 117, 15 May 1909, Page 3

MAORIS FOR AMERICA.

A COMPANY OF ENTERTAINERS

AUCKLAND, May 10. An Auckland gentleman^ has just successfully completed negotiations for. the visit of a large company., of Maori entertainers to New York.' The company, it is understood, will consist of 40 Maoris from the Rotorua/district— 25 men and 15 women and girls;—and will leave Auckland about the end of July next, opening in New xork at the end of August. The engagement is to extend over nine months. The enterprising firm which has entered into this engagement is that which controls the. New York Hip^ourome. ( The selection of the company has ' practically, been already completed. Efforts are being made to secure the services of the Rev. F. A. Bennett, as manager, but there is some difficulty in,. this, connection owing to the necessity for finding a suitable substitute, to carry on Mr Bennett's work at Rotorua while he would be away. It is, however, hoped that a way may be found out of the difficulty, as it is generally, agreed that no better man could be found to manage the company than Mr Bennett. The success of the Maori company which toured New Zealand last year was mainly owing to the fact that he was in charge of it, while the wonderful partsinging of the choir is largely due to his training. Though Maori songs and part-singing may form a portion of the entertainment to be provided in-New York, interest will no doubt chiefly centre in the poi dances and hakas. The meiribers of the company will probably include one or two well-known tattooed chiefs. The visit of the' company to New York, it is. understood, has the approval of the Government, it being, however, recognised that everything depends upon the proper management and control

of the company. All fear on this score will, of course, vanish, if the way is made open for Mr Bennett to accompany the party. The offer of the New York firm has heev, accepted provisionally on the Government approving of the managerial arrangements. A representative of the New York firm is leaving immediately for Auckland to complete the necessary arrangements. •