THE JUBILEE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 306, 25 November 1937, Page 2

THE JUBILEE

MAORI PAGEANT POSTPONED. WEATHER INTERFERES. With the continuation of heavy rain this forenoon, the Jubilee Celebrations Committee found it necessary to postpone this afternoon’s presentation of the Maori pageant, but should tho weather improve the programme will bo presented to-night, and again to-morrow afternoon, at the Showgrounds. In the oval at the Showgrounds, made to look like a Maori pa rep)cto_,\vith oldtimo palisades, river bank, whares and wharepuni, the Maoris of the Manawatu will present a cavalcade of tlio Maori, showing the life of the natives from the arrival of tho first migratory canoe 900 years ago, right down to the present day. Every phase of Maori life will be delineated, including the arrival of the first mihinari (missionary), Rev. Samuel Marsdcn; the Treaty of Waitnngi; a mock battle with tiahas, hakas to tho number of eight and six poi dances each with its fascinating musical accompaniment and performed in a manner never before seen in tho Manawatu. The hakas, too. will stir everybody, says- Mr Bennett, the organiser, who has attended some of the rehcasals and whose knowledge of what its good entertainment cannot be gainsaid. His long experience in the theatrical business gives luin the knowledge of what the public like and lie, as organiser, is most enthusiastic about the performances of the Maori warriors in their hakas and the maidens in their poie. Maoris will perform a 2A-hour programme and the attendances should bo in keeping wijli the importance of the occasion and the 140 performers in tho cast. FIREWORKS AND TUG-OF-WAR. To-morrow, the Old Identities’ Day, there will be at least 700 early settlors present to be feted during the-day, and in the evening there is tQ be a masquerade and lantern parade that the young folks should take advantage of to make merry. Following tho parade to the Showgrounds, a programme of tug-of-war for about one and a half hours will be held, and then a huge fireworks display, with giant rockets and large shells bursting in the air, big set pieces that will thrill spectators by their sheer beauty, revolving wheels, shimmering cascades of golden fire and some new pyrotechnics that have never been fired previously in tho Dominion. To finish the celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee Committee a dance has been arranged in the big entertainment hall at the Showgrounds, where tho revellers can make merry to the lilting tunes of an up-to-date orchestra. The next days of celebrations will be the liveliest and best part of a mast successful week, and all that is needed is for the settled ■\vcather to continue. until the held days arc over and the 1937, celebrations will rank as the best ever scon in tho Manawatu.