THE MAORIS’ PART.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 79, 2 March 1938, Page 2

THE MAORIS’ PART.

CONCERT ENTERTAINMENT. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Mar. 1. . In the presence of more than 3000 Catholic prelates, clergy and people, the Apostolic Delegate (Archbishop Panico) was welcomed and entertained in the Town Hall to-night on behalf of the Maori race by a large concert party of the Arawa tribe from Rotorua. *■ A whare set among masses of ferns and foliage of native trees provided an effective setting for stirring hakas, graceful poi dances and melodious action songs, given by Maori maidens and men in national costume. The programme commenced with the wero or challenge always given to an illustrious guest, followed by _ a haka and the powhiri ceremonial greeting in which such native ceremonial games as titioria or the throwig of sticks and quick-moving mate mate were played to the accompaniment of delightful harmonies. One of the most dramatic numbers was the lament "Mai Nga Ha," composed on the death of the Catholic Arawa Chief Mita Taupopoki, who was a prominent figure at the Sydney Eucharistic Congress. . During the concert the Apostolic Delegate addressed the Arawa entertainers in Maori, congratulating them on their beautiful music and skill and the grace displayed in their dances.