Kaikohe Native School Annual Concert

Northern Advocate, 31 July 1939, Page 5

Kaikohe Native School Annual Concert

[Special to “Northern Advocate”! KAIKOHE, This Day. Now looked upon as one of the most entertaining of Kaikohe’s events, the annual Native School concert again pleased a capacity house on Thursday night. The juveile performers entered into Ihe spirit of the evening, and needed no encouragement from their leaders in giving their items. The reluctance with which a number left the footlights indicated the enjoyment obtained by the performers as well as the audience. The lengthy programme entailed much preparation, and the standard of performances reflected creditably on

the leadership of the headmaster, Mr J. E. Lowe, and his assistants, who had the task of controlling the 150 junior stars. A feature of the-evening was the clear enunciation and the keen sense ol harmony and rhythm shown by the native children. The primers were featured in appropriate group items, action songs and sketches, mostly in costume. Recitations were given by Jean Pou. Alice Watling and Johnny Watling. The varied programme included action songs by the senior pupils and special song numbers given in solo by Sam Lemon, Pcrapi Tangiwai, aud Jimmy Manihera. Duettists were Hauraki Maihi and Edward Ashby. Vleretau Ernuite and Mikari Maihi. who with Kairangi Edmonds gave another item as a trio. The Toe sisters and a quartette comprising Mac Walter and Robin Taurere and Jock Edmonds contributed groups of songs.

A native concert is never complete without traditional songs and poi dances, and the children excelled in these items. A haka by the senior boys v/as well performed. A.n artistic touch to the programme was lent by lightning sketching, and the adept ness with which the artists portrayed current characters and other scenes could not be equalled by any pakcha children.

Tile most outstanding of all was the part-singing by the senior pupils. Plantation songs and traditional numbers were performed as only Maori children can, the star item being “Swing Low. Sweet Chariot.”

Assisting in the programme were past pupils, who were responsible for several good items. A colourful action song, hula dancing, a brass band number, and string band items added variety to an interesting performance. At the conclusion of the concert the evening v/as rounded off with a dance held in the A. & F. Hall.