A MAORI FILM

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 4 August 1928, Page 7

A MAORI FILM

UNEXPECTEDLY REALISTIC

(By Tele ,ra,ph.—Press Association) AUCKLAND, This. Day. A raupo whare filled with ti-tree and saturated with crude oil and benzine proved more inflammable 1 than anticipated by the producers of the Maori film "Tauranga," when engaged in the filming of a scene at Ohiwa, near Opotiki. The story on which the picture is based calls for the burning of a Maori village, and for this purpose a large meeting house, a chief's whare, eight smaller whares, two storehouses, and tlu-ee watch towers were built. As soon as the stage had been set, the cameras were, placed in position, and the order given for the opposing tribesmen to rush in with flaming torches and set fire to the village. Within a few moments it was burning fiercely, the roaring flames and dense smoke making the scene unexpectedly Teahstic. Throughout the scene the director, Mr Collins, and two photographers, W., Cline and H. Smith, held their positions, notwithstanding flying embers and almost suffocating heat. Each received panful burns, their clothing also catching alight. Fortunately none of the burns was serious enough to call for the services of a- doctor, a well-equipped hrstaid outfit being sufficient.