HAKAS AND POLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13691, 6 March 1908, Page 3

HAKAS AND POLS.

Sir,-Having had the pleasure of witnessing the initial performances of the Maori! hakas and pois at the opening of the ear-' nival—performances that may fairly be de-J. scribed as brilliant, rivalling, as I am told, ,• thoso given at the visit of the Duke of ' Cornwall, may I beg a small space to say * that it seems a pity that these ancient dances, ■ so characteristic of a manly, _ -brave, and unique people, should be destined to pass into oblivion, as they undoubtedly will, in ; a very few generations, unless timely steps . are taken to perpetuate them. Possibly, , it may be no loss to civilisation if the hakas, most of which illustrate the savage incidents of warfare, or, to prudish pakeha eyes, the degrading scenes of lust, cease to be. but all who love the dramatic presentation of what is graceful and refined must regret that the beautiful poi dances may be lost to succeeding generations. As a means of incorporating them in the sports or pastimes of the British, nation, and so giving them a longer and larger life, would it not, be worth the cost, while there are still among the Maori people a few possessing & knowledge of these games to have classes of pakeha girls instructed in them? The pakeha is continually thrusting his laws and customs upon the Maoris. Is it not possible that, he can learn something from them? These dances or games admit of so much variety and complexity of movement, are so charming, graceful, and vigorous, that the bright children at our public schools would take to them quite ardently, forming as they would a distinct !' relief from the rather stiff and wooden motions pertaininjr to their ordinary drill. H. J. Eotorua,