RECEPTION ON WARSHIP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19102, 21 August 1925, Page 10

RECEPTION ON WARSHIP

ADMIRAL'S "AT HOME." A BRILLIANT SUCCESS. HOSPITALITY OF THE VISITORS. The spacious quarter-deck of the D.S.S. flagship California was transformed info a bright and attractive ballroom yesterday, when somo 1200 guests attended the danco and reception given by tho Corn-mandor-in-Chief, Admiral Robison. Cloudy weather, with drizzling rain brought disappointment to many, there having been a general hope that the bright, sunny weather which has prevailed all tho week, would have continued ovor tho week-end.

But tho rain was no deterrent to those invited to partako of the navy's hospitality, and shortly after three o'clock there was a dense crowd on tho quarter-deck which was most effectively docoratod and illuminated for the occasion. Stout awnings hid tho greyness of tho afternoon, and the cosy glow of lines of Chinese lanterns suspended beneath tho awnings and the edge of tho deck mado up for tho Joss of tho sunshino that had been withdrawn behind tho grey curtains of tho sky. Electric lights illuminated the cov-erod-in gangways, and tho deck was bright with bunting, draped flags, and graceful palms. Part of the deck was arranged as a lounge, providing a comfortablo rendezvous for those who desired neither to dance nor to inspect tho ship. Tho guests woro received by Admiral Robison, Mrs. Coontz, Rear-Admiral MacDougall, Mrs. Boylo, Vice-Admiral Wyllie, Mrs. Williams, Captain Hasbrouck, Mrs. Warnoek, Admiral Bostwick, Mrs. Miles and Commander Miles. Tito admiral's orchestra provided an excellent programme of dance music, and the quarter-deck was soon thronpd with dancers. The dancing-floor in the Navy League Club provided additional space, and hero, to tho strains of the ship's band, dancing was maintained throughout tho afternoon.

A large number of tho non-dancing guests passed a pleasant afternoon in inspecting the flagship, which holds a wonderful variety of attractions. These include tho "Iron Man," the naval sports trophy of which the California is now tho proud possessor, a splendid collection of silver plate donated by tho peoplo of the State after which the flagship is named, and a magnificent bronze plaque moulded from ponnies subscribed by children of the State schools. Another much admired feature of the tour of inspection was the flag-case, containing tho ship's colours and tho Californian Stato flag, both of silk, and richly hand-embroidered. Buffet refreshments, sorved on the main deck, brought to a conclusion an afternoon that'will leave many memories, one of the most pleasant of which was the cordial hospitality shown by overy ofheer of tho ship's company. MAORI ENTERTAINMENT

the arawas in good form.

POI DANCES AND HAKAS.

SAILORS GREATLY PLEASED.

Tho Arawa tribo, which for eo many years now has nover failed to triumph in entertaining distinguished visitors at their meeting-place at Ohinemutu, Rotorua, gave a memorable entertainment in tho Town Hall last ovening to a largo gathering of officers and men of the American fleet. Those sailors who had been fortunate enough to visit Rotorua had told their colleagues of tho wonderful Arawas and they came full of anticipation. That this anticipation wa3 no greater than tho realisation was evidenced by tho great applause which greeted tho poi dances, tho sweet singing of tho Maori maidens and tho realistic hakas of tho big, powerful men.

A party of sixty-six Arawas, led by Mr. Tai Mitchell, arrived from Rotorua yesterday afternoon. The stage at the Town Hall was converted into a typical Maori scene. In the centre was a brightlylighted pa, which radiated a warm glow outside. At the back were clumps of tea-tree, adding the final touch of realism.

First the visitors were introduced to a Maori greeting. Sitting outside the pa were about 30 maidens and men and presently members of another tribe appeared. The whole sccno was animated. The girls sang, the men kissed the women in good old Maori style, and quaint games were played. Tho effect appealed to tho Americans irumensoly and tho whistling and clapping that followed tho charming little scene indicated to the Arawas that they wore among admirers and friends. • Effective Action Song.

Nothing appealed to the visitors more than the Maori action song, "E pari ra" —"Flow on, 0 Tide." The song is in deed as beautiful as the legend attached to it, A Maori maiden is supposed to be standing tho beach. Hor lover has gono far across tho water to the. wars and she gazes out across tho flowing tide to think of him and to watch for him. Tho voices of the Maori maidens blendod sweetly to the haunting strains Tho beautiful rhythmic poi dances also found great favour. The girls presented a rare spectacle in their coloured garments rustling puipuis, and greenstone tikis. Many of them wore roses in their long, black plaited hair—a token of love. Tho canoe poi and tho waiata poi wero especially boautiful, and as tho maidens swung their pois with "supple wrist and dainty twist," they broke out into soft, appealing melody.

The haka party, all big men and strong, gavo tho visitors a good idea of tho Maori in all the grimness of war trim, and again in a spirit of welcome. They shook tho stag® as their bodies swayed in action. The whole thing was spectacular, and left a marked impression on the Americans. Tho soft lyric voico of Mere Amohau was heard in several Maori songs. Sho lilted tho lovo ditties, "Hoki, hoki tonu moi" and "Po Atarau," and, appropriately enough, sang, "Homo, Sweet Home" in Maori. This last number mado ono think that the hearts of the sailors were away across tho sna with their mothers and fathers, sweethearts and friends, for they were delighted with it. A iyric quartette also gavo several numbers. Aged Chief's Address. At tho conclusion of the concert the old chief Mita Taupopoki gavo an eloquent and forceful address of welcome. He spoko in Maori, and tho words wero translated by Dr. P. H. Buck. Ho thanked tho Government and the entertainment committee for tho facilities offered tho Arawas, and tho opportunity given him, as an old chief, of seeing tho great canoes of tho United States, The representatives of the Arawa peoplo had corno to demonstrate some of their ancient songs and pastimes. Tho visitors wero given an opportunity of seeing a,galaxy of beautiful maidens that astonished tho eye. (Loud applauso.) Ho trusted that' mutual friendship would always exist between the peoples of Great Britain and of tho United States, and that tho Americans would return to their country bearing their good friendship. (Applause.) "Farewell, farewell. God spoed you, and may the sun of prosperity always shino on you," ho concluded amid deafening applause. The Americans roso in a body and cheored tho Arawas to the echo. It was a memorable ending'to a memorable concert. Iho Arawa3 . will • repeat thoir performance in tho Town Hall this evening, and will return to .Rotorua to-morrow.