HELP FOR UNEMPLOYED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21717, 5 February 1934, Page 12

HELP FOR UNEMPLOYED

NATIVE CONCERT NETS £3B A graceful gesture was made by the Hawke's Bay, Wairoa and West Coast Maoris, passing through Auckland to Waitangi, by their offer to present a concert in the Town Hall on Saturday evening in aid of tho Mayor's Unemployment Belief Fund. Although there had not been much time in which to make preliminary announcements, the concert was well patronised, tho sum of £3B being realised. Unfortunately the full entertainment party was wot present and many of tho intended items had to bo omitted from the programme, while the fact that the visitors' luggage had been checked through made it impossible to give tho concert in native dress. In spite of difficulties, however, the concert proved thoroughly enjoyable. The fine harmonies of the Maori voices were heard in a number of graceful action songs, quartettes and trios and duets, and many hakas were given with vigour and rousing effect. Explanatory comments by an announcer added much to the interest of the evening. On behalf of the Mayor, Mr. E. J. Phelan, a- member of tho Auckland City Council, thanked tho performers for their entertainment. "The generosity of the Maori people is well known, and tho assistance given to Auckland's needy this evening is only a further instance of it," ho said.