MAORI SHOW VISITORS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22463, 6 July 1936, Page 7

MAORI SHOW VISITORS

OFFICER'S WORK PRAISED [BT TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] WHANGAREI, Saturday Reference to the services of Mr. M. R. Findlay, of the Native Department, Whangarei, on behalf of the Maori people in the North, was made by the president of the Whangarei Agricultural and Pastoral Society, Mr. R. W. James, at the Winter Exhibition to-night. "The presence of the natives in such large numbers at this exhibition and at last year's fixture," said Mr. James, "is due to Mr. Findlay. Realising the educational value of the exhibition to the natives, lie set about organising their visit, and at the same time arranging for them to give performances of their native dances." There was a real danger of the historic significance of these dances and songs being lost to tho natives, as well as to the Dominion, and this would have been a real calamity, he continued. Modern dancing made inroads into the ancient dances and hakas to such aia extent that they were becoming unrecognisable to the old generation of Maoris. The competitions inaugurated in connection with tho exhibition would develop and preserve the native customs in a manner worthy of their besit traditions.

"I would like to take this opportunity of expressing publicly the appreciation of the show committee of the splendid work Mr. Findlay is doing for the natives of North Auckland," Mr. James concluded. "I would also like to express appreciation of the excellent conduct of the Maoris during their visit. The courtesy of the visiting Maori children has been an example to all."