ROTORUA GALA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22612, 28 December 1936, Page 13

ROTORUA GALA

MAORI COMPETITIONS

PUBLIC INTEREST CREATED TRADITIONAL NATIVE ITEMS [«Y TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] ROTORUA, Sundnj Tho first function of the carnival week programme in Rotorua attracted a large attendance to tho town scpiare last night. The enthusiasm displayed left no doubt as to the wisdom of making Maori entertainments one of the most prominent features of Rotorua carnivals. The decoration of the stage and the illuminations provided an ideal setting for the native costumes of the men and women of tho Ngati Whakauo party, who provided one. of the best entertainments of its kind given in tho town for many years. A pleasing featuro was that the party was largely comprised of members of tho younger generation, who entered into the various puis, hakas and songs with tho enthusiasm typical of their ancestors. Old Dance Revived One of the older pois, the Poi Wairoa, was revived, and performed with delightful rhythm. The fact that the native aptitude for assiiniliating musical art has not been lost was shown by another poi which had been produced by one of the elders of the tribe. The spontaneous applause at the conclusion of each item amply rewarded the (tarty for the line entertainment, and for their assiduous practice for the past few weeks. Tho public was able to understand more fully the meaning of the various movements in the pois and hakas through the services of the announcer, Mr. A. Gordon. Native Cooking Methods The natives had prepared at one side of the square liangis, or ovens, and they also attracted considerable interest. During the afternoon one of tho liangis was opened, and the public was given the opportunity of sampling the cooked pork and kumaras. Teams of Maoris from all parts of the Bay of Plenty district will compete to-morrow night for valuable trophies presented by the Borough Advancement Committee. The scope of the competition has been enlarged this year as a s result of a valuable report recently presented to the committee bySir Apirana Ngata. Many items which have not been presented for years will be introduced tomorrow. The competitions will be continued on Tuesday night, when other parties will appear. The judges' decisions will then be announced.