MAORI ENTERTAINMENT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9756, 4 September 1917, Page 3

MAORI ENTERTAINMENT

AT THE TOWN HALL SOMTK'HING NOT TO BE MISSED. As n, Maori entertainment that which was givqa at the Town Hall last evening by the Hawke’s Bay Entertainers, and whibh will be repeated with some slight variations to-night and to-morrow night, miy be cordially commended and rccaavmeuled to all true lovers of the aesthetic.! historic, patriotic—all those with musical ears and artistic eye?. The shepv, which was presented last night under the direction of the Hon, A. T. Ngata, was witnessed and hoard by a crowded audience, which was delighted t>3 the utniast degree. Nothing could be more delightful than the rhythm of the ’rarions pol dances that were given, the jfnelody oi the solo singers and the harmony of tips choruses, accompanied for the most part by violin, mandolin and guitars. dramatic vein was imparted into tho entertainment, giving a connection to tho introductory spear dance (in which W. Pi Hawaikirangi acted as leader), action edngs, patriotic effusions, military and aviation spectacular poi dances, amj altogether an entertainment was provided which was novel and interestjn tho Utmost degree. Tho Maori CoHege orchestra, under tho loadelship oi Mr Walter Smith, was greatly refreshing, and its “Smart Set” provided Minch mirth;and melody. The stage Was throughout fitted with bright-eyed attractive Miori maidens, and there was always a gooi background to what went on. In the irst part a great vocal trinroph was achieved by Miss Olga Nikitini. well designated a “singing bird/' when she gavs ‘Home, Sweet Home’’ in two octaves, and. the second part was adorned by the rendering of "Waiata Maori’’ Hill) by Miss Eileen Driscoll. The entsrtaimnent concluded with a fine chorus, “The Noble Sacrifice’’—a recruiting song for men and money, composed by Messrs Ngata and P. H. Tbmoana. ' - ' Before tho curtain went. up tho Wellington Patriotic Society Band contributed an overture, and speeches were made by the Minister for Defence and Mr Ngata. • Sir James Allen remarked that there were manv Maori boys at the front, and riiose left behind were determined that when they came back they should bo well looked after. Areas of land had been secured on which to place the returned soldiers, and money was wanted. So far the recruiting of the Maoris had been on the voluntary principle, which it vas hoped would be continued. The Hon. A. T. Ngata stated that an amount in aid of the Maori soldiers fund had been, already raised of •£14,0(K). (Applause.) This had been „ contributed without makiuj an appeal to any. of the large centres of the Dominion —almost wholly between Dannevirke and the East Cape. It was proposed to ask the public to contribute Jill,ooo more to provide farms in different parts' of the North Island. It was'proposed after the entertainments to ask the people of Wellington in their houses and offices to give what they were able to' spare after the other calls were made on them. He had oo doubt an amount\pf .£25.000 wouldhe raised by the Maoris themselves. The properties, acquired would be farmed entirely bv Mabris, and until they were occupied by returned soldiers would, be managed on their behalf. A committee had put JEJ7OOO; into property in a Bay of Plenty farm an full working order. There would be;, an expenditure altogether for the. purchase of stock and the carrying on of the property of .*BOOO before the next wool season. However, tho estimates received from the nlanager entitled him to look forward to a net return of J2MOO or -£ISOO. The experience of three years had shown that the Maoris bad proved themselves “stayers” in the war. (Applause.) .They could always fight, but the question had been whether they could hang out, Jn' the cold trenches of. Flanders they had shown that up to the present they wire able to do bo. (Applause.) ■ - '• 1 S' ' Hast night’s entertainment is to be repeated to-night and \ again . to-morrow night, and on its merits it should secure crowded patronage.