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Otago Daily Times, Issue 15196, 15 July 1911, Page 12

HOME AT LAST.

MAORI TROUPE AT WHITE CITY. OPENING THE SEASON. (From Oce Own Correspondent.! LONDON, Juno 2. After somo weeks of idleness and anxiety, Maggie Papakura, Mita Taupopoki, and their Maori troupe have found a lioinc and a theatre for their.performances, nn<l they are already dancing and singing their way into the favour of tlio London' public. l'oi' a while it- seemed ns if they would pack up their kits and return to New Zealand, but the offer mado to them by Mr Kiralfy was altogether an attractive one, and now they aro quite comfortably installed in their own kainga. Instead of erecting huts for themselves, ' they. have boon given tho stono houses which formed part of the Irish village a year or two back.. Their quarters aro cloan, substantial, and sanitary, they have ample-room for living and cooking, baths, laundry, and everything to make them happy, It 'is impossible from their poir.fc of view to regret tho troubles which resulted in such a pleasant, change. ' On Monday Maggio and her friends entertained n number of representatives of tho press at hmcheon at tho Garden. Club. Maggie herself presided, Maggio proposed the health of tho King, and it was Maggie, from an enfranchised land, who announced' a moment later, " Gentlemen, wo smoke" — a t remark which : greatly tickled the English visitors. After luncheon the theatro was opened with a native performance which delighted those present. The girls sang native lovcsoiirs in chorus, while tho swains sighect in the background. Iwa sang Alfred Hill's " Waiata Poi," while tho girls danced to the music; Mita Tnunopoki declaimed' a striking powhiri of welcome, find the girls danced the graceful and effective poi which represents tho rowers in tho canoe coming from H.v.vaiki. live programme endsd, as it, wns fitting, with several licroo and irresistible iiakas, which quite brought (!ov;n llio house. Din ing the week the Maoris' presence has become known in tho grounds, and they are doing increasing business. Maegio is specially anxious thai the New Zeal;mdors_ in Lfjntlon should firxf nothing, to / complain of in- the exhibition. Amongst those piwent at the nuin'-T were Dr Eg.m (formerly of Auckland), Miss I'atherino' Aulsobroo'.;. Mr John Ilolms, and Mr T. Mostvn Pigott.