THE ARAWA MAORIS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3017, 10 January 1912, Page 34

THE ARAWA MAORIS.

DEPARTURE OF HALF THE TROUPE. REMAINDER STOP IN LONDON (From Ock Own Correspondent.) LONDON, November 24. The Avawa Maoris, who numbered 41 on their arrival in London early in th© summer, are now split in half, twenty left for New Zealand by the s.s. Somerset, from Liverpool, on Wednesday, and another 20 —contrary to the strong advice both of their friends in London and the High Commissioner—refused to leave. This party consists of 15 men and five women, four of whom arc married. They are now residing in private houses in th© neighbourhood of the Crystal Palace, and it is stated that they hope, to earn money on the music hall stage. It is an open secret that the troupe did none too well during the summer, and New Zealanders here feel that it would have been far wiser had they returned.to Auckland. Tho Maoris who are left Behind claim the right to please themselves, and no more can lie said. They may, however, have a hard fight to make both ends meet before the winter is over.

Iwa, the remaining member of the party, early decided to stop in London to have her voice properly trained, and some ladies have inter rot-ad themselves in her. Mr C. B. Westmaoott is accompanying the returning members, who include Chief Mita Taupopoki, Maggie and Bella Papadiurn. All the Maoris said good-bye at a tangi on Tuesday evening, and the party of 20 journeyed in three special coaches from the Crystal Palace to Euston, where they had supper. Hero Mr T. E. Donne saw them off to Liverpool, which was reached at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. After breakfast the Maoris had a brief look round the city, and then boarded the tender for the Somerset. The vessel calls at Lao Palmas, Capetown, and Hobart, and its port of destination is either Wellington or Auckland. Mr James Balfour (of the High Commissioner's cilice) escorted the party to Liverpool. _ It is understood that Maggie Papakura is returning to England to do married. November 29. Further facts have come to light with reference to the 20 Maoris who have elected to remain in England. It is generally understood that Rangiuia and others have induced them to do eo in the expectation of earning money in musichall and other public performances. Rangiuia, it may be added, has been Home for some years now, and has won a position for himself in social circles. Ho gets quite a number of ongageincnte to sing at society functions, whore the- Native garb which he affects in his role of Maori chief, is a source of constant interest. If success financially awaits the Maoris who place themselves under iris auspices, well and good. But those best qualified to express an opinion do not look kindly on the enterprise, and state emphatically that the seceding Maoris should have returned to New Zealand with the other half of the troupe. This was the advice given them by the High Commissioner and all their London friends.

Tho truth is that tho music-hall scheme is more likely than not to end in disaster. As previously indicated, the troupe did none too well during the summer, and their financial lesources were further taxed by the long delay in obtaining a steamer consequent on the crowded state of the third class in all tho outward-bound vessels. Fortunately, tho Palace Music-hall offered them a three weeks’ engagement which brought in some revenue, but the show, although novel and interesting, was not calculated to “ take ” to any great extent. The English music-halls have the pick of American and Continental artists, and tho Maori turn was not sufficiently attractive to compete with these. That is to say, if the seceding Maoris cannot offer an improvement, then it would have been far better for them to have gone back.

When the New Zealand authorities in London heard that the Maoris were in difficulties, Sir William liall-Joncs came to thair rescue. The syndicate in Sydney was approached, and a sum of £BOO was cabled over to meet the expenses of their passage hack. The High Commissioner’s office then took tickets fox the whole party to return by the 5.6. Somerset. A few days before tho date of sailing tho High Commissioner was surprised to receive a deputation from about half of thou- number, introduced by Raiigiuia. Ho explained to Sir William that several of the party had altered their minds, and no longer wished to go back. Sir William expressed bis strong disapproval, and warned thorn of tho possible consequences of their action. But two days before tho Somerset sailed he received a letter stating definitely that 20 of the partyhad decided not to embark in her.

The passage-money paid for thes.' 20 will be forfeited, according to the regulations of the Federal- Hou Id e r ■ Sh i re Company, though it is too early yet to say exactly what attitude the company will adopt. There was an unfortunate incident over the luggage belonging to those members , i do'jic!-,.i to stay behind. In the first instance, the baggage of the whole partv was forwarded to Liverpool. When tlry 20 changed their minds they telegraphed to an agent in Liverpool asking him to put I heir luggage on one side. This was accordingly done. When the other 20 arrived at ten seaport there was come mistake, and all the baggage was placed on board the Somerset. The result is that the Maoris now in London are minus their belongings. They have, however, sent a cable to the captain of the Somerset at Tcneriffe, asking him to put it ashore there so that it can bo returned to London. The action which has been taken by the dissentient section of the party has caused the greatest grief to their aged chief, Mita Taupopoki, and also to Maggie Papakura, both of whom used every effort to induce their companions to accompany them. The chief’s greatest concern, however, was for his grand-daughter, Te-Tai,

a- girl of 15, who decided to stay behind, in spite of all expostulations. It appears that the oid man had made himself responsible to the girl’s parents f or her safe return. Legal advice was taken on the point, but it was found there was no power to enforce the girl's compliance with the chief’s wishes, and so ho had to embark without his young charge. Maggie Papakura’s fiance is Mr StaplesBrowno, who belongs to a well-known Oxfordshire family. It is understood that no will goi out to New Zealand shortly, and that the marriage will take place in Fiji, after which the couple will settle in England. The papers refer to the engagement ae a Maori girl’s romance, and Maggie ia famous as “ the charming and accomplished young Maori.”