MAORI SONG AND HAKA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18204, 27 September 1933, Page 5

MAORI SONG AND HAKA

BACK TO THE OLD DAYS VINE DESCRIPTIVE SCENES A SI'CCESSI'TIa CONCERT The Maori concert iri the Opera House last night was an outstanding success. 1 1 showed the Maori song, dance, liakn and customs of the. propakelia days, and then the Maori as he is at present. The presentation was except iona 11 v good, and should encourage the promoters to even more ambitious achievements in the future.

It was explained by the Rev. K. T. Ilarawira, of Mnnuttike, that this brown skinned aristocratic race brought with it from Ilnwaiiki its customs. arts, crafts, manners, chivalry and romance, 'all to be lost too soon in the inevitable transition. ’The lit si section of the programme was designed to present some of these old customs in an endeavor to keep them alive.

The programme was divided into three parts. The first and second depicted Maori life and customs, and the final section was devoted to a mi seel la n v of items.

The opening scenes wen' those of the pre-'pakelia days. The marae. or village courtyard, was depicted, with elders and loliliiigns discussing matters, while there were experts at their particular occupations such as carving, tattooing and spear and hook fashioning. Women were weaving and plaiting. and young people were at play. <>n the approach of visitors, the cry oi “ 1 l.aeremai ” went up. They 'were welcomed with jioi dances and songs, and, these finished, the warriors were exhorted into a frenzied hak-a, the perupeni. or the dance of defiance. When silence reigned, the chief of the pa, in poetical language, verse and song, extended a welcome. The chief of the visitors replied, also in verso and song, and exhorted his followers to show their attainments. Then food was placed before the visitors.

The second scene showed the Maori as he is now after less than a century endeavoring to assimilate the culture of the pnlceha. European ideas, music ■ind song were incorporated with the movements of the old-time liak.a, and the words of songs were translated lo the Maori language in provide the action songs.

In the third section, there was wide variety, from Hawaiian songs and dances -to modern song “hits” arid Maori waiatas. The programme was brought To a close with the whole company joining in the favorite hnka, * 1 Ku mate, lea mate. ’ ’

The 'presentation of the lirst section was ia the hands of the Ngai Tamariuhiri tribe, which presented as realistic a picture of the ancient Maori as modern restrictions permitted. Several tribes anil parlies contributed to the second portion. The It aka 1 ‘ Pail;cm ’ ’ was presented toy 'the Bongowhakauta tribe. Mr Whare Carroll rendered ,a song, and the Mamituke party’s octet sang “Ah! Can it E’er Be?” The Ruapani tribes presented the action song, “Tnunianmiaru,” and the Manutukn party drilled with the staff and The jwi, while later the Waifulil party presented the double poi. This section of the programme was brought, to a close with two mi milters by the Mtmutuke choir, “Beautiful Isle of the Sea,” and an anthem.

A variety programme was presented for the final section. It was commenced by the Ngaitaone tribe presenting a Hawaiian phantasy, arranged by Mr Peta Awatere. ft was really a colorful scene, although perhaps unduly prolonged by excessive by-plnv. However, the public greatly appreciated the singing and also a. hula dance by Miss 11. Kerekere, who was loudly encored. The chief, Mr J. Tabaka, and 'Miss J, Smith took their leading parts effectively. This .scone was followed by songs by Misses Talks puna Rangiuia and Makarita Morris, popular airs by Mr Roy Houlahan and his string band, a trio comprising Mesdames Kerekere and Ria and Miss Smith, while “KiHarney” and “Sweet and, Low” were concerted numbers that aroused much applause. The programme was brought to a conclusion by a halca by the company.

Prior to the commencement of the programme and during the interval, music was rendered by the Military Rand, which was thanked by Mr Ifnrawira for their services. Mr Harawira also thanked the 'performers for their effective displays. The istage management was in the hands of the Rev. K. T. Harawira and Mr W. Bullivnnt, who are to be congratulated on the success of their efforts.