TAKAKA.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14292, 22 December 1916, Page 2

TAKAKA.

MAORI ENTERTAINMENT

i On Wednesday evening last tho Oddfellows' Hall at Takaka*was paefced to the doors to witness what proved: to bo one of tho brightest and most enjoyable programmes ever put before \ Takaka audience. The local Maoris, who organised and ran the Whole performance, deserve the greatest praise for their efforts. The hall was very tastefully,. decorated with nikans," flax in bloom, and otlicr native shrubs, and v small Maori house set up on the stage gave an extra touch of realifcy to the scene. Every item was good", and the audience demanded repeated encores.;

Tho first item, a typical Maori greetin S, by the entire company in full native- dress, uas followed by' a Maori halm given very vigorously/ A vocal duet by two young ladies was followed by a single pci dance by a bevy of Native maidens—a very pretty picture —in gay native dresses. Next came a recitation by Master Haase in khaki, followed by a Maori boating song by the full company, given \>ith a "iino swing. A character song by Miss Borthwick was well received, and another halca?, "Peretene," followed. Mrs. W.. D. Newport (Native) then fcang a new version of "Tipperary," appealing for half-crowns, and the stage rang with, coins. Some" £4 5s was raised in this manner,' and tlie singer was heartily encored for a very pleasing , song. .Later in the programme a Maori fishing song Drought down the house, Puni Wipiti, with an enormous spear, doing great execution. Two excellent violin solos by Mr ; Gardener, a whistling solo by Mr W. East, a song in character by Miss N. McLaren, interspersed with poi dances and hakas, a duet by Mr. and Master Moore, a very petty song, "Egypt's Lonely Land,"'by a- chorus iof Maori maidens, songs by the Meihana brothers;, and a very pleasing tango dance by five Maori "couples in striking costumes .all went to make up a particularly bright and snappy evening—no weary waits and not a dull moment.

Mr.'H. D. Williams at the piano was ji host in himself in accompanying the Maori items, and Miss McLaren accompanied for several of the white performers. The' National Anthem was sung at the^ opening and ag&in at the close of the performance. A merry crowd remained for a dance afterwards. The total takings amounted to £35, and the expenses were kept down to the minimum. Wishes-"-are'--every-where- expressed for a repetition of the programme at a near date. The proceeds will be devoted to the Red Cross' Fund.

The company, some twenty odd strong, are going to Collingwood for New Year's Night to give an evening there, and another packed house should greet th,em. The merit of the performers . should ensure this, apart from the worthiness of the cause which will benefit If it can be managed, there is some talk of .getting the company over to Nelson while they are together. If so the Nelson public should not mks. the treat in store.