MAORI ENTERTAINMENT

Taranaki Daily News, 15 August 1931, Page 7

MAORI ENTERTAINMENT

EXCELLENT TALENT SHOWN. With the sweetness of Maori harmony the audience at the St. Aubyn Street Methodist Hall, New Plymouth, last night was entertained by a concert programme of a kind that is seldom presented to the public. The charm of harmony can only be realised when one hears Maori exponents 'impart their heritage in song and chant.

The Maori voice has always a singular charm, but the exquisite phases of the combination of instrumental and vocal chords at once found the heart of the audience. Poi dances with their captivating choruses, waiatas with all their wierd movements and expr^ssions v hakas with their savage intonation, vivid ancient games and soothing Spanish guitar and ukulele accompaniments filled in a bright and inspiring programme

Among the varied items presented was a representation of the ■ Maori welcome in all its forceful splendour; then came the picturisation in song. and action of the Maori settlement of New Zealand, and the famous rhythmic song “Poi Waka” was the theme adopted. A feature of this scene was the solo by Rangi Tawhi and a steel guitar accompaniment by Pihama. The early part of the programme wds the translation of the first hymn in the Maori language. Poi dances which echoed the rhythm associated with the very being of the Maori race; then with all the depth of feeling that it was possible to infuse into Alfred Hill’s song “Waiata Poi,” Miss Toka portrayed the plaintive melody. Altogether it was a pleasing piece of combined dramatic and lyric synchronisation. The party will give their programme at Hurworth hall to-night and at the Methodist school-room, Fitzroy, and the Empire Theatre on Monday and Tuesday respectively..