GUIDE RANGI PARTY VISITS COLLEGIATE AND GIRLS’ COLLEGE

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 November 1950, Page 9

GUIDE RANGI PARTY VISITS COLLEGIATE AND GIRLS’ COLLEGE

Guide Rangi and her concert party thoroughly enjoyed their brief stay in Wanganui.

After the concert at the Opera House on Monday night they were the guests of the Putiki people at the Aotea Hall, where Mr M. K. Takarangi extended a warm welcome from the Maoris. Yesterday morning there was a full tribal welcome at Putiki pa, again led by Mr Takarangl. Later Guide Rangi and her party, of 24 Maoris, with the manager (Mr Larsen), were escorted to the Collegiate School by Mrs R. Takarangi, the Maori welfare officer for the district. Mr Gilligan, headmaster, welcomed the party to the school and Guide Rangi suitably replied. The party then gave several concerted numbers. Later they visited the Wanganui Girls' College and were met by the lady principal (Miss Baker. A surprise awaited Guide Rangi and her followers there, as the college had formed its own Maori social club, and the girls were able to give welcome in Maori fashion, with action songs appropriate to the occasion.

Guide Rangi was visibly impressed and she replied in like vein, the party contributing a number of action songs. The girls were interested in the way in which the items were given and thankful for a more or less back-stage peep into the organisation of the concert party. After lunch in the city Guide Rangi herself, with Mrs Takarangi, visited the Alexander Museum, where they were met by Mr Barclay. Others in the party were taken sight seeing. Later the party left for Waverley, where they gave a concert last night. Before leaving Wanganui Guide Rangi said that all who were in the party had greatly enjoyed their stay. She had met many people she had known. She thanked the Maori people of Putiki and Wanganui people in general for a very pleasant stay.