MAORI MUSIC AND DANCES

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8238, 24 November 1931, Page 2

MAORI MUSIC AND DANCES

CONCERT BY MATAORA BAY NATIVES ENJOYABLE PROGRAMME Lovers of Maori music and dances who attended the concert given by Mataora Bay natives in the King’s Hall on Saturday evening were afforded a novel and enjoyable entertainment. Weather conditions were most unfavourable, but the substantial number of patrons who braved the elements was highly delighted with' the fare.

A well diversified programme was provided, and encores were enthusiastically demanded and cheerfully given. The programme was opened by an overture by the Mataora Bay String Band, which created a most favourable impression and was heartily applauded. Then followed a sweetly rendered chorus by native boys and girls, "Whanau Paw.” Master Sydney Witika proved himself a line artist with his yodelling item, “Yodelling Cowboy,” and later in the evening even more firmly established his reputation for this type of song. Attractively attired in their “mats,” a bevy of pretty girls, under Mrs W. Bowman, gave a poi dance which, for precision and appeal, reflected great credit on both themselves and their tutor. A steel guitar solo by Mr “Sonny” Ross rightly demanded an encore, Mr Ross proving himself a fine exponent of this instrument. A hula dance was roguishly and cleverly given by Miss Queenie Davis, and after this charming item Miss Margaret Tamihere gave a pleasing rendering of “Song of Hawaii.’” Equally pleasing was a double-short poi dance by the girls, and so was an action song by' the Misses Sarah Davis and Emma Tamihere. Two of the Ross Brothers then gave further proof of their ability when they played an instrumental duet. Choruses, “E Pani Ra” and “Pokarekare,” were well rendered, and a long-poi item was skilfully done. Mr Ranga Kissling created great amusement with his hula dance which was, however, well interpreted. Other items which received an equal meed of appreciation were a duet by Mr and Mrs Hekiera Tamihere, a canoe poi by the girls, a solo by Mrs Tamihere, an action song, “Tahu Rauikura,” and a hula by dainty little Miss Sarah Davis. The singing of “God Save the King” in both English and Maori brought to a close a most delightful concert.

The organisers were Mr Hamlin, headmaster of the Mataora Bay School, and Mr Tamihere. The latter made a most excellent stagemanager and announcer. Great credit is duo to both these gentlemen, to their assistants, and to the company as a whole. Last, but not least, must he mentioned the Mataora Bay String Band, whose playing of individual items and support of the rest of the performers left nothing to be desired.

An enjoyable dance followed the concert part of the programme, and the dancers were high in their praise of the music supplied by the' band. Mr Tamihere wds'M.C.