MADAME BERNHARDT.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 42, 17 October 1891, Page 495

MADAME BERNHARDT.

An American paper gives the following amusing account of ‘ Sara in Maori-land — Bernhardt received by old Chief Paul and his warriors :— ‘Sara Bernhardt is nothing if not original. She wants to see everything, and attempts to do almost everything that she sees done by others. In her travels around the world “ the divine Saia ” had heard a great deal at various times about the Maoris of New Zealand. When Tawhiao, the Maori king, was in England, Sara paid him a visit, and w T as delighted with the tattooing on the old man's face. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that when Sara reached Auckland, New Zealand, recently, she should visit the Maori in his home. The Alameda remained only twelve hours at Auckland, so the queen of tragedy had to be contented with a visit to Chief Paul at Orakei, a small native settlement about five miles from Auckland. An interpieter went along and, upon arriving at the village, explained to the old chief who his visitor was. Paul was delighted, and walking up to Bernhardt, grasped her hand, drew her toward him, and before Sara knew what he was' going to do was saluting her in tiue Maori fashion—nibbing his nose against hers. ‘ Not satisfied with this greeting, Paul called out his youngest wife and introduced her to Sara. The wahine also wanted to rub noses, but as her appearance indicated that handkerchiefs were not a part of her personal effects, Sara entered a most vigorous protest. Choking with laughter, the interpreter informed Mrs Paul that Mme. Bernhardt desired to postpone the ceremony. The old chief then showed the company through the village. Upon reaching his own house, he invited Sara inside and presented her with a beautiful mere—a weapon of wattare cut out of jade. Only a chief is allowed to carry these weapons. They are treasured as heirlooms, and chiefs have been known to refuse £lOO for them. Paul also presented her with a tomahawk, the handle of which was exceedingly long and the blade made of jade.

‘ Sara asked Chief Paul if she could not see a few Maori dances. The tribe was called up and a haka was danced. Sara thought this very pretty, but desired to see something more exciting. She asked for a war dance, and the warriors, arming themselves, gave her a splendid exhibition. Sara was delighted, and got one of the young men to show her the different motions and contortions. Old Paul was delighted with the rapidity with which she learned the dance, and said she would make a great warrior. ‘As the Bernhardt party was driving down Queen-street, Auckland, to the wharf, Sara ordered the carriage to stop and, getting out, with her mere in one hand and tomahawk in the other, danced the Maori war dance on the sidewalk before a large crowd. Her warwhoops drew the attention of everybody, and the ease and agility with which she executed the various contortions and movements drew forth round after round of applause. A policeman came up to arrest the dancer, but when informed that she was Sara Bernhardt, allowed her to go. The good people of Auckland are reported to have been very much scandalized over the affair. The men enjoyed it, however.’