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New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue XX, 16 May 1903, Page 1359

Arthur Adams’ Maori opera, “Tapu,” accepted for production by Williamson, does not promise to knock creation, judging by information from Maoriland’ Arthur Adams is well-known here as a “Bulletin” bard with a nice turn for melodious rhyming, and, [judging on the capabilities exhibited in his verse, he should produce a neat thing in operas, but the trouble is that the Maori is too near to the New Zealander to bear idealisation. The opera would be more likely to suit in the Commonwealth than in New Zealand, for the reason that over hero we see the Maori through a romantic and poetic haze, and know little of his bad odours, bad habits, and invincible fleas.—“ Adelaide Critic.”