Commentary and Explanation

Te Ao Hou, September 1962, Page 24

Commentary and Explanation Maori groups playing to non-Maori audiences have a duty to explain and interpret their items so that they make sense to the uninitiated and are enjoyed, understood and appreciated by them. This means a brief explanation as to what the item is. A haka or an action song could be a fertility rite for all the average tourist knows. Therefore a few words about the origin and significance of the haka etc. is necessary. Then the complete must explain what the particular item is about—what the words and actions are trying to say. Most of the concerts I attended were before predominantly pakeha audiences. Many of these were well-wishers supporting projects in aid of the Maori Education Foundation. One presumes that they came to these entertainments because they are interested in Maori culture and well disposed towards the aims and ideals of the race as expressed through the Foundation. It should be of serious concern to all of us what impression these people take with them after viewing ill-mannered, slipshod and mediocre performances comprising more twist than tradition and more rock'n roll than reverence for the rich cultural heritage of the Maori race. The present standard of performance shows a disquietening unawareness by many concert groups of their responsibilities towards those who pay cash to see them and, more importantly, towards enhancing the mana of their tribe and people in pakeha eyes. What can we do about this state of affairs? In contests, groups must be judged from the first moment they appear on stage to the last moment they leave it. When in an audience, we must show our displeasure in the paucity of our applause for those groups who foist on us mediocre standards. Finally in clubs, schools, youth groups, training colleges and the like, we must reiterate the theme that these groups have a duty to present their culture in a way which does not debase it or make it redolent of the second rate. A sense of reverence and of understanding the significance of the items as well as attention to good presentation, makes for memorable entertainment. Smoothly performed with intelligent explanation and in imaginative settings, our indigenous culture will assume a meaning and a significance for the pakeha which it has not previously had. Thus it becomes yet another way of promoting greater understanding between the two races of this country. The formation of a trust board to promote better understanding between Maori and Pakeha has been approved in principle by a meeting of representatives of a number of Auckland organizations. Organizations represented were the Auckland City Council, the Auckland Suburban Local Bodies' Association, the Auckland Employers' Association, the Waitemata District Council of Maori Tribal Executives, the Maori Women's Welfare League, the Maori Education Foundation, the National Council of Women and the Auckland Metropolitan Junior Council Organization. A representative of the Maori Affairs Department was present as an observer. The chairman and convener of the meeting, Mr Selwyn C. Clarke, said tasks which the trust could undertake included assisting Maoris with home budgets, work for the Maori Education Foundation, and the provision of a forum to discuss topical questions and originate informed comment on racial and other questions. Those present agreed to refer the matter to their respective organizations before setting up a body and deciding upon its constitution and exact role.