MAORI CLUBS

Ngati Poneke Young Maori Club's 30th Anniversary On Sunday 25 September, hundreds were turned away from St James Theatre, Wellington, when the Ngati Poneke club gave a concert to mark its 30th anniversary. Present in the audience were the Governor-General, Sir Bernard Fergusson and Lady Fergusson, representatives of Government and Opposition, and members of the Diplomatic Corps. The programme began with a ceremonial challenge and welcome to peaceful ‘visitors’, and the audience then saw a complete range of items, ancient and modern. Mr Te Reme Karepa, producer of the concert Sir Bernard, accompanied by club president Mr F. Katene meets Te Rongopai Tiini. Behind them is club secretary William Nathan Mr A. W. Kinsella with club members. From left; Mrs Lorraine Nikera, then girls' leader, Mrs Josephine Ferris, Miss Huia Maitai, Mrs Donas Nathan and Mrs Millie Clark. In front are two juniors, Rora Smith and Oiti Hiroti Highlights were the performance of three items by the ‘Ngati Poneke Juniors’, the singing of the Ngati Poneke choir, conducted by Mr B. Raurangi, the thrilling taiaha drill and the skilful stick games. In a ‘grand finale’ all the performers moved onto the stage, demonstrating a variety of skills. Members of the official party later went backstage to meet the performers. Money raised at the concert will go into a building fund, as the present premises, given to the club in 1944 in recognition of patriotic services, will soon be demolished.