MAORI CONCERT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 44, 23 June 1947, Page 4

MAORI CONCERT

TALENTED ROTORUA PARTY ST. JOHN’S FUNDS BENEFIT The funds of the Whakatane St. John Ambulance organisation will benefit by a welcome amount as a result of the programme of Maori items given in the Grand Theatre on Thursday. In a setting of green punga fronds 37 members of the Taiporutu Social and Welfare Club’s Concert Party from Rotorua swayed and sang, demonstrating some of the old Maori customs, hakas, poi dances and action songs that are threatening to die out. The programme illustrated a day at an old Maori village, and the welcoming of another tribe. Although the unsettled weather probably deterred some of the intending audience the attendance was satisfactory, but every seat was not occupied. It is agreed by all that the concert was one of the finest ever held in this district. The items, were delivered without any delay, and it appeared that the performers enjoyed the proceedings as much as the audience.

The outstanding item of the evening was a bracket of songs by the renowned Ana Hato, whose performance was most enthusiastically applauded. The concert was organised by the brother of the founder of the club, the late Mr Tai Mitchell. After the last item, the Deputy- - Mayor, Mr S. S. Shapley, thanked the performers and helpers, and at his request the audience showed their appreciation with hearty applause. Mr M. Coughlan, replied suitably on behalf of the club making special mention of the great work carried out by the St. John AmbuLater the party was entertained at supper before their return to Rotorua.