THE ARAWA MAORIS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1765, 2 June 1913, Page 3

THE ARAWA MAORIS.

RETURN FROM ENGLAND. TOUR A FAILURE. Tho remaining mombers of the Arawu troupo of Maoris, who in 1910 left Mow Zealand under the guidanco of Maggie Papakura, returned from England on Saturday by the s.s. Paparoa. Financially, their tour has been a failure, and all are glad to bo back in New Zealand. Speaking to a Dominion representative on the arrival of the Paparoa on Saturday, Chief Paora Tamati, and tho secretary'of tho company, Mr. Nuku, briefly explained Eoruo of the reasons which led to the members getting into financial difficulties while in England. Their first appearance in England was at tho Crystal Palace, but owing to their Maori village being condemned, they had to movo on. Their next engagement was at the Whit© City, but they had difficulties over their wages, and, when the engagement ended, they wero all thoroughly disheartened. Twelve of the girls appeared at tho Palaco Theatre, London, tor some time, but the rest had to receive assistance from the New Zealand Government.

When half the troupe returned to New Zealand, late in 1011, the remaining twenty members decide J to make a tour of the South of England, under the control of Mr. W. Andrews, of Hampstead. Many towns were visited, but ill-luck seemed to dog the Maoris, for again tho loss was heavy. There were too many entertainments in England at the time, consequently the Maori performances wore not patronised to any extent. Eventually, after many vicissitudes in and about London, it was decided to apply to tho New Zealand High Commissioner for us. sistanoe back to New Zealand. "Paparoa" Tawhai, Prior to the arrival of the vessel at Hobart a baby girl was born to two members of the troupe, the parents being Rua Tawhai and Hera Tawhai. This was tho second child born to this couph* since they left Now Zealand, one baby having first seen the light of day in Loudon. Needless to say, the Paparoa baby has been named after the ship. The "star" of the troupe, Iwa Kereti, has remained in England, where she is doing well. She has a beautiful contralto voice, which is gaining great praise wherever she goes. On tho voyage out the Maoris wore the centre of attraction on the ship, and gavo many entertainments in aid of seamen's charities. The passage was fine all the way, and the ship made one of her fastest runs. The passengers wero loud in their praiso of the manner in which Commander N. E. Bower and all the officers of the ship laid themselves out to help to entertain the passengers. Every night a concert or dance was held on board. At Hobart the captain gavo the children a treat by talcing them to a picture show entertainment. At Hobart Captain Bower heard of the death of his father, Captain Bower, late town clerk of Napier. Chief Paora Tamati also learnt of tho death of hi 3 mothor when the vessel reached Hobart. _

The entertainment given by the Maoris on board, in. aid of seamen's charities, was greatly appreciated, and at the conclusion Ca.ptain Bower said that he would like publicly to thank Chief Paora Tamati and each individual member of his troupe for tho grea.t trouble they had taken, and the oxcellent evening's amusement they had given. The Maoris leave this morning for Kotorua.