MAORIS AT THE OPERA HOUSE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2193, 4 July 1914, Page 7

MAORIS AT THE OPERA HOUSE.

NEW ZEALAND NATIVES' ENTERTAINMENT., _The' New Zealand Natives' Association has'every reasoii' to feel pleased at the success attending its first entertainment, given .at the Grand Opera House last night. The' first' portion of the programme was contributed to solely 'by Maoris.' The opening item, the '.'Haka of Welcome," was given effectively by a number of Maori warriors. Two Maori maidens, Misses Ria and Hinehau Tahiwi, followed by a delightful rendering of the Maori slumbering song, "Hino e Hinc." Misses Haria and Metaporo Patihona then danced the sailor's hornpipe. The singing of "Home, Sweet Home" in Maori by Mrs. Te Rata. M»h,uta was deservedy applauded. 'Other Maori contributions were: Violin solo, "Home. Sweet Home," Miss Wharemato. Patitnna; song, ''Old Sweet Melodies," Mr. Noho Toki; and a poi Banco, "Poi Waka," prettily executed :by -ft dozen Maori maidens

In the second hafl, tho comedietta, "The\Bailiff," was presented. 'The parts were interpreted as follows:—Jack Merriden, Mr. C. Bentloy ; Nell .Merridan, Miss Marie Fix; Weston, the butler, Mr. Phipps Williams. The comeclietta was quite a creditable little effort,. ,'Local talent made up the'remainder ' of'' tho' programme. Little Misses Eve-lyn and Irene Marsh danced as daintily as they looked, while little Thelma Aitlten was encored for her recitation of Soft Spot." Dr. -Noiv man Hales sang inimitably "Wop, Wop, Wop," described as an Italian's lament on "much trouble," and scored a double encore. Mrs. Woodward was heard enjoyably in Arditi's "Rosebuds," and in encore number. Other items were: Duct. "Watchman, What of tho Night," Messrs. C. Clarkson and Courtenoy V. Mohr; and "Poi Song," from "Hinemoa," Mr. Courtenay Mohr (assisted by Maori maidens). Tho association's orchestra contributed two • overtures, "Tho Bohemian Girl" and "Old French Songs." > 'Mr. C. M'lntyre was secretary .and stago manager. Mr. W M'Laughlan, musical director; while scenery incidental to some of tho item's was painted by Mr. W. Beck Tho Hon! A. T. Ngata, who had been announced to give "The Great Maori Legend," was unable to bo present.