"THE KAIWHAKAKOS"

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 122, 17 February 1920, Page 10

"THE KAIWHAKAKOS"

A STORY OF EARLY NEW ZEALAND - "Tho Kuiwhakakos," a play in four„ nets, by Ben Mntitlo. Cast:— Major Olokti Jtr J. Drown. Captain Goodheart Jlr. Con White Lieut. Harsh Mr.- K. Lessington Mr. E. J. Seddon Mr. A. M. Coffey Miko Mr. A. Maunco Tho .Tokor Mr. Alf. May Bill Gaspipo Mr. Georges Beaucairo Mrs. Goodiioart Miss Lila Stoke! Prudence Peggy ,Dlx Margery Miss Atholc Raniond Rev. Square Mr. Tj. Bomaino James Wise Percy C. Harper Loyal Albert Mr. Charles Archer Poteiie Miss Marie Denton B'UEic Miss Bincmoa Douglas Tommy, the Scout Mr. W. Johimtou Weteno Mr. C. H. Burridßfl Tito .'.»..' Mr. J. French Wcpo Mr. A. Do Lanto Homo Mr. J. Martinengo Tohunga Mr. Alf. Cates Hera Miss D. Do Bois "Tho Kaiwkakakos" (tho teachers) is tho name of a piny produced, by amateurs at tho Grand Opora House last evening, ami written by Mr. Ben Mantle, a Paraparauuiu farmer, who 6eeks to • convov some impressions of ,the experiences and hardships suffered by the ear.y t settlers in the Wanganui districts. Jlr. • Mantle's play received its premiere at I'etone some seven or eight years ago, , hut last evening's performance was tho first given in Wellington city. "Tho Kaiwhakiikos" is written.in.the style of a class of melodrama now out of favour with the play-goin,? public. The plot ia not strong, and there is not a deal to commend in th<( way of dramatic incident or i.omantic glamour, but, played more closely and with a moro comprehensive knowledge of theatrical technique, the play would nrobably furnish an idea of life in the 'sixties, when the Hauhaus were a real menace to tho wav-back settlers in tho Wanganui and Tafnnaki districts. The author has introduced into one scene the late Mr.It. .1. Seddon, for which character is ro-> served the two longest speeches in the last act,' though ho has not hitherto, appeared in the play. The' story deals' with- the sturdy bravery and loyalty if Albert, a native teacher, and his halfcaste wife. Albert, who is distrusted by pakehas and Hauhaus alike, finds' himself in a tight corner, and when taken by' the Hauhaus declares for them in order to snve his- own and his wife's life. Being absolutely loyal, however, lie, in. a fight with the constabulary, .bites - off tho bullets from his cartridges, and only Rhoots "blank" at the pakeha soldiers. His action in fighting with the Hauhaus is noted by Jim Wise, a rone-' gnde. white, who has designs on the teacher's wife, and Albert is accused of the blackest treachery, and when ho visits tho settlement to advise them ofan impending attack, is arrested and tried, but at the trial Tommy the Scout, who had witnessed the skirmish in ths bush, told how Wise had insulted -Albert's wife, how his life had been spared by tho teacher, and also of the eartridgebiting incident:. This evidence clears Al-. Bert completely. There the story ends. Incidentally there are two pairs of lovers, both of whom end.their differences in tho little chapel, the funny old man with the meaningless laugh eommentjn!? garrulously that the country, required population. A good deal of the diatomic was obscured by "dramatic music,",which, instead of aiding the scenes, served to nmko thtm In* comprehensible than they otherwise might have lieen. The important part of Loyal Albert was very well played by Mr. Chas. Archer, who exercised restraint nnd infused quiet dignity into Hie role. Miss Marie Denton, as Albert s half-caste wife, was effective in patches, but sliowed promise with experience. Her high-heeled, shoes were out of place in the turbulent bush scenes, in which sho took part. Miss A thole fiamond showed plentv of aplomb as Margerv, and her scene's with her fiance, Bill Gaspipe, wcro among the. best in the play; Prudence, a new importation from England, and one of tho brides, was played by Miss Peggy Dix. Mr. TJ, Lessmgton figured as' her lover, Lieutenant Marsh; Mr Georges Beaucairo was a lively Bui Gaspipe, and Mr. Percy Harper endeav. onrcd to make .Tim Wise a very dastardly character. Others who participated wero Me,«rs. ,1. Brown, Con. White, If, T.es. Kington, A. M. Coffey, A. Maurice, Miss Hinemoa Douglas, and Miss Do TSois. Maori songs, new and old, and a hakn were served ur. as local colour At v'-n conclusion of the performnnceMr. Mantle was called for, and on his appearance was introduced by Mr. Archer, who said that the nlny was his life's work, his aim having been to give the people of to-day someidea of life in tho early days in M\r Zealand. ' ■