The Raukawa Entertainers

Horowhenua Chronicle, 3 September 1915, Page 2

The Raukawa Entertainers

t —. — One of the largest audiences that lias gathered for some time to hear travelling companies greeted tile Haiikaiwa entertainers at the King's Theatre, last evening, judging that there wa.s something good in store, and the splendid entertainment given proved their judgment correct. From the opening liaka, with the performers in native dress, given witn all that fire so characteristic ol this lamous dance, to the canoe song at the close, the program held the audience completely for some two' liouns and a half. The singing was line, especially the part siuging in which the mournful cadences of the Maori voices blended perfectly, and every part song was encored. New to many was the male soprano voice of .Mr I' Hakaraia, who sang "Home. Sweet Home," for the singing of which he •was encored. His voice is of great sweetness and clarity. 'Jne poi dances, including the Waiata tui song, were heartily applauded, and the Maori maids had to give an encore. In addition to the native dunces, Miss Milly Gilbert and Miss (Jtiku gave gracefully Hungarian and Highland dances respectively. Jhe duets 'by the Mioses Tahiwi and' Messrs Nichols and "Morris were not behind any ot the other items 011 the program, and the performers had to give encores. Tile songs by tile company, humorous and sen timen til, maintained the high standard of the wliole performance, a net 1 their singing of the parody 011 "it's a long, long way to Tipperary," brought a shower of coins 011 the stage for the Wounded Soldiers' Fund." Keen appreciation also was shown of the solos sung by Mif*t Nichols and Mr Morris. The humorist of the company, Mr J. Utiku. •kept tlie audience highly amused during his turn and liis encore song "Mr Booze" caused roars of laughter. L'lie entertainment was in a class by itself, and 1 at the close there were many present who criod' out for more.