THE ROYAL CRUISE

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1927, Page 3

THE ROYAL CRUISE

[Australian it N.Z. Cable Association.] .MAI: QU ESA N R KCEPTION. MELBOURNE, Feb. II). A wireless message from H..M.S. Renown states that during the afternoon a large party of Marquesan Natives. including some who "ame nearly one hundred miles from other islands were shown over the ship and entertained at tea in the crew’s quarters. Later, at the suggestions of the Y nrks, the Marine hand played on the village green. A few native canoes were given for the benefit of Hie wusliip’x liberty men. Tn the e'er leg the Duke of York entertained the Administrator at dinner aboard, afterwards going ashore to witness the programme of native dances, at which, after several dances, the performers .elfmted a song they reeentlv composed in honour of their Highnesses. The thanks of the Y'orks were conveyed to the dancers and the populace per medium of an interpreter. The native dances were attractive, and the exhibition was set bizarrely on the lawn under flaring nnpthia torches with the whole village grouped round seated on tlie grass. The dances were mostly hip movements and foot shuffling by women, the men being freer and more vigorous. There was some, suggestions of the liiika, but much tamer. As usual the dances were symbolic' of love and worship of food, with evidently comic interludes. One dance was stopped hurriedly as it was develoing into the okl time freedom of movement. The dancers also chan led songs, one of which was reminiscent of the poi dance of the Maoris.