MAORI PERFORMERS IN A FIX.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2051, 6 November 1919, Page 4

MAORI PERFORMERS IN A FIX.

AMERICAN AUTHORITIES SEIZE THEIR COSTUMES

An interesting clipping from 1 he San Francisco Bulletin of 4th September, has been handed in to the Wellington Best by Mr C. 11. Barrett, who has just returned to Wellington, after a live months 1 business tour through Canada and the United States. “Feathers may be all that is necessary in the shape of clothing, in far-away Maorilaml,” the paragraph runs, “but in San Francisco —that’s another mailer! When the steamer Moana, of the Union Line, arrived in* port from the Antipodes to-day, three Maori maids, dad only in bird of paradise plumes, and such like, walked blithely down the gang-plank, accompanied by three men of their tribe, attired somewhat similarly. The .Maoris had intended to till a theatrical engagement on the Orpheum circuit. Xow they arc left without their native 'costumes, for the feathers were promptly seized, and turned over to Colonel John S. Orby, surveyor of the port. The plumes worn by the Maoris are denied entry into this country. The costumes consist of aigrettes and bird of paradise feathers, valued at- many thousands of'dollars. The Maoris complain that they cannot put on their act without their native dresses.” Being anxious to do something to get our natives out of this predicament, Mr Barrett spent the best part of the following day being handed on from the British Consul to various Customs officials, but although every argument was used, the latter was adamant, and the only purpose for which the feathers could bo allowed to enter; the United States of America would be for permanent exhibit in a public museum. Eycutu-

ally it was agreed to write to Washington for special permission, and this, it was understood, would pretty surely be granted under the circumstances, and therefore the Maoris would merely be held up for a week or two, and their performance postponed accordingly.