MAORI CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3562, 13 November 1926, Page 2

MAORI CONCERT.

A PICTURESQUE ENTERTAINMENT. The Royal Theatre was filled with an appreciative audience on Thursday night on the occasion of the Maori concert organised by Mr and Mrs T. Ellers and Air IT. Hakaraia. The concert was held under the auspices of the Sports Queen committee in aid of the swimming baths funds. The stage was tastefully decorated with greenery and in the centre was a miniature whare runnnga. The grouped natives attired in old-time .costumes, provided a setting which was picturesque, while the harmonised chanting in the opening scene created the correct atmosphere for a scene which made a great impression on the audience. Except for one item, the whole performance was provided by the Alaoris. The opening was the plaintive melody “Home Little Maori Maid,” sung with great expression by Air IT. ITa.karaia, Aliss Rikiana taking, the role of the Maori maid and the company singing the refrain. This scene was quickly followed by a stirring war dance, led by Toroa and his band of warriors. Air AT. Baker was deservedly encored for his rendering of “Rosalind” and later he contributed a ATaori song with fine effect. The poi dance by the Otaki Maori girls was a fine number, the graceful movements of the maidens and cle\;er manipulation of the raupu balls fairly captivated (lie audience. Aliss Tewiatn, a girl of eleven years, with a remarkably sweet voice, sang “Maoriland” and responded with “Moonlight and Poses.” Aliss Hakaraia and Messrs Ellers and H. Hakaraia caused roars of laughter with the humorous item “Teasing.” Another haka enlivened the proceedings,-followed by a comic song by Air Jacob Utiku. Air AV. Nicholls’s rendering of “Asleep in the Poses,” brought forth an encore and the AAaiata Poi by native maidens brought the first half to a close. A particularly pleasing triple row poi dance led by Airs Ellers opened the second half. The maidens were dressed in the colours of the three queen candidates. This item called forth tremendous applause. Alisses Hakaraia and Aemorore (Otaki) gave a fine exhibition of dancing, which included the “Charleston” and were recalled. The song “Pal 0* Aline” was nicely rendered by little Pearl King. Aliss Hakaraia sang the humorous song in character “Nobody’s Darling,” and Messrs Ellers, Hakaraia, and Utiku kept the house in roars of laughter with their songs “Chicken Pie,” and “Sausage Aleut.” An original haka by six lads: Aloses, AlcGregor, Coot os, ITirini (2) and Whareiti, caused much merriment, '['he final group scene and farewell song by the company, in which the Sports Queen (Aliss Stevenson) was the central figure, was a fitting finale to a most successful concert. During this portion, Air .1. K. Hornblow made special reference to the assistance rendered by the Maoris in connection with all local public efforts and made mention of Air and Mrs Ellers and Air IT. Hakaraia for organising the concert and the Otaki natives for their assistance. Airs Ellers was made the recipient of a large box of chocolates and smaller boxes were presented to the little Maori girls and Pearl King by the Committee. The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem.