MAORI ENTERTAINMENT

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3733, 22 December 1927, Page 3

MAORI ENTERTAINMENT

The Maori entertainers gave another of their novel concerts in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening, but owing to the number of social functions held recently, the attendance was not large. The audience, however, thoroughly appreciated the items. 'Foxton possesses some excellent Maori talent, both instrunkental and vocal, and if efficiently organised and trained would compare more than . favourably with similar entertainments in the large centres. The Maoris are naturally musical and many of them possess voices of rare quality, and their harmonising and balance in chorus work is good. The old time hakas and poi dances are executed with a grace and rhythm that is always pleasing. It is good to know that the younger generation are keeping these old time dances alive. The programme consisted of choruses, duets, instrumental'-items and dances. The haka by the junior boys, led by a fierce warrior, called forth thunderous applause and the long poi and toe waka” by the maidens were very good. The warriors led by the veteran Toeroa, gave some stirring hakas. The' comedy was provided by Messrs Tom Ellers and Charlie Prew. The burlesque haka bv these two extremes fairly convulsed the audience. We should say there is a fortune waiting these two at Holywood as fun makers for the 'movies. Miss Pritchard execu-

ted two dances in her usual finished style and had to respond to undeni--1 able encores. The entertainment, as a whole, was thoroughly appreciated. During an interval the drawing of the art union for Maori works of art was supervised by Mr W. Truenffosy* and resulted as follows: v —'Canoe, Mick Lyons (Taikorea); carved walking stick, Mr. S. Mattar; taiaha, E. Conlan (Oroua Downs); pin piu, Arano Teri.