NATIVE CONCERT.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 12 September 1919, Page 2

NATIVE CONCERT.

A SUCCESSFUL 'AFFAIR. A large and enthusiastic audience greeted the rising of the curtain, at. Blights'- Theatre on Wednesday nigVt, when a concert, organised by the Natives, was held to raise funds for the Otaki Library and the local football club. The management were most successful in their endeavours, and the programme was one that was fully appreciated by all. Mr Puku Uikihana prove! an able stage manager, and under liis guidance tlusro were no delays. Aftci the singing of the National Anthem, a liuka, given in true Native style by Messrs Nohinoki Mahima (leader). Baker, Rikihana, Metcra, ■ Cook and iHohipulm, followed and was the means of arousing considerable enthusiasm. [The young Native warriors performed splendidly, and wen- called upon to reappear. Their appearance in the s md half of ihe programme was also the signal of much applause, and their performance again proved a meritorious one. Mr Wi Nicholl, now well known to local audiences, sang very nicely,

and both his songs were fully appreciated, especially "Grey Days." Tbfl Misses Te Hiwi (Oliau) greatly please* the audience by their fine singing; t licit voices blended most harmoniously, and they received well deserved encore", especially for their rendering 'of "I'll Sing to You" ami "When (lie Great Red Dawn in Shining." They also sang sweetly "Till We Meet Again" and "We're Having Lovely Weather." Ml Puku Rikihana, always a Cavourit* with local audiences, sang "Aboard f« Dixie Land." and later "The Goblin Man." • For his efforts he received vociferous encores. Miss Rita Hawca recited "Coward" very nicely, ani

with plenty of expression, while M*«i Wilson and Mr Jacob Dtiku received

hearty rounds of applause for thcil duct. "sni?irtie." Later the latter "The Lamp Post," and in response It prolonged applause, gave "I'm Such a Hit With the Girls." So successful was he that he was again encored, and showed his acknowledgment by singing an old favourite. Mr Tobi Mahima w«

in good voice, and his singing of "The Rosnrv" and "Coming Home" broilgb!

forth rounds of appreciation, whit* I Mis* Wilson sang n solo splendidly.! This young lady has a good voice, an! 1 well deserved the encore that followed, I Her item-. "The Magic of Your Eyes" | and "One of These Day*" were very § pleasing. Messrs Jacob Tjtiku and Tohi 1 Mahiina delighted all present with » i banjo due*, and received a triple OnCOW I Mr C. Ferry, who'- alway* scorns well | with his vcntriloquial acts*, performed I .in each half of the programme, and as I usual secured a distinct success. Tn« I act was worthy »f the applause that I greeted him, while his local "Ml ' I were nicely put. , Messrs W. Better ani| H, Knox concluded the programme hyl [giving o successful sketch, wbieil erpted a deal of laughter. Miss Kiki-j , liana and Miss Tc HLiwi ably played tbs| I accompaniments, I Great ere lit for the »uece«! of i affair is due to Messrs. Utiku a».d Ayr* I (secretaries), Mr Puku Kikihana (dim' tor of ceremonies), and others who if aisted to make the function so *&■ cessful. The management v.'ish to rpccialjj thank Misses Te Hiwi and Wilson, «■' Oh.-.u. for valuable assistance, "that young ladies having gone to conuidef able trouble in contributing to the harmony of the evening.

THE DANCE. j The dance that followed wa* alw > [decided success, many tripping t's« I "light fantastic" till the early host*: jto spirited music supplied by MS* jßjkibana, Messrs Tews, Mahiroa aoJ j others. The floor was in good «rde.'. Mr Patau EiMbana made a *pte»li? (M.C., while supper was fully apprcw