CONCERT AND DANCE.

Otaki Mail, 20 January 1922, Page 2

CONCERT AND DANCE.

A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. The Native concert, held in the theatre last night for the purpose of raising funds for the upkeep of the “ Rangiatea,” was, like its predecessors, a great success, each item given receiving prolonged applause, while the attendance was ' large and enthusiastic. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. P. Brandon) was Director of Ceremonies. The first item was a chorus by Natives, tunefully rendered, while the stage effects were splendid, depicting a kainga with the Natives at home. The Maoris, attired in Native dress, surrounded by

tree-ferns, etc., made a pretty scene, and one the audience greatly appreciated, an encore being demanded. Miss Elderton followed, and was heard to advantage in “Days of Joy,’’ a song thut suited her, and one she did full justice to. She was obliged to bow her acknowledgment to an encore. Later in the programme she also sang nicely, iu a duet, “When the Wind Bloweth in From the Sea,” with Mr Walsh, ’file latter was also in good voice, and the item was one which drew wellmerited applause. Mr Stable sang with fine effect “Scandal Mongers,” receiving hearty applause, while the Hem, “Hine E Hine” by Mrs Roiri and Miss Tahiwi was a splendid one, drawing forth prolonged approbation. Poi dances by Native maidens followed, arid, accompanied by song, were very effective. Mr Wallace D ’Ath, who possesses a very .fine voice, sang “Love’s Garden of Roses” in fine

style, and as an encore was accompanied by Mrs 11. M. D’Ath in a duet of Hawaiian melodics. They were heartily applauded, and on bowing their acknowledgment further applause followed, and even the Director of Ceremonies had to give way and a! low the audience their desire for a re petition Miss Morrison (Dunedin) gave a pianoforte solo in good style, which was followed by Mrs D’Ath, who sang "Waiatu Poi,” an old favorite. The singer, who is always popular, received a Splendid reception, and at the conclusion of the item, which was accompanied by two Maori maidens with pois, was vociferously applauded, and was forced to respond. Professor Meier (Wellington) gave a violin solo in a pleasing manner, and received an encore, while Airs Rom, for her singing of "Ah, Though tho Silver Moon Were Mine" received wellmerited applause, and was obliged to reappear. The Tahiwi Family (Mrs Roiri, Miss Tahiwi, and Mr Pirimi T&hiwi), pleased the audience with a song, after which a fitting finale by Natives was splendidly given. Mrs Stable ably played tho accom-

pamments. Mr Brandon, at a suitable interval, stated that the concert wsa organised with the object of raising funds for the preservation of the Native Church —the most historic building in New Zealand, and added that the Natives were deeply grateful to the Europeans for their attendance and help. Mr Brandon further stated that anyone desirous of viewing the Church could do so, while arrangements had been made to supply visitors with information regarding the building. A dance was afterwards held, when a very pleasant time was passed. Credit for the success of the affair is largely due to Mr P. Tahiwi (secretary) and his willing band of helpers, all of whom worked energetically to make the function so successful and enjoyablp