THE PIONEERS.

Shannon News, 20 January 1922, Page 2

THE PIONEERS.

AT THE MAUiULAND THEATRE. 1 Thursday’s Levin Chronicle says: The Maori has a natural gift lor harmony; in fact, a visitor to New, Zealand once said, alter he'armg a < mixed concourse snag at a Maori funeral, that noNviiere' hi the world could one lind such a mixed gathering possessing such rich harmony as was produced by'this gathering oi Maoris. Is it any wonder, then, mat. a small group of natives like the Pioneer Entertainers are able to render such an acceptable programme as was presented at the Century Hall last evening to a good audience. Not only were the concerted items ail received with vociferous applause, but many ol the solo turns are oi outstanding merit-. Noho Toki is the possessor ol a. soft, rich tegor voice, which he uses to good advantage. Skip Baker nad to respond /to several encores. a bass nine'll above the average, and bis rendering of “When You Come Home” was most pleasing. Jake Hapeta was rather good, in character work, though an assumed American drawl is a decided disadvantage. This same fault seems to characterise several of the other members of the company, and is not at all reconcilable with the natural solt, rich tones of the Maori. Gwen Church was a delightful exception. Her clear, rich contralto was ofie of the best items on the programme. Other items worthy of mention are the String Sextette, tne Quartette Party, and 'Tommy Ellers 'as • a comedian. His work' in the comic sketch, “The Telephone,” was really godfl. The company goes north today, showing in Shannon on Friday evening. \ x