MAORI CONCERT.

Shannon News, 2 September 1927, Page 3

MAORI CONCERT.

The Maori concert organised by the Shannon Natives in aid of the People s Picnic 1 ' Fund and held in the Maonland Theatre on Tuesday evening was deserving of a larger audience. the promoters had spent a great deal or time and thought in the arranging or their programme and each item received a well earned encore. The Hakas and poi dances, were a sample of what will be given on New Year’s Day at the People’s Picnic for the N.Z. Championship and were received with loud applause. ; The dialogue, “Maoris at Home, which was based on the lo\e affairs ot a young Maori chief was well rendered and made a fitting finale to a most enjoyable concert. The story briefly was as follows: The young chief, according to Maori custom, was travelling from tribe to tribe paying visits and compliments to his hosts. While staying with a certain tribe he met a beautiful girl with whom he fell deeply in love. The maiden was greatly taken by the handsome young cilief and returned his love. The girl’s parents also admired the young man and gave their consent to the marriage. Now, .the' Maori custom, under such circumstances, is that the boy’s tribe and parents must also give their con-*' sent, so a messenger was. sent off to the young chief’s tribe, notifying them that the tribe would visit them__on a certain date in order to discuss the matter. The young chief also returned home to await the arrival of his sweetheart’s tribe. On his arrival home, he found his father objecting very strongly to his marriage with this maiden. The first scene showed the home tribe awaiting the arrival of the girl’s tribe. They are engaged in typical Maori pursuits, playing games such as mate-mate, liomai and so on. Then in the distance is heard the war cry of the girl’s tribe approaching, whereupon the home tribe line up ready to give them a rousing welcome* in the traditionary manner. When the welcome speeches have been given, and replied to and the customary procedure gone through, both parties settle down to discuss the matter of the marriage. The girl’s father comes forward and speaks, saying that he and his tribe are quite agreeable. After making his speech he sits down and awaits the boy’s father’s reply. .'All this while the young chief’s father is quite firm in liis objection to the marriage, and he gives his reply saying that under no circumstances will he consent. This makes the girl’s tribe very downcast. The young chief, too, is so angry that he comes forward and sings a song to the Maori maiden, which is so beautiful and appealing that the father’s hard heart is softened and sooner than cause his son so much pain lie gives his consent. Everything being happily settled, things then go merrily along. Food is served to the visitors in the Maori style accompanied by a haka, and everyone is made quite at home, playing games and so forth. item closed with an order being given and both tribes join in performing a mixed lialca.

Mr. A. E. Hyde (president of the People Picnic Committee), (thanked the Natives for their spontaneous assistance tpwards their funds in promotion o*& this concert, pointing out that funds were needed for the carrying out of the N.Z. Championship for Ilakas and Poi Dances on New Year’s Day.

The full programme was as follows: —Overture, Orchestra; “Fa Funga Funga,’’ Company; Comic Sketch, “My Pal’s a Lamp Post, ’’ Mr. Perehana; Poi Dance, Ladies; Hula Dance, Mr. J. Treco; Ilaka, “Taiaha”, Nepia and Troupe; Duet (character), Miss Downes and Mr. B. Poaneke; Guitar Solo, Mr. G. Perehana; Song, Mr. Hakaraia; Comic Sketch, Poaneki and Troupe; Overture, Orchestra; Song and Dance, T. Koliika and Troupe; Guitar Trio, Messrs Perehama, Waka and Hopo; Muliu and Troupe; comic song, w. Poaneki; Poi Dances, Ladies and 'Gentlemen; Duet, Messrs Perehama and Poaneki; Dialogue, “Maoris at Home,’’ Company.