MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 383, 18 June 1928, Page 15

MAJESTIC

TE PUEA’S MAORI MAIDS Again, on Saturday the Majestic Theatre was crowded out by the many thousands of Aucklanders anxious to view Princess Te Puea’s IMaori maids and toas, and their magnificent programme of ancestral chants, war cries, hakas, and poi dances. The swish of the poi as it touches the piu piu is heard when eleven graceful and talented Maori maids present their intriguing programme. ... , Six men are included m the* skilled concert troupe of the Princess Te Puea Herangi, and make their appearance with the 17 members of the skilled combination at the Majestic Theatre. A special prologue setting, in which the romantic appeal of the fast is emphasised, has been arranged by the management. Mr. Jan Hendrik Rogge, the DutchAmerican journalist, who recently visited Princess Te Puea at her model pa at Ngaruawahia, was an enthusiastic admirer of these toas of modern times. “If it had not been for these young men,” he said, “ 1 would not have had an opportunity of seeing a haka, performed with all the old-time abandon. At Rotorua, where I was told I would see the best war dances in New Zealand, I saw a solitary couple performing the haka.” Every member of Te Puea’s concert party is an artist. Every boy and girl answers the call of the chieftainess when she issues the call for work at her settlement. Life is not one continual song and dance. These young people are Te Puea’s helpers in her social work. The attractive pictorial programme is headed by “The Latest from Paris,” with beautiful Norma Shearer. The story of “The Latest From Paris” is unique. Miss Shearer represents a New York firm of clothiers, and travels on the same trains with other “drummers,” though they do not recognise her. Her ability to get orders from the favourite customers of rival salesmen causes them to combine to get rid of her. Forbes is the leader of the conspiracy until he learns that the mysterious “Mr.” Dolan is the beautiful girl he met in the Pullman. Without doubt this is the best role Miss Shearer has had in several film seasons, and she takes the fullest advantage of every opportunity it offers her. The secrets of Nature are interestingly revealed in the Nature study film. “Humble Friends,” which, together with the Majestic Magazine, and a very amusing comedy, “Wandering Papas,” with Clyde Cook, concludes the notable programme. Mr. Whiteford-Waugh and his Majestic Orchestra, must be complimented upon their musical programme. Taste and discrimination have been exercised in the arrangement of this programme. Kreisler’s dainty composition, “Caprice Viennois.” is played as the orchestral interlude, while included among the mus.ical gems given are “Les Bateaux Des Fleurs” (Gauwin). “Symphony No. 1” (Schumann). “Norwegian Rhapsody No. 1” (Spendsen). “Chopinata” Chopin’s works written in fox-trot time, “What Are You Waiting For. Mary?” “In a Little Garden.” two latest fox-trots. Bv snecial request. “Woodland Echoes” (Frank Tano) is in the programme. This number is nlayed durging the screening of “Humble Friends.”

Basil Dickey, well-known canine fancier is also a successful writer of stories in which man’s four-footed friends are featured. He is the author and scenarist of “Call of the Heart,” a Universal 'Western, starring -Dynamite” famous police dog. The picture was directed by Ray Taylor, with Edmund Cobb playing the supporting lead and Joan Alden in the leading feminine role. The cast includes. Maurice Murphy, William Steele and others.