N.Z. "TALKIE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 593, 20 February 1929, Page 1

N.Z. "TALKIE”

AUCKLANDER ENGAGED IN AMERICA MAORI SONGS AND DANCES An Aucklander has beep engaged to make a talking sequence tor a Hollywood-produced motion picture. She is Miss Bathie Stuart, whose work as a New Zealand lecturer in the United States attracted the attention of the Universal Film Corporation. Incidentally, Miss Stuart’s work in the new “talkie” will do much to advertise New Zealand, for she has undertaken to produce Maori songs and poi dances. For some months slie has been in America, touring with films of New Zealand scenery and lecturing on the attractiveness of the Dominion as a rendezvous for tourists and health seekers. It so happened that while she was on the Pacific Coast the Universal Corporation had in course of preparation its New Zealand picture “Tara nga." Wishing to bring the production up to date by introducing a sound and’ talking sequence, in the form of a prologue, the producers sent for Miss Stuart and engaged her at once. With the asistance of a bevy of Hollywood girls, who will appear as Maori maidens, Miss Stuart will present Maori songs and dances of all kinds. Thus slio will be the first New Zealander to appear in a talking film. Bathie Stuart (Mrs. Umbers) is well known in Auckland, where she has appeared at various theatres throughout the city. At the head of her Maori melody maids she played a season throughput the Dominion, appearing at several motion-picture theatres. Miss Stuart paid a visit to the United States of America some time ago, returning to New Zealand last year. While there she gave lectures and appeared in several entertainments.