WAITARA.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 August 1916, Page 3

WAITARA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) „ Waitara. August 3.i. J.lie Maoris of Waitara pave an entertainment iu St, John's Hall last evenin* to aid the Belgian Fund, and played before a rather uncomfortably packed audience. The stage was artistically decorated with palms as a representation ol a Maori whare, the suitably painted hoards around the opeiSug of the sta"e anil forming the entrance to the whare' oemg surmounted with the carved face ot the British bulldog in lieu of the customary tiki. This, together with the -Maori maidens and warriors who were seated in a-semi-circle on the stage, had a very fine and imposing effect." ' Air Jmchanan, who undertook the role of stage manager, apologised on behalf of the natives for the unavoidable absence of two of their number, who were anion* the leading artists, but, liotwithstand" ing, the whole entertainment was carried right through without a hitch and reflects great credit on the Maoris' musical talent, the practice* only liavin<» started a fortnight previously. The en* tcrtaimnent opened with a chorus "Takapuiw"' (the farewell song of the Maoris), by the company, followed with "Uncle Joe,'' splendidly rendered by Tecko Waiters and Hokireinga Teira. The poi dance by the Wailii Tamarikis was also to the fore, and Kalm Percnara's ragtime song had the audience in convulsions. ■•Good Old New Zealand" was done full justice to by Rawina Peere, who possesses a really fine voice. "The Bulldog Waits at the Door," sung by ,Hana and Karika Kruiiii, met with an ovation, as also did Perere • Uoroatu in "Keep the Home Fires Burning.'' Hokereiiiga, Pecre and Timi Mann, who acted "The Ragtime Jockey" while the dompany sang the words, was a feature of the i evening, and proved a ripping mirth-, provoker. "Darling I am Growing Old," was sung to perfection by Tecko Waitero and a lively haka participated in by w'. Fox, Hokereiiiga, Pcrenara, Peere, Horoatua, Kingi, and Xgarori, brought the first part of the programme to a close. The second half was opened with a memorial song and poi dance, "Karere," by the company, followed by "Irish Eyes are Smiling," sung by Perere Horoatua; ■'Alone," a part song by Rawina Peere and Tecko Waiter*; poi dance, by the Waihi Tamarikis; "Come Sing to" Me," sung by Nikaru Erihana; "Mississippi Shore,'' by Timi Maim; ragtime choruses by the company, a parody "by Kahu Pcrenara; a haka, by Hokereiiiga, Peere, I'erenilva, Hovou*.iia, Kingi and Xgatori; "Kama Tupu" ("Home Sweet Home"), sung by the company, concluded a most excellent evening's entertainment. During an intcrvaj, .''Please Give Me a. Penny" was sung by Kirika Emini, and resulted in Hi Ss 3d being collected off the stage. Poi buttonhole* sold at halftime realised .tl 12s Od. Every item given met with a vociferous reception and had to be repeated. The Maoris are deserving of very great credit for their splendid eil'ort, and are to be high v ly complimented for their first-class en-' tertainment, which was a rare treat and or the kind that should meet with a groat reception wherever giv en . T n or j Pl . t/> give those who were unable to obtain seats a chance of witnessing the concert, the Maoris have decided to give the entertainment again this evening, the pro- . coeds of which will be devoted to Christmas cheer for the boys at the front. Weather permitting, the Waitara Municipal Bross Band will render a programme of sacred music on the Camp Reserve on Sunday afternoon, 27th hist., commencing at 2.30 p.m.