ROTORUA MAORI ENTERTAINERS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9156, 1 August 1908, Page 5

ROTORUA MAORI ENTERTAINERS.

IA CAt'ITAL ENTERTAINMENT.

A unique and interesting entertain- , ment was given in the Town Hall last ( evenirg by the Rotorua Maori Enter- , tainers before a large and enthusi- ( astic audience. The Rev. F A. Lien- < iiett, of Rotorua, iintnoduoe 1 the audi , ence to a series of beautifully arranged tableaux depicting life in the Ofrinemutu Pa, and with the raising i of the curtain the Bunlit shoies of the placid lake, with the immediate foreground arranged as a pa with Maori house, mara-e, and pataka complete, was seen. In one /picture was a study in still life, an example of picturesque grouping; the next represented the Native mem and women at their daily ocupations the (third represented the welcome accorded to distinguished strangers (mending ai weird powhiri), and following it came the usual addresses and the hangi or feast—all managed with picturesque dignity and reserve It was the life of the Maori in tabloid. A male quartette sang "Juanita/' and in response to a v/ell deserved encore t'ave "April and November" (humorous.) A maiden and youth (who rejoined in the cheerful appellation of Sunny Breeze) played at mntemale quaintly. Tho Maori Mission Choir—a double sestette—sang with nice expression the glpe "Drink to Me Only," and>as an encore submitted "Where are You Going to my Pretty Maid." The poi play of six Arawa girte, led by Kahira, was a wonderful exhibition ul the Native gift of rhythm, and Tango Kolciri and chorus made a decided hit in the clever coon song "The Lecture." A moat interesting item was introduced in the potaka or climbing top, which is subject for its well being or otherwise to the incantation sung over it The secon 1 part opened with a series of tableaux representing the love Btory of Tutakai and Hinemoa. Thvse were excellent, and thoroughly deserved the bud and prolonged applause of the audience. There weri also male part songs, more plantation by Tango Kokiri and choir, a graceful canoe poi by half, a dozen girls, and a stirring war dance. An excellent entertainment concluded with the singing of "Fa Funga Ftn?a" by the choir. During the evening the Rev. Mi Bennett gave a short address en the efforts that were being made by the iCoung Maori Party to try and upraise the Maori anc he appealed to the pakehas pre sent to assist them in their efforts. This evening the Company wil give a complete change of pro gramme, and there should be anothe; crowded house.