MAORI CONCERT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 September 1939, Page 9

MAORI CONCERT

EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT IN OPERA HOUSE. ANOTHER PERFORMANCE TONIGHT A large and appreciative audience comfortably filled the Opera House last night when a combined Gladstone and Papawai Maori concert party gave a wonderful display of Maori art in aid of the Papawai Pa renovation funds. The stage effects were particularly good, and the audience was soon familiar with the finer points of Maori action songs and dances. The poi dances were very well done and several encores were demanded. The vocalist, Mrs G .Turei, who possesses a beautiful voice, found ready favour and responded with several recalls. Mr Te Whaiti also received a popular reception. . The Masterton Savage Club orchestra capably rendered the overtures. At a suitable opportunity, the Mayor. Mr T. Jordan, referred to the fine work being done by the Maoris to renovate their pas at Papawai and Te Ore Ore and commended the concert party and organisers for the wonderful concert they had presented. He also made an appeal for further assistance. Mr Baku made reference to the historical value of the Papawai pa. The concert' will be repeated tonight. The programme was as follows: — Opening chorus, Wairua ate Tau; haka, Tu iho nei; trio, single long poi. no. 1; solo, Mrs G. Turei; single short poi; haka (Arawhata); hula; instrumental item; haka, Ka mate; Takitimu (Canoe poi), Gladstone Party; solo, Iraia Te Whaiti, Papawai; combined poi, Gladstone Party; haka (Hangi Koti and dummy covzboy), Gladstone party; action song (Nga reo nga iwi—twice), encore, Ko wai), Papawai party; Tai Aha, item, Gladstone; solo Mrs G. Turei, Papawai; Single long poi, No. 2, Papawai; action song, Pcua te aroha, Gladstone; Double long poi, Papawai; haka, Gladstone; action song (Nga motu e toru and Ropata) Papawai; solo, Mrs G. Turei, Papawai;. action song, Hikurangi and Haere-mai Pakawai; grand finale (Arohanui), company.