Outstanding Appreciation of Maori Pageant

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 31, 17 February 1928, Unnumbered Page

Outstanding Appreciation of Maori Pageant

i) © ne UIHIAUUTUAI S | » 1 SAT | ’ 1 UT sed SSA TUTTI au N our last week’s issue we indicated the || outstanding success of the celebration arranged by 2YA in connection with the 88th anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi, and prophesied that there would be a chorus of general approval from listeners throughout the country and overseas. The tide of approbation from listeners duly rose and not only 2YA, but the other stations which successfully rebroadcast its programme, are receiving sheaves of letters expressing appreciation of the variety and melody embodied in the evening’s programme. The océasion, and the unique nature of the celebration, was recognised by the Press as being worthy of note, and some generous and appreciative reports appeared. It was apparent to listeners that the programme, as organised, had a@ serious side, and aimed to inform as well as to

entertain, in this respect fulfilling the ideal of the company of providing the informative entertainment, : While some New Zealanders born and bred in. . the country have a working knowledge of our history, that knowledge may, in many other cases, be classified as hazy. Newcomers to our shores are, in the main, frankly ignorant of the stirring romance that does hinge around the early stages of our development. The value of such an entertain~ ment as was provided by the commemoration programme in informing, while entertaining, has re. eeived a certain amount of recognition. This feature was ably emphasised by a correspondent in the following terms: "As a New Zealander and returned soldier, I desire to express profound appreciation of the broadcast by Station 2YA of the concert relating to the Treaty of Waitangi. The broadcasting of such matter has enormous educational value, Not that our Southern Cross breed of British stock requires any attacking or defend? ~.. = = = cS TTT aN ll

. ing re national honour, etc., relating to the Treaty, but the many who are late comers among us know nothing concerning those anxious days of Governor Hobson, when the welding together of Pakeha and Maori ideals required high-class statesmanship." Numerous other appreciative letters have been received and are summarised elsewhere. HE studio of 2YA, after the conclusion of the second evening’s broadcast on the night of February 7-8, was the scene of a very pleasant little gathering between the members of the Maori party and the Prime Minister, the Hon. Sir Maui Pomare, and officials of the Broadcasting Company. To commemorate the occasion, the group of the Maori party, with members of the quartet and the two speechmakers of the evening was photographed by flashlight. Mr. Hamiora Hakopa, who had taken the leading part in the explanatory speeches of the programme, said that the members of his party felt that they could not allow the occasion to pass without speci-

ally thankirig the Prime Minister for the courtesy with which he had met them and for the honour he had bestowed upon them by associating him- -- self with their programme and attending on the second. evening, even at such a late hour, for the special benefit of overseas reception. The party also appreciated the tone of the speech made by the Prime Minister in relation to the Treaty of Waitangi, and the assurance in it of the Prime Minister’s interest in their race, The party also appreciated the attendance and courtesy extended to them by Sir Maui Pomare. Mr. Coates, who responded in a very feeling speech, assured the party that all matters affecting the welfare of the Maori race were of special concern to him. He recalled his own boyhood’s days spent in a district which had close contact with the Maori race, and said that he would always remember the outstanding courtesy and kindness extended to his pioneer father and mother and himself by the Maoris, with whom they were then in contact. Because of that the Maori race carried his undying gratitude, and in point of fact, although he was Prime Minister of New Zealand, he felt

greater pride in holding the portfolio of Minister of Native Affairs. In the conduct of matters relating to the Maori race, Cabinet received great assistance from the Hon. Sir Maui Pomare, representing the Native race. He at all times was ready to help, advise and interpret the wishes of the Maori people. Mr. R. Ritchie, as joint organiser of the Maori Entertainers, with Mr. H. Mete Kingi, called for cheers for the Prime Minister and Sir Maui Pomare, which were lustily given. HE appreciation. of the party for the special hospitality extended to them by Mr. A. R. Harris, General Manager of the Radio Broadcasting Co., was next eloquently expressed by Mr. Hamiora Hakopa. They could not let the occasion pass, he said, without asking his acceptance of a souvenir of the occasion. He accordingly asked Miss Mangu Tahana to hand to Mr. Harris a gold-and ribbon _ albert, suitably inscribed, with a Maori carved greenstone tiki pendant. ARUUUALUUELATL Ala — = a AN TNUAEAAAATHITT Whe U ? HAATUUEAHAH

In acknowledging the presentation, which quite took him by surprise, Mr. Harris heartily complimented the performers on their splendid entertainment, which had proved so appropriate for so historic an occasion. He was specially glad to have enabled the people of New Zealand, through the medium of broadcasting, to have appreciated at first hand the outstanding melody and harmony of the Native songs and singers. He felt sure that the broadcast would be widely appreciated and serve to enlarge the appreciation by the general populace of the dignity and capacity of the Maori race. The whole performance had been characterised by close co-operation between the Maori party and the members of the Broadcasting Company’s staff, and that co-operation had undoubtedly contributed to the harmony with which the programme had been completed, The opportunity was taken, during the stay of the Maori party in Wellington, to convey them to all places of interest around Wellington. In addition to a sight-seeing ‘tour, they were entertained by ia Maui Pomare at his residence at Western Uvt, . . AMMA a LTTTHTHTHTTU TSS nN SAM