MAORI ENTFRPRISE

Radio Record, 29 April 1938, Page 9

MAORI ENTFRPRISE

An Auckland Society Aims To Organise The Traditiontl Native Arts And To Show Tourists "Old New Zealand’’

by

WIRIHANA

REMARKABLY polished and entertaining show was given by 29 members of the Ao-Te-Aroa Maori Society when welcoming the Empress of Britain to Auckland the other week. The colourful ceremony of a traditional Native welcome drew deserved praise, not only from the passengers, but also from the thousands of Aucklanders who listened to 1ZB’s broadcast of the giant liner’s arrival. Founded on the prineiples of the Royal Hawaiian Society, the Ao-Te-Aroa Maori Society was founded by Sydney Kereopa, Tukawiiki Muanahi, Mrs. M. Robertson, and Colin Moore (an unnouncer at 1ZB), with the object of providing suitable Maori entertainment generally in Auckinnd, and of organising Native welcomes and farewells on suitable occasions, All fées earned by the party, over a certain sum, ure to be distributed pro rata among the Maori people as far south as Otahuhu, and us fur north as Helensville. it is the hope of the society that as the party becomes thoroughly established, others of the Maori race, both north and south of the points mentioned, will associate themselves with the movement until it becomes

thoroughly a national one. It is not the intention to confine activities merely to Maori entertainments, but also foster the arts and _ erafts of the Maori . people.

ECEPTIONS of tourists at the port of Auckland, and the programmes of civic, State and private functions will be catered for, and coneerts and broadcasts will be given. In all concert work a legendary theme will be adhered to. This, it is claimed, will help to revive interest in ancient lore and customs of the Maori ruce. Schools will be established in Auckland for the instruction of the

nien of the society in the art of carving, and for the instruction of Maori women in the art of plaiting and weaving. Moneys and fees derived from entertainments will be distributed in triple proportions: 75 per cent. to the artists taking part, 10 per cent. to meet expenses, and the remaining 15 per cent. to a sinking fund, established to give the society a sound financial basis. As resources increase, portions will be diverted to ithe following channels: Medical attention for acting members (later covering the Maori race as a Whole), the provision of suitable accommodation for the students of the carving. weaving and plaiting schools; the building of

a2 model pa-a definite eentre of tourist interest. Sports will be orgapised, aud charity extended to old and destitute members of the race, The services of the sociely will, at all times, be at the disposal of the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, who has been elected a patron of the society. Any other movement started by Maori or pakeha to benefit the Maori race as a whole will be supported? by the society with every resource at its eommand, "TW{EMBERS of the society do -not fail to realise the magnitude of this audertaking.’ said. one of the founders. ‘Other (Continued on p.° 83.)

Enterprise

Maori Entertainers

. (Cgntinued from page 9.) organisations have failed in a departure similar to this, but we think their failure. lay in-lack-of rigid organisation ’-especially in insisting on practical -eo-operation between members of the . party and their leaders. .Therefore, we * insist: that all.our members must be "punctual in attending meetings and:en_tettdinthents, there must be no Jiguor taken prior ‘to: rehearsals or presentations; and-at no-time will a member ‘be allowed ‘to. bring liquor into the S0---eiety’s :premises, | Any -member found supplying’ liquor -to- younger members will bé, instantly dismissed. from’ the society. Improper conduct will not for @ moment be tolerated." A suitable library, will be established :.and social evenings will be held regu- ‘ larly. Committees’ have been appointed to control. various departments of ihe society’s activities. That the new Maori society is: not going. to stand any. nonsense from ‘its ‘members may be gleaned from the following rule: "Appearance and ‘general demeanour at all presentations-chew-ing gum, smoking, speaking other than in the Native tongue, unnecessary talking, slouching, giggling, wandering--in fact, all actions detrimental to theit ap‘pearance before the public, are strictly forbidden." "Remember," says the society, "follow your leader, cover your mistakeg by individual effort-smile, ‘and remember at all times the leader leads, even to the point of making mistakes. He is responsible, not you, for any faults in the presentation." It is further pointed out that the society- is non-political and non-sectarian. If it sueceeds, and there is no reason why it should not-the Ao-Te-Atoha Society will be a most valuable organisation in the city, and if it develops sufficiently-throughout the whole; Dominion. Its objects deserve the support of Maori and pakeha alike.