Action Songs, Poi and Games:

Te Ao Hou, December 1959, Page 64

or a programme, or a costume, or stage get-up or how to run the practice, it is attention to detail that adds that little extra. Secondly, having conceived a plan or plans, the art of being able to so excite the others with the whole idea, as to cause them to want to take part in it, and so have as much co-operation as possible, pays dividends. Thirdly, rehearse and rehearse again, and then after that rehearse again! Plain perseverance pays dividends. Action Songs, Poi and Games: Old songs were remembered and actions put to them, and new ones were composed and actions set to them, the Nigger Minstrels were trained in their fancy stepping, stick and hat waving, all to old and new favourites, interspersed with dialogue and a play called “Topsy”, taken from Uncle Toms Cabin. Poi, depicting the cutting tying and weighing etc. of flax, and another depicting the felling of trees for timber, the sawing and the eventual building of a house. The old stick game too was revised again and evoked much interest. Christmas Tree: The Branch helped the skiffle group to put on a most enjoyable Christmas tree party, with paper hats made by a Pakeha friend, and Santa Claus arriving on a truck. Assistance Given: We were able to help our school to raise some funds, and also to provide entertainment at another Pa's social gathering for the Very Rev. J. G. Laughton and also to help a nearby village with its Christmas parade and outdoor entertainment and a neighbouring Pa with a concert for funds. Outcome: The Pa building fund was substantially augmented—the Branch holding a lot of very good costumes, and having to its credit a wealth of valuable experience, through its own initiative. The children had a new pride in their social and cultural attainments—and the community had a new awareness of, and reaction to, those things that can be done, to broaden our horizon and help us as parents and responsible citizens, to help our adolescent children along the raod, and right past the complex, modern temptations that face them in the world of today. Appreciation: We are indebted to our Pakeha friends who so loyally gave us moral support, to our Methodist Deaconess, and our school teacher and also our Welfare Officer, who gave us good advice and came to judge our Maori items. Tatou tatou i roto i te whare kotahi, i roto ano hoki i te tumanako a te Matua-nui i te Rangi nana nei nga mea katoa. —Heoi, Rora Paki, Secretary.