Polynesian Club On
pp. 51-52 · Read in the full issue
War Work
Men From Norfolk Island
MEMBERS of the well-known Norfolk Island families of Adams, Quintal, Buffett, Suell, and Gibson, who had proceeded to Sydney to enlist in the AIF, were among guests recently entertained by the Sydney Polynesian Club.
It is noted that about one in every eight of the Norfolk Island people (whose total is over 1,000) have joined the AIF. Recently, 16 arrived in Sydney to enlist, led by Mr. R. H. H. Nobbs.
At the same gathering, the Club said farewell to Free French soldiers from Tahiti, who have gone overseas to serve under General de Gaulle. The Tahitians,
through their spokesman, Taro Spitz, of Papeete, asked the president (Mr v Leonard Moran) to convey their thanks to the Club for its great hosnitality, They also wanted it made known in Tahiti that they were all well, and ready to start for active service. The Tahitians sang “Teie matou tamarii volontaire”, the song of the Tahitian volunteers.
In June, the Polynesian Club of Sydney lent its rooms to the Free French Club, “Les Amis de la France”, for a concert to raise funds for the cause. This was a very successful entertainment, and the Tahitians proved the success of the even ing with their dances and songs.
The Polvnesian Club has been again occupied with concerts for patriotic func tions: the most recent being at the Anzac Buffet, Hyde Park, for the fighting forces, and at the Economics Society
Ball, at Sydney University, in aid of the Vice-Chancellor’s War Fund. At these concerts, the entire entertainment is given by Club members, Sydney audiences hav ing developed a great liking for their Samoan, Tongan, Hawaiian and Maori dances.
An Ellice Islands posture dance, “fa’atele”, which was part of the presentation by the Polynesian Club of Sydney at the Economics Ball, for the Vice-Chancellor’s War Fund, at the Union Hall, Sydney University. Left to right:—Back row: Katarina Darley, Estelle Darley, Cora Young. Centre row: Koni Darley, Dora Buffett, Noni Hawkins. Front row: Nua Binskin, B.A., Ivy Buffett, Hane Edwards.
Photo by Davison Studios.