Islands Dances and Songs

Polynesia Kept Alive

In Sydney

THE Polynesian Association of Sydney commenced its 1954 activities with a small Kava ceremony, held at a member’s home, to welcome and farewell Ratu Doctor T. Dovi, of Fiji, who was en route to his home islands after some years as a medical officer in the British Solomons.

At the next function, in the city, principal guests were Hon. G.

Haavea, Minister for Works, of Tonga, and his wife Leafa. An other guest was Mrs. K. Gatehouse (Tiamarama Tauei Napa) of the Ariki Tinomana Clan of Arorangi, Rarotonga. Mrs. Gatehouse, who is a foundation Club member, was visiting Sydney after an absence of 15. years. Mrs. F. Shober, of Nukualofa, Tonga, was also a guest of honour. Garlands were pre sented to all.

Also present were Mr. Nils Larsen, formerly of Tonga, who brought the Tongan boxer, Kitione Lave; from Tahiti was Monsieur Henri Helme, who is mate of trading ship Maria Del Mar; former re sidents of Samoa present were Mrs.

Anna Smith and Mr. and Mrs. C.

Jones (Mrs. Jones was formerly Betty Carruthers, of Apia).

Between larger functions, Islands visitors have been present at more intimate gatherings at members’ homes. They included Monsieur Jean LeCaill, of Papeete, who had hospital treatment at Lewisham and is now back home; Barry Carrol, Maori member returning for a short visit; Mr. J. Hepere, of Hawkes Bay; Messrs. Vic. Godinet and David Hunter, former residents of Apia; Mr. Chas. Adams, of But aritari, Gilbert Islands; Mr. Andy Thompson, Jnr., of Rarotonga; Monsieur and Madame A. Holland and Captain Courtois, of Noumea.

The Younger Set continues its work in giving recitals for various charitable causes. A successful feature of these presentations are Polynesian Legends done in the form of a theatre-in-the-round. The audience surrounds the players, who present the dances and songs relative to the legends, which are read by speakers in the manner of a radio play.

A popular legend is the story of “Tuna, the eel, who loved the Samoan girl Sina.” This is a legend of the origin of the coconut. An other popular one is “The Calabash of the Winds,” a Hawaiian story during which members present authentic Hawaiian chants and dances —notably the Bamboo Hula, Hula Puili, rattle dance, Hula Uli CTli, and Hula Ipu Wai —ancient styles of Hula done to chants and the beat of the calabash drum. This drum or calabash, by the way, is

not from Hawaii at all, but was sent to the Club specially by Mrs.

Dolly Fry, of Papeete, who visited Sydney a year or so back.