TANIKO WEAVING

Te Ao Hou, Spring 1954, Page 20

TANIKO WEAVING Here for the first time is a popular handbook on taniko. It is written in a simple, direct way with clear diagrams showing each step to be mastered. Some traditional designs are included, and there are complete instructions for weaving and finishing a taniko belt, so prized by Maori and pakeha alike. This is a book that should find its way into every school in New Zealand, and it should be most useful to women who have no opportunity to learn from an expert in the traditional way. If it has a fault it is that the author contents himself with teaching the methods and gives very few suggestions for extending its decorative possibilities. There must be many decorative uses for taniko which have not been explored and many more articles that could be made with it. The author expresses the hope ‘that this simple introduction to the art will encourage many more to adopt it …’ There is no doubt whatever that Taniko Weaving will do just that, and we should be grateful to Mr Mead for this detailed, reliable and practical handwood. Taniko Weaving is published by A. H. and A. W. Reed, of Wellington. (6/-.) * * * Captain Brian Matauru Poananga, Adjutant of the 1st Northland Regiment, topped the list of New Zealand candidates in passing the entrance examination for the Military Staff College, Camberley, England. Captain Poananga, who is 30, is a graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon, and served for a time with J. Force. Last year he returned to New Zealand from a tour of duty with K. Force, in which he held a staff appointment with the 1st British Commonwealth Division. * * * The Maori baritone singer, Mr S. Tawera, of Wellington, competed with success in the vocal section of the Wellington Competitions Society's festival in September. The only Maori taking part in the festival, Mr Tawera said afterwards, ‘If my people would only come forward to take part in festivals like this a lot of them would go a long way.’