THESE MAORIS are seeking knowledge ABROAD

Te Ao Hou, September 1955, Page 19

THESE MAORIS are seeking knowledge ABROAD When the Wanganui-born, internationally famous pianist Colin Horsley visited his home town recently, he was impressed by the promise of a young Maori pianist, Joseph Kumeroa, also of Wanganui. He said he thought Joseph was worthy of having the great opportunity of studying in London. This suggestion inspired Wanganui citizens to raise over £1,000 which with donations from elsewhere, has enabled Joseph Kumeroa to leave for a three year course of study at the Royal College of Music in London. * * * A young Maori woman teacher, Miss Gabrielle Rikihana, arrived back in Wellington in May after two years abroad. She went to England for the Coronation and taught in London schools. During the holidays she travelled on the Continent and in Scandinavia. Among highlights of Miss Rikihana's stay abroad, besides the Coronation, were a visit to Spain, Christmas in Norway, and a flying visit to El Alamein, for the unveiling of the memorial to servicemen who had lost their lives in World War II but had no known graves. At Alamein Miss Rikihana visited the grave of her aunt's husband, Second Lieutenant E. J. Ropata. * * * For the first time this year, American Field Service International Scholarships were made available to a Maori boy and a Maori girl student. The successful scholars were Tuhi Barclay, of Queen Victoria School for Maori Girls, Auckland; and Mervyn Taiaroa, head prefect of Timaru Boys' High School. Their scholarships cover the cost of a year's schooling and board and lodging in the United States. The fares are paid from the Ngarimu V.C. and Hereheretau Soldiers' Fund. * * * A young Maori woman, Miss Del Butt, recently returned to her home in Taneatua after three and a half years' extensive travelling abroad. Miss Butt made her headquarters in London where, with her school dental training background in New Zealand, she obtained a position with a dental hospital. She spent about a year of her time abroad on holidays on the Continent. During three months in Yugoslavia she travelled extensively through that country, and in one town she was told she was the first New Zealander the local people had ever seen.