RECORDS

Te Ao Hou, July 1958, Page 55

RECORDS Maori Action Songs, by Putiki Youth Club; Maori Legends (two records), narrated by Kenneth Melvin: Let's Learn Maori (six records) by W. T. Ngata, 45 r.p.m. E.P. records, published by A. H. & A. W. Reed, Wellington, 1958. Action Songs: Under the baton of the Reverend Kingi Ihaka, one has come to expect something startling in the way of Maori music. And one's expectations are certainly realised in the beautiful harmony of the Maori Action Songs record, made by the Putiki Maori Club. As with all of these pressings, there is an entire absence of surface noise, the words and music coming through very clearly indeed. Altogether a most creditable effort, though lacking somewhat in the bass tones. They sing: Haere mai, Manurere, Tahi nei taru Kino, E pari ra, Kuarongorongo, Uia Mai koia, E. Whaka E. Te Ope Tuatahi, and Pa Mai. Stories, Myths and Legends: Kenneth Melvin, who rose to National Broadcasting fame as “Tusitala—Teller of Tales,” is once again his inimitable self as the raconteur of such favourites with young and old as “Hinemoa and Tutanekai” and “Tinirau and his Pet Whale.” As is to be expected from a man of his experience and background, his English diction is perfect. However, a minor fault is found on turning to his Maori pronunciation. Although this is exceptionally good for a pakeha, one cannot but realise that these words are foreign to him. His major “blue” is his interpretation of the word. Hineiwaiwa, which he splits into syllables instead of eliding. This is, as I say, a minor fault, and in no way distracts from a very excellent record. Let's Learn Maori: In this series of records, Mr W. T. Ngata takes over. With years of teaching experience behind him, he covers this subject creditably. His diction is slow, clear and precise and is presented in such a way that even children in the primary school classes can follow with the greatest ease as he moves from Lesson 1—Pronunciation; 2—The Simple Sentence; 3—The Negative Sentence; 4—Counting; 5—The Noun and Pronoun; to 6—The Verb. In addition, an advanced course is, I understand, about to be produced. These records are, and will continue to prove of the greatest importance to schools. Teachers will find them helpful as graduated teaching aids. The records, 7in unbreakable, 45 r.p.m., extended play, will, I feel certain, find a very ready market overseas as well as in New Zealand. Hemi Bennett.