NEWS IN BRIEF

Te Ao Hou, March 1959, Page 64

NEWS IN BRIEF The Gisborne Jaycee is taking an active interest in the teaching of the Maori language, and are planning publications that may help the teachers and pupils. The branch has recommended that Maori should be taught to all pupils in all schools on a voluntary basis ‘provided that the problem presented by lack of qualified teachers can be overcome’. * * * An interesting example of Maori school visits to distant localities, which are now becoming common, was the trip made last October by pupils of Wairau School (Marlborough) to Rotorua to get ‘a fuller Maori background’. Billeting was with children of the Whakarewarewa Maori School. Geography as well as Maori culture was taught during the trip. * * * Matakitaki Pa, a great Tainui fighting pa at the close of the eighteenth century, has been selected as the first site in Waikato to be marked with the plaque of the National Historic Places Trust. The pa, which is near Pirongia, was deserted after Hongi Hika's attack in 1822. The New Zealand Broadcasting Service has begun a course for announcers to instruct them in the correct pronunciation of the Maori language. The course is a result of representations made by the Hon. E. T. Tirikatene during the last session of Parliament. The course, already approved in draft, will take the form of a cyclostyled manual and a tape recording, to be sent to all radio stations. A similar course already exists for French. * * * In Martinborough a youth club has been started with the name ‘Waihenga Maori Club’. It consists of some fifty Maoris living near Martinborough. Until a few months ago, there was no cultural activity in that area. Then Mr W. Parker, Maori tutor of Adult Education was invited to organize tuition. Mr Anania Amohau was called in as teacher for the group. Soon, a successful concert could be held. Piupiu-making was also introduced. The learning of the Maori language is another ambition of the group. * * * As from the beginning of this year, a Maori Welfare Officer has been stationed at Taupo. He is Mr John Rangihau, who graduated in Social Science recently. Mr Rangihau, of the Tuhoe Tribe, was educated at Waikaremoana, Ruatahuna and St Stephens College and was welfare officer in Whakatane before he did his diploma course.