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Te Ao Hou, September 1964, Page 2

The Editor, ‘Te Ao Hou’ From the West Coast there came news some time ago of the setting up of a whare wananga to teach aspects of Maori art and culture. This school of learning was run on ancient lines with all-night sessions, due regard to tapu and all other traditional observances. This in itself was an excellent idea. However I understood that in accepting entrants Pakeha were specifically excluded. If such was the case one wonders what criteria for the admission of Maoris the organisers adopted. Did they use a colour chart against the skins of those seeking entry? Perhaps it was necessary to pass a language test or to declare all one's Pakeha ancestors. What happened to those who had Pakeha blood in them by absorption—their forbears having eaten a Pakeha? It all seems very strange and an echo of the racial bigotry which is rightly condemned in some Pakeha. The idea of a whare wananga is most praiseworthy but to carry on the treasure of one's ancestors, what matters the colour of the basket? Maoriness is a matter of the heart—of having a love and a reverence for those things which are precious to the Maori. Give the torch to all who will carry it, for as Sir Apirana Ngata said: ‘I leave you to dream the dream that I and many friends have treasured throughout the years, that worthwhile elements of the old Maori culture, the things that belong to this beautiful land, may be preserved for the New Zealand Nation.’ KOTAHITANGA Wellington