Through the kind co-operation of the Kawiu branch of the Maori Women's Welfare League, Te Ao Hou presents in the following pages an illustrated story on making Maori mats. Many readers found our photographs showing the weaving of baskets interesting. This story is similar. But first we should like to introduce our readers to the people who make the mats …. KAWIU PA makes up for lost time On the shores of Lake Horowhenua, near Levin, lie two settlements of the Muaupoko tribe. In numbers they are small, totalling only about 150 to 200 people. Until recently community activity here had been rather quiet, livening up only during the late summer when the lake is visited by a rare and particularly fine type of eel. Experts say this eel has a remarkable life-cycle, and that although it is caught and eaten here, it is spawned on the other side of the Iron Curtain, that is, along the shores of Siberia. Mr Tau Ranginui, who now lives in Wellington but comes from Kawiu, told Te Ao Hou that he doubts these scientific theories, as he has seen eels of this specie no longer than two inches among the mysterious arrivals. That two inches of eel could swim all the way from Siberia he refuses to believe. In recent times Kawiu Pa, of the Ngati-Hine (subtribe of the Muaupoko) began to buzz with life. A dining-hall was built and opened about two years ago, following the strenuous