School Certificate and University Entrance Examinations. Another credential to our boarding schools is the useful way in which spare time is utilized. Whereas at a day school the pupils are free when school is out, at a boarding school organised sport and games are arranged and leisure time may be profitably spent—not in hanging around town, attending every new film or dance (as is so often the case today), but in physical exercise or mental stimulation in a well stocked library. Associated with sport (rugby in this instance), the senior boys used to make a tour in the winter vacation. I was included in one of these around the East Coast and have never regretted the experience. It was wonderful to be able to meet the Ngati Porou people, to exchange items and to witness Maori hospitality in its true form. Apart from meeting Maori elders we were also given the opportunity to meet the better types of Pakeha adults. The staff at a Maori boarding school always seem so willing to do more than just instruct pupils—they become friendly with the boys and take a personal interest in each student. On several occasions groups of us were invited to their various homes for a meal or an afternoon. In addition, local Pakeha friends of the college frequently had boys up to their homes for an afternoon. This is a wonderful means of letting us all see the finer points of modern society and of giving the “back blocker” a chance to see European culture. I could not conclude this article without mentioning the vital “4th R”—Religion. With a permanent chaplain at the college and our own renovated chapel, Christian worship has now come to mean something very dear and essential to me. Divinity periods have given me an opportunity to think more widely about Christian doctrines and appreciate the Bible messages, while daily chapel services have led me to accept a religion which all too often is neglected or misunderstood in the busy world today. I have so far tried to point out some of the benefits that a Maori church boarding school can give the Maori youth today. Summarily they are: a knowledge of Maori customs and culture along with a better understanding of Maori nature (these two culminating in a strong inclination to help preserve something of Maoritanga); a chance to develop qualities of leadership; a strong community spirit; better facilities for study and hence greater chances of passing State exams; organised sport and games in leisure time; associations with Maori elders and better type Pakehas; and last (but not least) a solid grounding in the Christian religion. Last year several newspapers showed that finance and falling rolls were matters of concern to Maori Church schools. Some people also think that the day of the old Church boarding schools is over—there places may be taken by new high schools. These are most distressing ideas to me as there is a rich heritage and tradition at these old established colleges that cannot be found at an ordinary high school. I realise myself that had I attended a local high school, I would still be sadly ignorant of a Maori cultural background. While I am still far from anything like a compotent Maori scholar, I boast that at least I have gained some knowledge of Maori culture and have had the opportunity to live in (and to love) a Maori community. I am aware now what a wonderful thing it is to be a Maori—a Christian Maori—and that I, as an individual, have a debt in doing my bit towards maintaining Maoritanga. After six years at a Maori college I have been imbued with a strong desire to help others, who like my “former self” are content to drop everything Maori about them. I can suggest no better remedy than an education at a Maori Church boarding school. I will always be grateful to my old school—not just for giving me a scholastic education—but for introducing me to Maoritanga. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ Money has been allocated by the National Historic Places Trust for the preservation and protection of two historic sites on the Wanganui River. These are the Maori rock carvings in the Kohi Gorge and Kemp's Pole at Raorikia. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ The active Te Rahui Tribal Committee at Tokoroa has raised £1000 towards a social hall. New Zealand Forest Products are willing to sell the necessary land for the hall for the nominal sum of £5, but as the hall will be a large and well-equipped one, much more money will need to be raised. The committee also has a welfare and educational programme. They presented the local high school with a copy of The Coming of the Maori by Sir Peter Buck, and a file of back numbers, with a subscription to Te Ao Hou. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ There is no ground for a rumour that the Paeroa sub-office of the Department of Maori Affairs will be closed. Although some reorganization in the area has been going on, the sub-office will remain open and a field supervisor will be stationed in the town. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ The Awarua Maori Gun Club was opened officially late last July. President of the club is Mr W. R. Counsell, and the secretary Mr R. Kotua. The opening, which was a particularly successful day of shooting, was at Mr P. Potaka's property at Utiku. Both Mr Kotua and Mr S. Pine showed themselves very excellent shots indeed.