Page image

book. At a later stage, in Lesson Six (P.54), the author is forced to explain standard usage to children and he introduces them to macrons. He, in effect, has to undo some of his previous teaching since the standard reference work, Williams, A Dictionary of the Maori Language, avoids vowel doubling. Admittedly, learners have to be helped and Mr Mead is correct in giving positive guidance to beginners but advanced readers of Maori should not have the same need for this. From an aesthetic point of view some words, phrases and passages look ugly when vowel doubling is used. The great problem then for teachers is what method should be used for vowel length. If printers do not stock macrons, they most certainly would do so if it meant increased business. If vowel doubling is agreed upon then teachers should press for an immediate reprinting of Williams in the new form. Confusion only can be the result of a dual system of spelling It is educationally unsound, wasteful in terms of time and space, and a hindrance to the future of written Maori. Until such time as Williams is reprinted it may possibly be better to use standard spelling with vowel length shown for teachers in the manual. Mr Mead's book will, however, provide a challenge to New Zealanders to do something about learning the Maori language. Good intentions are not enough if Maori is to survive. Now is the time for action and Mr Mead has provided

ON KIWI RECORDS THE AMORANGI BOYS OF ROTORUA This young, vigorous group of vocalists, under the direction of Alby Bennett, has received a great reception throughout New Zealand. Hear them at your record dealers. Echoes of Maoriland (4 songs) Waikaremoana in Song and Story Now Is The Hour (4 songs). Just released Pania of the Reef. Just released All 45 r.p.m. 12s. 6d. Kiwi Records are published by A. H. & A. W. REED, 182 WAKEFIELD STREET, WELLINGTON

the means for groups and individuals to make a start. The difficulties presented by isolation and lack of a suitable teacher can, to some extent, be overcome by the books and record under review. The Hato Paora College of Paorangi has won the Riddiford Cup, an annual award for the most efficient cadet unit in the Central Military District. Judging for the cup covers every phase of cadet training including shooting and ceremonial parading. A special selection panel inspected each school nominated for the award during a normal training day. The Hato Paora College scored 29 points out of 30 for the ceremonial parade. Top marksman for the college was Kevin Rongonui, who scored two possibles.