forward on a wide variety of topics affecting the welfare of Maori women—Jury service, Equal pay, Nuclear tests in the Pacific, as well as the teaching of Maori in schools. Domestic matters such as League Constitution and League Independence were also discussed. As speaker followed speaker, I was reminded of a quotation I heard once, ‘Go boldly, go serenely, go augustly, for who can withstand thee then?’ This would surely apply to these women, with the possible addition—go with a sense of humour! Here at our Maori Women's Conference were gathered together women, young and old, who could speak fluently, logically, and to the point in two languages, and who could leaven it all with humour. As the time passed my trepidation increased. How would I, a newcomer, acquit myself and justify the faith of those who had sent me? When my turn came, I was taken aback by the behaviour of my legs, which had set up a persistent knocking at the knees. My arms were not much better, the microphone resembling a poi out of control—in fact I shook, the mike shook, the table shook—I was really ‘all shook up’, except miraculously my voice, which I was told did not shake. I resumed my seat with only one coherent thought—‘This is my first Conference, it is also my last! Never again!’ But the tide of Conference flows too swiftly to allow time for inquests, and the evening programme was in full swing with Mrs Hetet and her group demonstrating the ancient art of Korowai making. So well compered was this demonstration that observers were able in the space of a brief half-hour to visualise the entire process from the cutting of the flax to the wearing of the finished Korowai. I cannot remember the name of the wearer of the Korowai, but I cannot forget the stately figure she presented with her truly wonderful long, long hair. The panel on Delinquency left me fiercely proud and furiously angry. I wanted to crash my fist on the table, and say, ‘Why are you so humble, meekly accepting all this criticism? I know the statistics are grim—but so are other aspects of modern society. Do not be so downhearted—here in this hall is hope. If the Maori people can produce women of this calibre, the race has nothing to fear. Maori delinquency is Transitional Teething Trouble. Soon the toddler will walk surely and steadily, and you, the mothers of the race, will watch with hope and pride.’ Conference 1960 is drawing to its close. The election of officers is over and the member representatives thank those who voted for them. The closing prayer is said. Old Taranaki, who took off his cloak to welcome the ladies, now weeps in sorrow at their departure.

A LETTER FROM AFRICA The following letter will explain itself: The Bata Shoe Store Murandy Square, Enterprise Road, Highlands, Salisbury, South Rhodesia, AFRICA. Dear Sir, I am an African boy of 23 years of age. As I heard of some interests in that country of New Zealand, I have decided to ask you if I can get in touch with some of the Maori people, who can do speak and write English. I am not also so good in English as I am not an English boy but an African black having black curly hair. I kindly ask you again if at all you have a paper which publish pen pals page in New Zealand to publish my request in there. My interests are of knowing far countries especially overseas and to write some other people of all races letters especially the Maoris as the people whom I am really interested in hearing from them. Sorry sir for your worries have done to you. Hoping to hear news of New Zealand soon through you sir, I am, sir, Yours faithfully, Lazarus M. Zishiri. Readers of Te Ao Hou are invited to correspond with Mr Zishiri.

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