MAORI ACTION SONGS By Alan Armstrong and Reupena Ngata. (A. H. & A. W. Reed, Publishers. Price 12/6) Reviewed by Horowai Ngarimu Maori Action Songs by Alan Armstrong and Reupena Ngata has made its appearance at a time when New Zealanders are showing an increasing interest in Maori culture. The work is an honest attempt to bring the Action Song within reach of the average person who has little knowledge of Maori culture, but who has a desire to learn. With words and musical notation, diagrams and explanatory notes, the student has an opportunity to learn by following the instructions set out in the book. However, one would need to familiarise oneself with the key, before learning a single action song, otherwise confusion will result. A learner could easily become frustrated if he has to continually turn pages to find out the correct action, as the key extends from page 11 to page 19. Two people working together would be likely to meet more success in learning these action songs, than one person who has to co-ordinate all movements, while simultaneously reading instructions and concentrating on words and music. The liberal use of diagrams is a help, as visual aids can so often achieve more than the written words. Although the subject matter is not easy to explain, the compilers of this work have achieved something of value. This is important in view of the desirability of stimulating interest in Maori culture as part of the New Zealand way of life. Mr Armstrong and Mr Ngata have included a concert programme with hints on production, and it is both practical and impressive. This has obviously been drawn from first hand experience. The Glossary provides interesting material for the student of Maori culture. One is aware of the real effort that has been made in attempting to record and comment on a difficult subject. To those who are interested in Maori culture, Maori Action Songs is well worth studying, and the authors have made an important contribution towards satisfying the need on this subject. It is hoped that this publication will inspire more Maoris to follow this example and set down in book form their favourite action songs from their own tribal areas.

SECRETARY TO MINISTER Mr Wiremu Tuakana Ngata, a son of the late Sir Apirana Ngata, has been appointed private secretary to the Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon. J. R. Hanan. Sir Apirana was for some years a Native Minister. Mr Ngata, who has been editor of the Maori text of Te Ao Hou since its first issue, will continue to perform his duties for the magazine in his new position. Te Ao Hou congratulates Mr Ngata on his promotion.

PETER GORDON Mr Peter Gordon, of the Department of External Affairs, has been posted to Bangkok, Thailand, where he took up his duties last April. A farewell to Mr Gordon was held at Poho-o-Rawiri, Gisborne, prior to his departure. Among those present were the Mayor and Mayoress of Gisborne, Mr and Mrs H. Barker, and Mr Gray, Rector of Gisborne Boys' High School. Speeches of farewell were made by Messrs H. te Kani te Ua, M. Pohotu, P. Kaua, W. Kerekere, Barker. Gray, and Mr Gordon replied. Mr Gordon has taken up his post as third secretary to the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok, and part of his work will be to assist tourists in Bangkok.

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