Letters

‘Spinster’ The Editor, ‘Te Ao Hou’. In reply to Piuna Rikihana's article about the film ‘Spinster’. The picture certainly doesn't do any justice to us Maoris. On that point I must agree wholeheartedly. But I enjoyed the book thoroughly, for it took me back to the days when I was a pupil at a Maori school. The children in Sylvia Ashton-Warner's book were so very much alive and real. It was almost as if I was in the very school itself. Yes I can truthfully say, that there used to be a line-up and personal examination each time the visiting district nurse arrived. To be fair to the producer of the film, it was for world distribution. So I guess that the company was out to make money, not to show a genuine characterization of our Maori way of life. Re the part of the child, proudly referring to her pregnancy. Let's be honest with ourselves. I've seen it amongst the small Maori schools in Waikato, and I've seen the same thing happen in Northland where I belong. Tell me when our old people have refused the company of their mokopunas, whatever the case may be. Very rarely have I seen our kaumatuas scorn the love of these children. I like ‘Te Ao Hou’. It's one book that gives us a breath of our own ways and life. What about a page where readers can contribute their favourite Maori recipes. I would also like to see more articles on Maori entertainers and I like the suggestion for a children's page, to encourage our youngsters to bring out the talent they possess. RIKI ERIHI (Northland).

Play Centres The Editor, ‘Te Ao Hou’. In the March issue of our ‘Te Ao Hou’ I took particular notice of Mr Grey's article on the success the co-operative Mangakino Play Centre is having. No doubt they are aware of the great move they are taking towards a more understanding Maori society for tomorrow. I myself am very proud of this progress, but I ask how many Maori mothers in Auckland, for instance, take part in the Play Centre movement. There are not nearly enough who do so. I feel that the need for this organised free play is far greater in the city, with the mother having to bring up her infant in such a confined space; it is essential surely that she have some corner where the child's movements are not restricted. In the country the mother's task is not so heavy. The Maori who lives in the country has a more relaxed and friendly attitude towards his family and neighbours than the city Maori, who has a higher standard to live up to if he wants to be recognised as a good citizen, e.g. a nice clean home and all the luxuries to go with it, and nice clean well behaved children with nice manners and refined speech. This is all very well but with all this pretence of a higher social level something has to suffer and it is usually the most valuable thing, our children. I do not think we, the Maori, fully realise the importance of outside social contacts, such as Play Centres or Nursery Schools, for the pre-school child. Mr Grey has done much to emphasise the importance of providing for pre-school children in their mental as well as their physical health and I think we Maoris would benefit greatly by heeding his words. MRS A. HAKOROIA (Auckland)

Stories About Birds The Editor, ‘Te Ao Hou’. I have for some time been interested in collecting old legends and tales dealing with our native birds, hoping eventually to present them as a collection suitable for children. Would any of your readers be able to help me, by collecting any such tales of birds which they have heard and forwarding them to me? If any are still in the original Maori this version would be very welcome, and any accounts of the sources of these tales would also be much appreciated. I will be willing to defray postage costs of any written versions that any reader can locate. Thanking you for your trouble, and hoping to receive assistance through your magazine. BERYS N. ROSE, 10 Odette Street, (Hamilton)