Institute, under the trade training scheme conducted by the Department of Maori Affairs. Now an apprentice at James Hardy Pty Ltd, he has so far passed all his examinations in the minimum time, and at his present rate of progress, is likely to reduce his apprenticeship period by up to six months. Lieut-Colonel Brian M. Poananga (see photo below) last November took up an appointment as commander of the First Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, at present on active service in Malaysia. Lieut.-Colonel Poananga comes from Palmerston North and was educated at Palmerston North Boys' High School and at Victoria University. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Duntroon in 1946, and for the next two years served in Japan. In 1952 and 1953 he was in Korea, where he was mentioned in dispatches while serving with the 1st Commonwealth Division. He has had considerable experience of jungle operations in Malaysia. From 1959 to 1961 he served as a company commander in 2nd Battalion, the New Zealand Regiment, and took part in anti-terrorist operations in North Malaya. He was awarded the M.B.E. for his outstanding service during this period. Lieut.-Colonel Poananga has a fine sporting record, including the heavyweight boxing championship, 2nd N.Z.E.F. (Japan) in 1946. He also captained the 2nd N.Z.E.F. (Japan) cricket team during the same period. A rugby player of some note, he has represented the New Zealand Army at home and overseas, and Manawatu, Wanganui, and Rangitikei. Lieut.-Colonel Poanganga will be accompanied to Malaya by his wife Doreen. Their three children will remain in New Zealand to complete their education. His brother, Major Bruce Poananga, is at present a United Nations truce observer in Israel. In the photograph below, Mr J. E. Marsh of Ngapuna, Rotorua, presents his son John, aged 22, with a carved officer's baton at a celebration to mark his graduation from Portsea Military Academy, Australia. John, who is a sub-lieutenant, is one of the few Maoris who have passed through the military academy. photo by Daily Post, Rotorua