Mr J. Bailey, one of the cooks, at Waitara MEET THE PEOPLE Maori Council Meeting Manukorihi marae at Waitara was host for the annual ‘Meet the People’ meeting of the New Zealand Maori Council, from 18–20 March. Perfect weather, first-class sleeping accommodation and excellent meals made the hui a memorable one for the delegates and visitors. The visitors started to arrive on Friday 18 March, the first delegates coming from the Tairawhiti (East Coast). The first major session was on Saturday, when the afternoon was devoted to a discussion on Education. Principal speakers were Dr K. J. Sheen, who has subsequently been appointed Director-General of Education, and Mr Harre, newly appointed Officer for Maori Education. During the discussions points which the people thought would help Maori education were made as follows: Encouragement of pre-school work, with more assistance for the Maori Education Foundation's pre-school officer. Teachers better trained to recognise and meet the needs of Maori children. Week-day hostels at secondary schools in country districts. Rapid increase in student counselling, and in the number of visiting teachers, reading and other specialist teachers. A better-paid vocational guidance service. Priority in class reduction to schools with big Maori enrolments. Extra library facilities. More attractive conditions of service in country schools. Curriculum changes. A higher school-leaving age.