Before the service, Mr Loten lay in state in the college hall, and Maori elders and old boys of the college had paid tribute in traditional fashion.

Tribute to Sir Eruera Tirikatene Before commencing its work on 24 January last, the Maori Land Court of the South Island District paid tribute to the late Sir Eruera Tirikatene. Judge M. C. Smith, followed by Mr J. E. Miller, spoke on behalf of those present: ‘E te iwi, tena koutou katoa! E mau mai ana ahau i nga mihi aroha a nga Tiati o te Kooti Whenua Maori a Judge Jeune te Tiati Tumuaki a nga Tiati katoa Ki a Lady Tirikatene Ki nga whanaunga Ki te iwi o Ngaitahu, ki nga iwi katoa o Te Waipounamu i te matenga o Sir Eruera Tirikatene. Nga mihi aroha ki a koutou i roto i tenei wa pouri. ‘Sir Eruera was an outstanding Maori leader who served his race and his country with distinction over a lengthy period. He was a tireless worker towards the economic, social and spiritual advancement of the Maori people. In his personality were combined the most endearing qualities of a Maori of the old school—dignity, a warm heart and an irrepressible sense of humour. I met him first some years ago when he was visiting relatives in Waitara and was delighted when he graciously called to have a chat with me in my chambers at a sitting of the Court here last year. I think he then knew well that his days were numbered. He refused to cease working, however, and preferred to die in harness—an act in itself characteristic of his life of service. On behalf of Chief Judge Jeune, the other Judges of this Court and myself, I extend to Lady Tirikatene and family and to the Maori people generally our sincere sympathy in this time of sorrow.’

LETTERS

A Reply The Editor, ‘Te Ao Hou’ For eight years now I have been writing critical articles for Te Ao Hou and during all that time I have often wondered pathetically if anyone ever reads them. No one has ever written a letter to agree or disagree. Now the wrath of the gods descends on my head in a single issue. Regrettably, both the writers who take me to task in issue number 58 have failed to read properly the articles of which they complain. Mrs Schafer implies that I am claiming that a longing for peace was a sentiment foreign to the ancient Maori. In fact I am saying the very opposite in the passage which she quotes from my critique of The Spiral Tattoo. She has, however, made the point even more clear. Your other correspondent, ‘Negro Spiritual’ of Hamilton attacks my review of the record Waiata Maori on the grounds that the record contains ‘… some of the finest voices ever heard in New Zealand’. I would not deny this. In my review I referred to ‘… the tremendous potential of this talented group’. So what. We apparently both agree they have lots of talent, but it does not alter the fact that I think it an awful record. At least I have given chapter and verse to support my view. ‘Negro Spiritual’ is merely content to support his/hers with such snide comments as the fact that I have ‘… often shown a lack of musical background’. I studied music at Auckland University under the late Professor Horace Hollinrake but I doubt if the average reader of Te Ao Hou's record criticisms wants erudite commentary on the musical technicalities of the records. Perhaps ‘Negro Spiritual’ could inform us of his/her musical background—if such can be done without abandoning the cloak of anonymity. A. G. ARMSTRONG (Wellington)