the Polynesian Studies Group of the Wellington Teachers' Training College and the record represents a very good effort indeed from a group which includes only four Maoris and three Pacific Islanders. The remainder of the membership of some 26 students are Pakeha. The quality of the recording is excellent and words come through very clearly. The singing is good and there are some very pleasing harmonies. The record itself, with fifteen tracks, represents good value and quite a wide selection. Each side includes two numbers from the Cook Islands. These include ‘Nga-Pu-Ariki te Vaka o Ru’ a canoe song from Aitutaki, well known to New Zealand Maoris as ‘Toia mai, Toia mai te Waka nei’. It is good to hear local groups turning their attention to the music of their first cousins (if not brothers) in the Cook Islands. The Cook numbers are very well done except for some slurring in ‘Mauri Tikitiki’, a song from Manihiki, which shows that not everyone was certain of the words. Of the Maori numbers from New Zealand, ‘E Rui’ or the locust song is one of the best. The main flaw is the sketchy nature of the cover notes. I mentioned in my last review how it has been forcibly brought home of late that it is usually the actual group being recorded which is at fault in this respect. A group such as on this record could have been expected, I feel, to provide reasonably comprehensive explanatory notes to the items. This would have greatly increased the average listener's understanding and enjoyment of the record.

WELCOME TO RAROTONGA Salem XP 5008 33 ½ 12in L.P. This record is even more devoid of cover notes than the previous one, which is saying something. Since I am not familiar with Cook Island music I was better able to appreciate the frustrations of many listeners when they buy and listen to a Maori record without any information provided on the cover. The music on ‘Welcome to Rarotonga’ is very agreeable indeed but it would have been good to know just what it was about, what the occasion of singing was and a few details of the performers. Each of the twelve tracks except two is provided by a different group. These groups rejoice under such intriguing titles as ‘The Blue Boys’, ‘Harringtons Staff’, ‘Vakapora Boys’, ‘Avatiu Teenagers’ and others. Who and what are they, one wonders?

SALEM RECORDS—New Releases Ohau Maori Youth Club “Maori Songs” Salem XPS5042 Stereo Compatible 12″ LP Hapaitia, A.E.I.O.U., Toia, Kei Runga, Ere E Poi, Nga Waka, Naruru Ana, Hora Hora, Taku Wairua Ora Nei, Tena Ra Koe, Ringa Ipiua. This fine record was recorded in Rotorua with the latest stereo equipment which, along with excellent selection of well known Maori songs makes it possibly the best Maori record to be released in this country, and is a good companion to our “TREASURY OF MAORI SONGS” by the N.Z. Maori Theatre Trust Chorus, XPS 5030. The cover is printed in five colours and features one of the famous prints from The New Zealanders Illustrated by George French Angus. Vineula Girls' Choir “Welcome to Samoa” 12″ LP XP5018 Ole Laulausiva, Aualofa ‘Aga-I- Matau, Ouiga Fou, Ole Pese Ile Pele, Ole Vii O Vaimauga, Ole Sii Tia O Tina, Ole Vaela ‘Ala'A, Ole, Aso Ma Le Filiga, Ole Po Fiafia, Ole Pese Fa’ Atof'A. A superb selection of Samoan Songs by this very famous Group will be an instant seller. Pepe and the Rarotongans “Memories of Rarotonga” 12″ LP XP5020 Tatara Apa, E Oa, Te Marama Te Au Etu, Momotu Te Inangaro, Kua Kimi Mai Koe. Kare Koe Ngaro laku, E Mama, Naku Rai Koe, Mou Nei Taku Manako, Parataito, Ka Moe Mai Ra, Te Reva Nei Au. Salem Records are proud to be able to release this new Album featuring “Pepe and The Rarotongans” in an excellent selection of Cook Island songs. The front cover carries a beautiful painting by world famous black velvet artist—Kase Jackson. The Vei Lomai Group “Isa Lei & Other Songs of Fiji” Salem XP5041 Mono XPS5041 Stereo 12″ LP Kisi Mai, Obo Lei Bulou, Bula Malea, Noqu I Tau, Isa Tukana, Isa Lei, Ciki Yawa, Chulu Chululu, Tikimu Kabani, Noqu Vanun, Bamu Bamu. Sa Takali. Kabu Kei Rewa Group “Songs of Fiji” Salem XP5044 12″ LP Tikimu Kabani, Bula Malea, Noqu Tu E Nadi Gase Kugima, Rewa River, Rui Ka Talei, Ni Sa Bula, Noqu Fu Vali E Melea, Nai Vutu Seitau, Na Belo Na Belo Lailai, Au Kacini, Iko Adi, Mai Noqu Wale Voli, Na Rarawa. SALEM RECORD CO. LTD. BOX 3574, WELLINGTON