errors occur among the possessives of personal pronouns, already complicated enough for the student; for example, we have nāu (yours) spelt variously nau, nāu, nāū and naū—all possible permutations. It might have been better to delay this change in the book until someone competent in this work could undertake it. The second book is ‘Maori Life and Custom’ by the late W. J. Phillipps. This is indeed a welcome addition to the teacher's library. The study of Maori culture and tradition is part of every New Zealand school child's Social Studies programme and is also a special part of the syllabus for those studying the Maori language. It has always been a difficult and laborious task for the teacher to collect and supply suitable material for pupils to study. Much of the material was in books now out of print, or to be found only in libraries or museums; when collected, it had to be presented in a form suitable for the pupils. It is little wonder that, in spite of the pupils' interest, this part of the Social Studies programme tended to be rather sketchily treated. Now, for the first time, we have a book that gives a comprehensive picture of all aspects of the life of the Maori of old; it covers traditions, social usage, food, shelter and clothing, artefacts, decorative arts and songs and pastimes. There is also a chapter on language contributed by Mr Jock McEwen. Mr Phillipps spent a lifetime in painstaking research and study; much of the research work was done out in the field and involved patient personal observation, making contact and establishing good relations with informants, and the scrupulous recording of material collected. The result of this lifetime study is an impressive output of scholarly works on various aspects of Maori culture, particularly carving and carved houses. The present work is his latest and, unfortunately, his last. I know that Mr Phillipps, always meticulous in detail and much concerned with accurate recording, had already planned to revise his text, so some of the remarks I

BEWARE of fire hazards Winter is time for heaters and fires; and increased fire risks! 70% of all burns to young children are caused by touching unguarded fires or by clothing catching alight. IN YOUR HOUSE BE SURE: 1. All fires and heaters are guarded. 2. That all members of the household understand how inflammable most clothing is. 3. That special attention is taken to protect a child in a long nightie. 4. If clothing catches alight wrap the person quickly in a hearthrug or something similar. ISSUED BY THE N.Z. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.