front to try to get a good lead. After the next two changes Rotene is right behind Ngarimu. Gradually Rotene takes the lead. Questions shoot through my mind. ‘Was it wise of Gina to run first? Will Rotene drop their baton?’ and so on. Across the field I watch the baton change. Rotene is still in front, but alas, one of their runners drops their baton. Immediately, joy fills my heart and we once again take the lead. What a thrill! I wait for the baton. Eddie stretches out his arm. Quick as a wink, I snatch the baton and down the straight towards the tape I sprint proudly. What a race! It is the best and most thrilling one of the lot. We embrace and pat one another on the back, knowing that we have won the Athletic Sports, so we boast and laugh with the other boys. We prepare for the march past. The first house is Ngarimu, then Rotene, Tatana and Ngata. Proudly, Joey Baker our house captain, marches in front carrying our green flag, leading the procession of athletes dressed uniformly in black and white. Our house leads the way to the presentation area. After all are assembled, the junior, intermediate and senior champions come forward to be congratulated. For the juniors, Joseph Khan; intermediates, Kent Lambert, and seniors, Gina Tekulu. Next come the house captains. What a splendid occasion this is to end our annual Athletic Sports, and especially thrilling for Ngarimu House. Frank Heperi, Form V, Waihi

MAORI EDUCATION FOUNDATION Financial Assistance for Maori Pupils—1969 The Maori Education Foundation seeks to encourage Maori pupils to make the best of educational facilities and provides financial assistance to this end. For the purposes of the Foundation, the term ‘Maori’ includes any descendant of a New Zealand or Chatham Islands Maori. Assistance granted by the Foundation is based upon the dual criteria of merit and need. Teachers aware of promising Maori pupils in need of financial assistance to further their education are requested to encourage such pupils to apply to the Foundation. Application on behalf of those undertaking university studies, or other tertiary education, must be made on form M.E.F. 5B which is obtainable from the Secretary, Maori Education Foundation, P.O. Box 8006, Government Buildings, Wellington C.I., and should reach him no later than 31 January 1969.

Myself Quite frankly, I define my character as being sensitive, shy, quiet, and simple. I have, I guess, these characteristics in my nature, because of my upbringing in my homeland, and through being among my people, the Maoris. But now, as I am becoming more involved in the new society of the Pakeha, other aspects of my character have developed. Before the age of fifteen, I had limited connections or associations with Pakehas, which perhaps was the cause of my shyness. I discovered this when I was confronted with this new and different society, while in search of better education. Now, however, after living in and understanding this Pakeha society, I have become more sophisticated, and this shyness is slowly dying. As I think back, I've found the real cause of my shyness was simply the fear of being resented by these people of a different race. It was my habit of trying to read their minds—to gauge their acceptance or resentment of my presence— which made me shun other people's acquaintance. Before, the Maori lived a simple life. I guess this is how I characterized this simple outlook. Now that I am more involved in the world of the Pakeha, I still am simple in outlook, but deep inside I am always curious, thinking. We must progress in this world, as it needs brain power, more than any other power perhaps. My quietness is caused by my inability to express myself during a conversation. Therefore I try to say something with as few words as possible. I am, as others are, frustrated in some ways. While others are frustrated with aspects of life, perhaps because they find no love, peace or happiness in life, I am frustrated because of the responsibilities in later life. I look ahead to the future with apprehension of what the future will bring, of the difficulties, the adversities to face up to, and to overcome. I realize my efforts are all in vain, as death is inevitable. While I'm young I must enjoy myself as other teenagers do. These days, one has many pleasures to occupy oneself. The