Side One opens with four action songs by the combined parties. Here is full blooded Maori singing, crisp and tuneful, although after hearing all four items, one after the other, one is left with the impression that perhaps the singing is a little too disciplined. Some of the items are too long. In ‘Manu Rere’ and ‘Pa Mai’, where two verses are repeated a considerable number of times, the effect is monotonous because each verse is exactly the same as the last. Somewhat less discipline, more light and shade and variation in the interpretation of the verses would have helped. ‘Taku Patu’ is the best of the action songs because the groups seem more relaxed and spontaneous and there is the occasional interpolation by an individual performer to help things along a bit. Following the action songs, the girls take over with three poi items. The best of these is the final one, which is a medley of songs and provides more interest than the previous two which repeat one song a number of times. Side Two begins with ‘Pokarekare’. This is a very pleasant version with male and female solos and good backing from the combined choirs. The boys of Hato Paora then take over with four haka—‘Ulaina’, ‘Poutini’, ‘Ka Mate’, ‘Ringa Pakia’. Accustomed to the breakneck pace at which many groups perform their haka, the listener may feel at first that Hato Paora's haka are pedestrian. However, they are performed with fire and passion. Above all, the words are beautifully clear. There is all too often the tendency nowadays in haka for the words to be slurred and mumbled and regarded as secondary in importance to the actions. This is a great mistake which Hato Paora are at pains to avoid. All haka are the expression of a message. The words convey this message and the actions are almost a vehicle—a means of emphasis which say little in themselves. If the message does not reach the audience, and this is particularly important on record where actions cannot be seen, then the whole thing is meaningless. Side Two continues with two stick games which gain in interest from the fact that the listener can also hear the click of the sticks. ‘Po Atarau’ brings the record to a close. Cover notes include excellent thumb-nail sketches describing what each type of item looks like. This is of inestimable value to the non-informed buyer.

KIWI RECORDS Current 12 in. LP releases —

THE BEST OF KIRI A selection of fourteen of the most popular of all songs Kiri has recorded from Maori songs to opera. Compatible stereo-mono. SLC-85 $4.50

HE TOA TAKITINI A Waikato group, led by the Rev. Canon W. T. T. Huata, in a wide variety of action songs, chants, laments, and haka. Full range stereo compatible. SLC-84 $4.50

YOUTH AND MUSIC The Youth Orchestra and Choir conducted by Juan Matteucci in a performance of music by N.Z. composers which includes A Maori Suite by Ashley Heenan. SLC-72 $4.50

SONGS OF THE MAORI The girls of Te Wai Pounamu Maori Girls' College, near Christchurch, in a fine LP of action and poi songs, hymns and a haka. SLC-86 $4.50 FROM ALL RECORD DEALERS Write for a free illustrated list of new records. KIWI RECORDS A Division of A. H. & A. W. Reed Box 6002, Wellington Also Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne