family and friends who believe likewise, but that it is a different story when living in a strange city, among a strange race with strange beliefs. There is a real danger that Maori culture may be absorbed into European and religion lost in the process, just as young Maoris are being absorbed into European way of living. Mrs Henare proved by her life and death that Maoritanga can be retained in towns and cities through this merging of our two cultures. She was a hard-working, practical Christian, devoted to her husband and twelve children, a loyal exponent of Maori and European culture and a friend to all in need. “Don't imagine her as a fierce old warrior,” a fellow worker stressed, “She was warm and gentle, yet not a bit scared to speak up for what she believed. We all liked working with her, especially when she sang.” “We loved her,” one of her Sunday School pupils said, “because she was so kind to us—even the horrible ones.” “Her work on various committees was valuable,” a member reflected, “but even more important was the example she set others by simply being there.” Matua Henare, courageous, gentle and devout, has woven life-carrying threads between Maori and Pakeha tradition. Our challenge today is to strengthen these bonds.

LETTERS

The Editor, Te Ao Hou, Dear Madam, Maori Studies students at this University are doing research on the Tawhaki myth as it is recorded for New Zealand and Polynesia. One of the difficulties encountered results from the fact that conventional spelling in most of the languages concerned does not mark vowel length. The correct pronunciation of a number of the most celebrated names in Polynesian mythology is in danger of being lost. Rata, son of Wahieroa according to the Maori story, is sometimes pronounced with long vowels, sometimes with short. We would like the opinion of Te Ao Hou readers on the pronunciation of Rata, Tawhaki (father of Wahieroa), and Hema (father, or as some say, the mother, of Tawhaki). Yours sincerely, Bruce Biggs, Professor of Maori Studies, University of Auckland.

The Editor, Te Ao Hou, Through your book I would like to thank Witi Ihimaera for one of the most amusing and enjoyable evenings I've had for a long time—reading the story ‘Halcyon’. While waiting to be served in our local bookshop, I started turning the pages of Te Ao Hou to see if there was anyone I knew in it. Lo and behold, there was a picture of Atareta Poananga, so I promptly bought it. That night while everyone was watching ‘Steptoei’, I decided to read my book. I started with the item about Atareta, next the Queen's visit, then Remembering the Dead, and then I thought, ‘Now I'll read the story with the most pages first and the lesser ones later’. That was how I met Witi, and he certainly is witty! I haven't laughed so much for a long time. Everything was so real. I loved his ‘you know whats’, and what I loved most was the fact that although he had a much nicer car and home, he didn't think he was better than his cousins and aunts. That's my kind of Maori. Yours sincerely, Ngaroimata Hawea