ships be established, and both the Maori Council and Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council were named as possible sponsors. A New Zealand Painters Group was formed with Buck Nin as president. The possibility of setting up a printing press for Maori writers was one of the main recommendations to result from the writers' session. An urgent need for more creative writing prompted another recommendation that the Maori Purposes Fund Board, Maori Tribal Committees and the Maori Education Foundation establish grants for Maori writers and poets. Rowley Habib voiced the feelings of many when he said that, at present, the leaves of the tree (the performing arts) were being fed while the roots were being neglected. The main concern voiced by the carvers was that carving was becoming a commercial tourist industry. It was felt that a design mark should be instituted to identify authentic carving from ‘plastic’ carving. Tukaki marae became rather like an anvil upon which was hammered out the voice of concern. But it was also a place where the versatility of the Maori as an artist was proven. An impromptu concert, featuring the talents of the artists, proved this beyond doubt. For instance, to hear Donna Awatere singing was to realise the enormous potential of Maori creativity and artistry. Even more revealing was the piano recital given by Ivan Wirepa, Auckland pianist, on a grand piano within Tukaki meeting house. Accompanied by Stephen Sheath, cellist, Ivan played work by Bach, Mendelssoh, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin and Bartok. It would have been quite easy for Ivan to present a less demanding and more popular selection for his debut. He had the courage not to compromise his talents, and was rewarded with a tremendous ovation from the audience. The recital was an astonishing experience, and the grand piano did not seem out of place at all. Certainly, the recital exemplified a remarkable fusion of Maori talent working within a European artistic framework. Next year's conference is to be held at Wairoa Marae, under the chairmanship of Dr Douglas Sinclair. Head convener is Mihi Rogers, and organising the travel arrangements from specific centres are: Don Soloman (North Auckland), Hone Tuwhare (Auckland), Dr Sinclair (Hamilton), Witi Ihimaera (Wellington), Para Matchitt (East Coast), Elizabeth Murchie and Kura Rewiri-Thorson (South Island).

Victoria University of Wellington EXTENSION CERTIFICATE IN POLYNESIAN STUDIES The course leading to this certificate is a part-time one covering two years' study, commencing in March 1974. Applications for enrolment may be made now or early in 1974. No strict formal qualifications are required but applicants should have a sound elementary knowledge of Maori or another Polynesian language. The fields of study covered are: MAORI LANGUAGE (with a view to use and teaching the language) SOCIETY AND CULTURE (with special reference to Polynesia and New Zealand) The course is designed to meet the special needs of teachers or prospective teachers of Maori language, teachers of social studies and welfare or community workers. Further information and brochure from Director of University Extension, Victoria University, Private Bag, Wellington. Tel. 758–677.