unmoved when a student panel cried out for knowledge of the traditional arts, for Maoritanga. They had come from urban areas and the marae experience was a new one for many of them. Their blood had been stirred by the experience. They asked for a longer conference, a more extensive one, and one based in the traditional arts. Constructive action had set the pace for the conference. The influence of Maori tradition began to shape it. From the first breath at Te Kaha has arisen a second larger breath. And that breath has revealed that the structure of the present Writers and Artists Conference is inadequate and needs to be extended. Whether it will be or not, however, is the question. It is very easy to become fired with enthusiasm and say “Let it happen”, but there are practicalities which must be faced. There are likely to be over 700 people at the next conference. The part-time committee organising the conference this year had problems enough with four hundred people, Authors Pat Grace and Hone Tuwhare listen to speeches. Rev. Charles Maitai speaking to Bill Parker. and some of them are faced with paying the bills from their own personal resources. We are grateful for the grant to subsidise travelling costs, provided by the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council; the Maori Purposes Fund Board also gave some aid. Under the circumstances, the third breath next year will strain the resources of the part-time committee elected for the purpose. As it is, they already have one major problem: finding a venue for next year's event. Yet the tide runs on and is not even at full flood. It compels us to do the best we can—to foster the traditional arts. The results, hopefully, will alter the present cultural landscape in New Zealand and may even alter the vision we have of ourselves as a nation. For too long, the roots of our culture have remained neglected. We must ensure that they be encouraged to flourish. It would be a tragedy if the tide was forced to ebb during these times when it is most needed.