in which he worked, nor (in this connection) the Labour government which inherited his policies. Of Labour politicians Semple is mentioned, but not Fraser and Nash; nor are Massey and Coates allowed to figure, a strange omission in a book which lays such stress on the rise of the dairy and the fat-lamb farmers. The strangest omission of all—for the book lays great stress upon the Maori and race relations—is the Native Land Court of 1862 and the subsequent sale of Maori Lands. Instead the confiscations of 1863 assume a wholly exaggerated importance. This is professedly an economic history, concerned with how men got their living. It is the orthodox contemporary view in educational circles that children are better taught about food and farming, industries and trade unions, crops, fertilizers and freezing works, than about battles, heroic exploits and striking individuals. I do not subscribe to this view myself, but if it is to be imposed upon the children then it's as well that it be done by someone with Mr Turnbull's eye for the striking and the singular. Up to about 1870 he manages to make economic and social history exciting. I should like a good deal more blood and thunder for my own children. War parties, whalers, diggers and sheep men are well enough. But, as well as Orakau, I should like my children to meet up with Kereopa and Volkner at Opotiki (there's quite enough in the book to show how unpleasant the pakeha could be); I should like them to share Cook's zeal for discovery; to face an angry or an enthusiastic audience with Seddon; to ride with Massey's strike-breakers in 1913 and to see the plate glass shattering in Queen Street in 1932; to feel the exhilaration which swept the country in 1935–6; to fear the Japanese in 1942. And so on. I fear they might, reading this book, grow weary of following farmers up clay roads to muddy farms, weary of the cow bail, the shearing shed, the top-dressed pasture and the dairy factory. But where so much is given, it is a bit churlish to complain that it is not more. This book, especially the first hundred pages, is admirably alive.

HISTORIC BAY OF ISLANDS By A. H. Reed, illustrated by John H. Alexander. A. H. and A. W. Reed. Reviewed by Katherine Lloyd. The appearance recently of Historic Bay of Islands by John H. Alexander and text by A. H. Reed will, I am sure, be welcomed by all who see it. There have been many publications of this beautiful part of New Zealand over the years and I consider this to be, of its kind, one of the best. There are one or two inaccuracies in the script—these I understand have been noted. Newcomers to this delightful and historic area look for something they can take away—something concise, arresting—something to make them enquire further—not too large, and reasonably priced. This seems to be the answer. The illustrations are immediately arresting—they are bold and decisive. The good print and paper make it easily read. The cover too is most attractive. I look forward to obtaining Historic Wellington which I feel sure I'll enjoy as much, and I trust these two are but forerunners of many others. ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

DRIVE FOR FUNDS Old students of Te Aute College and Hukarere Girls' School are to be approached for donations as part of a drive for funds to relieve difficulties being experienced by both schools. The appeal has been launched by a commitee of four old boys of Te Aute—Mr T. T. Ropiha, Mr H. M. Tatere, Mr A. T. Carroll and Mr W. T. Ngata—with Mr L. R. Lewis, a member of the Te Aute Trust Board. The target is £15,000. Committee members have recently made an extensive tour of the area from Rotorua to Hastings to organise fund-raising drives. For many years, the Te Aute Trust Board, which administers both Te Aute and Hukarere, has had difficulties in meeting financial commitments for the two schools. An endowment of about 7,000 acres has produced a reasonable income, but long-standing setbacks such as the fire at Te Aute and the damage both schools sustained in the 1931 earthquake have proved too big a hurdle for the Trust to surmount. It is estimated that an expenditure of £20,000 is required to bring the two schools up to the standard of schools administered by the State. An approach has been made to the Maori Purposes Fund Board and the Board has agreed to subsidise the results of the appeal on a pound for pound basis up to a maximum of £5,000. The organisers of the appeal and the Bishop of Waiapu believe it is essential that £5,000 be raised within the next few months so that, with the Maori Purposes Fund Board's subsidy, £10,000 will be available for an immediate start on the project.