Pai’ and then the remaining four items are action songs sung precisely with effective harmonising. The record cover notes, rather apologetically, that although ‘all songs are usually performed unaccompanied … in this recording a guitar was used in two of the action songs for purposes of rhythm’. I have noticed before among Maori groups this guilt complex about having items accompanied by a guitar. There are, of course, some items such as waiata etc., which should not be accompanied. However, I can see no special virtue in action songs being unaccompanied and indeed a tasteful guitar or other accompaniment can often enhance an item immeasurably. On this record, the accompaniments do just that.

Eruiti Morehu Kiwi SA-59 7 in. 45 rpm If you listen first to side 1 (‘The Heart of a Man’) you will conclude that Eruiti Morehu has a most pleasant voice with plenty of power even if he has a tendency to slide onto his lower notes rather than to hit them squarely. Flip over to side 2 (‘Take a Little Walk in the Sunshine’) and you will wonder what on earth got into him if you're a square, or you'll feel he's really giving across the message if you're not. I guess it is all a matter of taste. One barb though. Why cannot New Zealand pop singers pronounce English the New Zealand way instead of aping the Americans? Eruiti Morehu rhymes ‘grass’ with ‘mass’ and sings about his hearrrrrrt for everrrrrr. It is all so bogus.

The Gaynotes Kiwi SA-57 7 in. 45 rpm There are no pretensions about singing in an American accent for the Gaynotes. They sing in a cross between Strine, Noo Zild and heaven knows what. Thus ‘raindrops’ becomes ‘wren-drerps’. The accompaniment is awful but it is the sort of thing which goes down big on the pop scene so I can only echo what I said above about someone's meat being another's poison. ‘Raindrops’ on side 2 is the better of the two items. ‘I got Rhythm’ on side 1 has all the artistry of a pile driver going flat out! The mighty voice of Inia Te Wiata on record: WAIATA MAORI—Inia Te Wiata's Festival of Maori Song. Here is the most comprehensive and most magnificently-sung collection of Maori songs yet recorded. Associated artists are Isabel Cowan and Joshua Gardiner, with the Maori Opera Chorus. Electrifying singing captured in superb quality recording. Long Play. Stereo SLC.004 Mono LC-33 THE MAORI FLUTE—The Love Legend of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. Here Inia demonstrates his abilities as actor as well as singer. He relates the famous story and sings two songs on the same theme. EA-120 Extended Play. Other notable new recordings: SONGS AND DANCES OF THE MAORI Action songs, Pois, Hakas and Stick Games to illustrate the songs published in the book “Games and Dances of the Maori”. Combined Concert Parties of St. Joseph's (girls) and Hato Paora (boys) Colleges. Lovely-toned, disciplined performances. Long Play. Stereo/Mono SLC-65

POI AND PIUPIU Queen Victoria School Maoritanga Choir, with guest soloist Hannah Tatana, present a cultural treat of Canoe Songs, Choral items, Poi Songs and Chants. Long Play. Stereo/Mono SLC-63 All these records are of course, KIWI productions. The finest Maori recordings come from — KIWI RECORDS — The Music, Voices and Sounds of New Zealand. A division of: A. H. & A. W. Reed. Wellington, Auckland and Sydney.