‘Spinster’

Te Ao Hou, September 1963, Page 2

‘Spinster’ The Editor, ‘Te Ao Hou’. In reply to Piuna Rikihana's article about the film ‘Spinster’. The picture certainly doesn't do any justice to us Maoris. On that point I must agree wholeheartedly. But I enjoyed the book thoroughly, for it took me back to the days when I was a pupil at a Maori school. The children in Sylvia Ashton-Warner's book were so very much alive and real. It was almost as if I was in the very school itself. Yes I can truthfully say, that there used to be a line-up and personal examination each time the visiting district nurse arrived. To be fair to the producer of the film, it was for world distribution. So I guess that the company was out to make money, not to show a genuine characterization of our Maori way of life. Re the part of the child, proudly referring to her pregnancy. Let's be honest with ourselves. I've seen it amongst the small Maori schools in Waikato, and I've seen the same thing happen in Northland where I belong. Tell me when our old people have refused the company of their mokopunas, whatever the case may be. Very rarely have I seen our kaumatuas scorn the love of these children. I like ‘Te Ao Hou’. It's one book that gives us a breath of our own ways and life. What about a page where readers can contribute their favourite Maori recipes. I would also like to see more articles on Maori entertainers and I like the suggestion for a children's page, to encourage our youngsters to bring out the talent they possess. RIKI ERIHI (Northland).