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Shearing is an industry throughout New Zealand that has been dominated by Māori since its inception. There are Māori in most shearing gangs, and while they may not all be shearers, they are possibly flleeco's, cooks, or general hands in the woolsheds. Most of the shearing contractors are Māori.
It has been claimed that genuine folk literature traditions of this country sprang up amongst shearing gangs. The genius of Māori songs/poems by the late Tuini Ngawai, who worked in the woolshed, is shown in her numerous songs. She used a mixture of Māori and pakeha influence in her compositions, showing humour, pathos and aspiration. Big Ben is mentioned, and also the champion race horses of the time. All in all there is an element of surprise in all her songs.
Selwyn talks with George Potae, a sharing contractor in Milton, Southland. During the interview the kōrero is interspered with waiata. The name Potae is synonymous with shearing - his father and grandfather before him were both shearing legends on the East Coast.
- Waiata: What a Dopey Gang
- Kaikorero: George Potae
- Waiata: It's Shearing Time
- Unidentified speaker (yarn time)
- 'Flood' - a poem by Hone Tuwhare, read by Selwyn Muru
- Waiata: Tini Hia i te Rito (Rose in Her Hair Yune)
[NB. poetry copyright permission cleared for online catalogue recording].