A compilation of seven audio cuts.
1. A recording from The New Zealand House of Representatives on the second reading of the Samoan Amendment Bill [1961?] First speaker is Frank Leon Gotz. He details some of the steps Samoa is taking towards self-governance, its future leaders, the problems it is facing and the assistance it will require from New Zealand. The Minister of Island Affairs [John Mathison?] then replies and thanks Samoan leaders including the Hon. Tamasese for their work with the United Nations Special Mission. He speaks highly of the efforts by the Samoan people in preparing for self-government.
2. Mr. Don Markwell of Timaru Adult Education tutor is interviewed by a broadcaster "Doris"and reviews the success of the art exhibition for which Lord Cobham loaned several paintings in November 1961.
3. The launch in St Mary's Bay, Auckland of the ship 'Wairua', a ferry built for the Bluff-Stewart Island service. It is the largest ship ever built in New Zealand. Mr Bill Lomas, yard manager in charge of the ship's construction talks about the project and describes the ship. It is a composite cargo-passenger vessel. Mrs. R.G. Gerard, wife of the Minister of Marine, has four attempts at breaking the bottle of champagne on the hull. The ship then launches to applause. A whistle of congratulation is blown by a nearby ship. Recorded November 16, 1961.
4. Igor Stravinsky is interviewed briefly at the airport on his arrival in New Zealand to conduct the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra on November 16, 1961. He greets listeners with "Tēnā koe."
5. Earl Alexander of Tunis in an interview says he had enjoyed being the Governor General of Canada and talks about his army career and military memoirs on November 11, 1961.
6. A short programme on the history of the Whangarei Public Library from 1936 - 1961. Marjorie Lowe, the daughter of Mr Frank Wilde Reed of Whangarei who opened the public library on 12 Nov 1936, recalls her memories of the event. Commemorative verses written by the Chairman of the Library Committee Mr A.T. Brainsby are read. Mr Brian McKeon, librarian in charge of the current library [in 1961] talks about the growth the library has experienced since opening.
7. The opening of the Lytton High School in Gisborne by the Minister of Education, Mr. W. B. Tennent, on October 27, 1961. Mr Tennent commends the Māori students he has seen during his time in the region on their high standard of dress. He says a fourth high school is also being planned for Gisborne and outlines the planned growth of Lytton's roll. He describes the style of building. He addresses some remarks to 'the young people of today' and talks about the subjects and exams now available to secondary students, including changes to the system of apprenticeships and the development of highly skilled 'technicians' industrial specialists to work on projects such as paper mills.