Letters relating to Inia Te Wiata

Comprises 16 letters from Inia Te Wiata to Pearl Martin, dated 1955-1964, answering her queries, organising meetings at concerts, and making observations on his career and other matters; one Christmas card from Beryl and Inia Te Wiata, dated December 1960, which includes a printed drawing of the Coliseum Theatre with 'The Most Happy Fella' sign outside; two letters from the BBC, one dated 1955, informing Pearl Martin that her letter had been forwarded to Inia Te Wiata; one letter dated 1971, relating to a tribute programme for Inia Te Wiata after his death; a letter from Beryl Te Wiata to Pearl Martin relating to the birth of their daughter Rima in 1963; and a draft letter from Pearl Martin to Beryl Te Wiata, dated 1971, offering her condolences after Inia Te Wiata's death.

The letter dated 23 March 1963 contains a photograph of Inia Te Wiata, inscribed with "Kia ora Inia Te Wiata". He is dressed in a kahu kiwi cloak, wears pounamu ear pendants, feathers in his hair, and is holding a pounamu mere. The photograph is a still from the 1954 film 'The Seekers'.

Also includes some ephemera items including theatre tickets, a Nixa newsletter relating to records released in 1955, and a newspaper clipping.

Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Physical Description: Twenty letters, twenty envelopes, one card, two tickets, one newsletter, one newspaper clipping and one black & white photograph.