For those who would like information about the history of Maori Hill, this book provides an excellent insight. See text from the back cover reproduced at right. The book may be ordered from: Jane Smallfield 19 Fairfax Street Maori Hill Dunedin 9010. Telephone 467-5298, E-mail jsfield@ihug.co.nz Please acknowledge where you saw this book reviewed.

Above the Belt: A History of the Suburb of Maori Hill presents the first account of the early development of this suburb of Dunedin, from the time of the first subdivision in 1846, with emphasis on the period from 1876 when Maori Hill was established as a Borough in its own right, through amalgamation with Dunedin City in January 1916, and beyond. Beginning with the first subdivision of land, it traces the early settlements, the period of the establishment of townships, the jurisdiction of the Borough Council which laid down much of the infrastructure of the suburb, as well as more recent events. It covers the establishment and growth of the Maori Hill School, the major clubs, societies and youth organizations, the history of the churches in the district and something of the rise and decline of retailing on the Hill. Some of the local residents who played a significant role in the early development of the suburb are also included, as are some of the houses of the district. The text is accompanied by 100 photographs and illustrations (some in colour), along with a useful index. Jane Smallfield is the Librarian at Otago Girls' High School, with a background in historical geography (B.A. Hons) and a Diploma in Family History Research. She was educated at Maori Hill School, Balmacewen Intermediate, Otago Girls' High School and the University of Otago, and has lived in the district most of her life. She has balanced the demands of a young family, a job and the task of writing this account over the last several years. The task was undertaken on behalf of the Maori Hill Charitable Trust, whose members have provided extensive help in compiling information and other practical matters. The Trust hopes the publication will be of interest to current and past residents of Maori Hill who wish to uncover some of the history of their suburb's past, and wishes to thank all those who have assisted in bringing the project to fruition in time for the Centennial of the Maori Hill School, October 2006.