Kaiapoi Native School.

An entertainment to commemorate the -twelfth anniversary of the establishment of th_ institution was held at the Runanga house on Tuesday evening. The tea tables, provided by Maori ladies, were presided over by nearly dressed Native maidens, under whose supervision all the arrangements were carried out in a manner quite equal to similar meetings held by Europeans. Thi3 wa3 followed by a distribution of prizes gained by the children at the last examination. They consisted of handsomely bound illustrated volumes. The Rev Mr Gossett, on making these presentations, complimented the recipients. He said he had much pleasure inreading the Inspector's report, which, though short, spoke volumes for the untiring energy and zeal displayed by the master and mistress, Mr and Mrs Reeves. The report said : — " Thirty-six children were present at inspection. As usual, this school did remarkably well. It is one of the best in the Colony. An unusually large number of high passes (12) was obtained. The percentage, too, was good, in spite of the presence of a large number of young children who had been less than two years at school." The Rev Mr Rowse, who is a fluent Maori linguist, addressed the Natives, complimenting them on their progress and efficiency, which he said compared favourably with many other schools he had visited in both Islands, and strongly urged the parents to insist on regular attendance. This was succeeded by a musical entertainment, in which the newly organised Maori Minstrel Troupe were eminently successful. An old tattooed Maori performed a " haka," which was well received by the audience. A song, -'Footsteps at the door," sung by Mis 3 Reeves, with chorus by the Maori scholars, was excellently rendered, and was decidedly the most enjoyable item in the programme. A stump speech, and double quick-step, in *rh_h Honai Maleni, John Wimberley,

Tiinuku Karetai, Honai Uru, and Heta Kuri, took part, concluded the second | portion.. Dancing was then commenced, j and kept up with much spirit till dawn. j