SCHOOL FOR MAORI GIRLS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 104, 3 May 1900, Page 2

SCHOOL FOR MAORI GIRLS.

MEETING AT THE V.M.C.A

A public meeting of all those sympathising with the movement was held yesterday afternoon in the Lecture Hall, V.M.C.A., for the purpose of considering the proposal which 'was made in 1597 by Archdeacon Dudley to establish a school for Maori girls. His Excellency the Governor, who was accompanied by the Hon. Hill Trevor, A.D.C., presided, and was accompanied on the platform by His Lordship the Primate (Bishop Cowie). In the hall there were about fifty ladies and gentlemen.

Mr W. S. Cochrane, the lion, treasurer, read the committee's annual report. There must be at least £300 to start the school. Unfortunately, people had not supported the movement, and there was in the Savings Bank only £48 10/6 to the credit of the building fund, and £57 10/9 to the general fund. This had been collected since 1897.

j His Excellency said he had much i pleasure in moving" the adoption of i the report. Some people might be | discouraged at the small attendance. They had, however, some fifty sympathisers, and more would have come if able. In the Old Country he had been associated with the inception of many enterprises of a similar nature, more particularly with starting branches of ' the Society folr the Protection of Women and Children, and he had nearly always found a poor attendance at the first meeting. But he had always succeeded. (Applause.) He was sure St. Stephen's School for boys was a success, and why should not one for girls be the same? They sometimes did not reap the benefits of their efforts in the first generation. It was only by keeping on year after year that good results would accrue. He and Lady Ranfurly would subscribe £5 towards the movement provided that something1 definite was done within the next yea*. (Applause.) He understood that the movement had met with unprecedented difficulties. At the present time there were so many funds, and deserving ones, to which people felt compelled to subscribe that it was difficult for the promoters to collect funds for the school. But they should not neglect home affairs. The future of the Maori girls lay with his audience. Let them see that when the girls left school they did not go back, to their old ways. Let them take the girls into their service and train them. (Applause.)

Bishop Cowie seconded the adoption of the report, which was carried unanimously.

Bishop Cowie then proposed: "That the endeavour to establish in Auckland or its neighbourhood a school for Maori girls is deserving of all encouragement." His Lordship spoke in favour of the motion in a short speech.

The motion was carried unanimously.

The Eev. Dr. Purchas seconded, and gave a lengthy and interesting address on his experiences amongst the Maoris.

Archdeacon Clarke then moved: "That it is desirable £h.at as soon as possible a grant should be made from the Native School Trust Estate towards the maintenance, of the Queen Victoria Jubilee School for Maori Girls."

Archdeacon Dudley seconded, and thanked His Excellency for his kindly suggestions.

The Rev. G. Mac Murray was sorry that as one of the St. Stephen's School trustees he must, oppose the motion. With the present income only one good and efficient school could be maintained.

Mr J. H. Upton, also one of the Trust Board, supported Mr MaeMurray. He thought the Government had the means in their hands to educate the Maori girls.

After some discussion, on the suggestion of His Excellency, the motion was withdrawn, and votes of thanks having been tendered to the Hon. Secretary (Mrs Judd), Hon. Treasurer (Mr Cochrane), and to His Excellency for presiding, the meeting terminated.