FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 296, 14 December 1936, Page 9

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.

TANGITERORIA SCHOOL. (By Telegraph.—Ov.n Correspsndent.) DARGAVILLE, this day. Thronged with past and present pupils, both Maori and Pakeha, the Tangiteroria School presented a colourful scene on Saturday, when the 50th anniversary of the opening of the school was celebrated.

A procession led by Mr. Rukatito, who preceded a bullock team, drawing a canoe in which were seated Maori maidens in native costume, started from tjlie Tangiteroria store and wound its way up to the school. Included in the procession was a Maori whare, drawn by a horse team, and manv clr'ldren dressed in the children's clothes of 50 years ago. The school register was read by the head teacher, Mr. F. Tocker, and a number of old pupils, both pakeha and Maori, answered the roll call.

An address was given by Mr. J. E. Elliott, representative of the Auckland Education Board, who coirplimented the teacher and pupils on the excellent condition of the school and grounds. Mr. L. Parore, on behalf of the Maoris of the district, Said that he was pleased to renew acquaintance with the old school, and commented on the good relationship which had always existed between both Maori and pakelia scholars. Many of its scholars, he said, had done well in later life. Mr. Kowliai Tito, who was the first pupil to enrol at the school, spoke in Maori, Mr. Parore interpreting. Celebrations concluded to-day with a sports meeting conducted by the Upper Wairoa Schools Association. j