THE OTAKI NATIVE COLLEGE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1252, 7 October 1911, Page 4

THE OTAKI NATIVE COLLEGE.

AN. APPEAL FOK FUNDS. Fifiy Natives of tho Ngatiraukawa, Ngv tiawa, and Ngatitoa tribes havo petitioned Parliament asking that a grant ot ■£1300 be made in aid of the Native College at Otaki (established about two years ago for tho benefit of tho Natives of tho adjoining coast), which at present is supported wholly from revenue derivable from lands situated at Otaki and Porirua. Tho petition was presented by Mr. W, H. Field, M.P. It states that tho college is greatly hampered for lack of funds, and is consequently unable, to carry out as it should tho purposes for wliicn it- w.19 established. It is pointed out that the college is not in the samo position as a privato denominational school—it does not oxcludo any child because of its religious belief, and it has been established by an Act of Parliament which stipulates that it must bo examined year by year by tho Government inspectors. < At present, owing to lack of funds, a largo number nf Nativo youths living in the vicinity nnd along tho coast, who are willing to enter, aro excluded from tho college. The 6i'm of ,£I3OO is required to placo it on a proper basis for tho next four years, until July, 1015, when tho present leaso of the college, lands at Otab falls in, it is impossible to iucrear-o tho annual revenue. The present building accommodates only twenty boarders, and all tho places aro filled. About £500 of tho grant applied for is required for the erection of two dormitories, to hold twenty additional boarders, and four additional roonii! for tho necessary increase of staff. About ,£BOO would be applied in maintaining the twenty additional scholars at .£lO per annum per head for four years. Tho petition was referred direct to the Nativo Affairs Committee.