PRESBYTERIAN MAORI GIRLS SCHOOL.

Feilding Star, Volume II, Issue 445, 13 December 1907, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN MAORI GIRLS SCHOOL.

The annual breaking-up ceremony at the Turakina Maori Girls' school took place yesterday. Rev. G. Budd (moderator of Presbytery) presided, the prizes being distributed by Mrs Budd. Rev. R. Ryburn read the report of the Inspector. The report was couched in very encouraging language. In every department the school had met with the inspector's approval, and their testimony was that the past had been the best year in the history of the school. Mr Hamilton read the prize list, which showed that some splendid work had been done by the girls. In addition to the usual awards, prizes were given for the best scullery maid, the laundry work, the best gardener, the best "cow-spanker," and the best allround girl. Mr Opie reported having inspected the girls in physical culture. He said tne work done was the best he had ever seen any class of girls do, and spoke eulogistically of the efficient training they were receiving. Mrs McCully reported on the sewing and Mr McCully on the scripture examinations. To these who have watched the school during its history, the improvement in the girls is striking. It is evident that in Mr and Mrs Hamilton th© school bave the beat of, teachers. They have the knack of inspiring their pupils to do their best, and at the same time they retain the confidence and win the affection of tbeir pupils. Two of the pupils oome from the neighbourhood of Feilding. Nellie Durie, in Standard VI., secured the silver medal, the special subjects' prize, and the prize for drill. Rangi Drummond gained the prize in scripture knowledge. At the close of the proceedings afternoon tea was provided by the girls, all the cooking and preparation having been done by themselves. Quite a number of visitors, European and Native, were present during the afternoon.