LITTLE RIVER NATIVE SCHOOL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 5010, 10 March 1877, Page 3

LITTLE RIVER NATIVE SCHOOL.

The opening of this school took place on Tuesday last, in the presence of a large number of Europeans and Maoris. The building, which is 16ft by 24ft, is very substantially erected, and reflects great credit on the contractor, Mr Gregg. On this occasion, it was very prettily decorated with ferns, nikau palm, and flowers. The proceedings commenced by the children marching from the old schoolroom to the new one, singing “Onward, Christian Soldiers.” Outside the school, the teacher (Mr Beeves) put the children through their drill, which was remarkably well done, considering the short time they had been under instruction. When the Bev Mr Stack arrived, a preliminary examination, conducted partly by him and partly by the teacher, was held, surprise being generally expressed at the quickness and correctness of the answers. One of the scholars, Te Hire. Matu, who presided at the harmonium, accompanied his schoolmates in several songs which were very creditably rendered. The Bevs Stack, Te Koti, and Q. Mutu addressed the meeting, expressing themselves well pleased to see so many Europeans present, and especially some of the leading residents of the district. Mr Hugh Buchanan returned thanks on behalf of the Europeans for the kind sentiments expressed towards them by these speakers. About 300 people then sat down to an excellent tea provided by the Natives, after which an entertainment took place. The programme comprised recitations by the children and their teachers, and readings by the Bov J. W. Stack and Mr G. N. Phillips, which were remarkably well given and thoroughly enioyed by the audience. The evening s entertamment was brought to a close by a brilliant display of fireworks. Th© official examination or the scholars too* place on tbe following day, and was conducted by the Bev J. W. Stack, Inspector of Native Schools, who expressed himself highly satisfied with the results, which, considering the short time tbe school has been open, were most gratifying. The following is the prize list UUU T!,...... ~' preTiou«° the prizes, Mr BtMk expressed, on behalf of the Maoris, their appreciation of the kindness of Messrs W. P»pi- •' ““ W ‘ ireW “ yohool.