FEILDING NEWS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 204, 27 July 1927, Page 8

FEILDING NEWS.

AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL. COMMEMORATION DAY. (Special to “Standard.”) FEILDING, July 27. The services in connection with the Feilding Agricultural High School commemoration day were held at the school this morning, when a large assemblage of jmst and present pupils and of parents and members of the board of managers was present. In extending a welcome to the visitors, the director, Mr L. J. Wild, M.A., B.Sc., stated that this was the third ceremony tliat had been held since the establishment of the school, and it was extremely gratifying to the staff to see so many old pupils and friends of the school present. Mr Wild then read a number of apologies from old pupils who had been unable to attend tlie ceremony, but retained pleasant memories of their “Alma Mater.” The director then briefly introduced the speaker for commemoration day, Mr H. Booth, who, in the absence of Dr. Cockayne, had promised to deliver the address. ■

In introducing Mr Booth the director mentioned that among those present was Sir James Wilson, who had given the second address, and who was known as the “king of agriculture in New Zealand.” (Cheers.)

Mr Booth said that his remarks would tleal with the early days in the Wanganui and Taranaki districts. At the time he spoke of the Wanganui River was settled by a largo number of Maoris, who were in a state of prosperity and plenty. The speaker went on to detail the habits and methods .of living adopted by the Maoris and in regard to tlieir snaring of native game for food. In 1864 Mr Booth’s father had charge of the Pipiriki missionary district and the troubles that the missionaries had in those days with the natives was touched .upon by the speaker. On one occasion the leader of the Maoris entered the house and shook hands with Mr Booth and said: “We are glad to see you for we want your head to put on that pole where we have the others.”

The teachings of the Maori toliungas were the means of drawing the natives away from the Christian faith, the speaker went on to say, and the powers these native priests had over their tribesmen were wonderful. After the visit to his house Mr Booth decided he could not stay at Pipiriki any longer, so he moved down the Wanganui River to a place above, the island of Motoua in the middle of the river. A number of friendly natives went with Mr Booth and entrenched themselves on th 6 island, and on being attacked by the rebels they severely defeated them and killed their leader.

Aftr the fight was over tho wounded were taken clown the river to Wanganui, and the speaker caused merriment by his description of the medical treatment of those days, one man who had nine bullets in him being encased in a complete poultice of linseed. The start of the wars in the Patea and Taranaki districts Mr Booth described to his hearers, explaining at length the characteristics and methods employed by fche natives in their warfare. The Wanganui cavalry, the speaker said, did some very good work in this territory in saving the outlying settlers from massacre by the natives. The trials of the pioneers, Mr Booth proceeded, would give the pupils of the college some idea what courage and perseverance was required in the old days to make a home out of the bush. Mr Booth concluded his address by reminding tbe pupils of the literal translation of the school motto “Kia Toa Ngakaunui,” meaning “Be Brave, Be Large Hearted” and its adoption in their lives.

Mr Wild, on behalf of the pupils and Old Pupils’ Association, moved that)a vote of thanks be accorded Mr Booth for his address arid the motion was carried by acclamation. Mr A. H. Atkinson, acting chairman of the Board of Managers, returned thanks on behalf of the board. .Sir James Wilson said he had always been interested in agricultural education and he looked upon the Feilding institution as one of the most successful agricultural schools in New Zealand. The speaker then gave some reminiscences which the remarks of Mr Booth had aroused in him and went on to give a brief address on agricultural education. Touching upon the Bible-in-schools question Sir James said it was incredible to him that the people should decide to exclude the greatest book of knowledge of all from the school teaching and he complimented Mr Wild on the fact that prayers were said in the school every morning. At the conclusion of the address Mr Booth planted the commemoration tree in the. school avenue, the morning’s ceremony concluding with the singing of the National Anthem. The games, past v. present pupils, were held this afternoon and this evening the director’s annual tea to the pupils will be given in the school room, the festivities concluding with a dance-