WESLEY COLLEGE, THREE KINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9219, 23 November 1888, Page 6

WESLEY COLLEGE, THREE KINGS.

EXAMINATION DAY. The annual examination of the Maori students took place at the College yesterday, and was attended by a large number of visitors. Nearly all the members of the District Meeting, with a large and representative gathering of members and friends of tne Wesleyan Church in the Auckland district, were present with their families. The occasion is looked forward to with unabated interest, and its increasing popularity is manifested on each returning anniversary by the number of fresh faces to be seen among thov3 who have accepted the general invitation of the principal. It may be well to explain at the outset that Wesley College is the theological training institution for English students for the whole colony. It is also used as a school for Maori students, who receive a Christian and sound English education, and in addition are taught by hab'ts of industry to become useful in their future walks in life. During the past year there have been three English students and fourteen Maori youths in residence. The Rev. Alexander Reid is the Principal, and Mr. F. E. Shera, 8.A., LL.D., is the visiting classical and mathematical tutor. Lectures have been delivered during the year by the Rev. Rainsford Bavin 011 " Ecclesiastical History," by the Rev. James A. Taylor on English Literature," by the Rev. C. H. Garland on " Methodist Polity," and by the Rev. J. Dukes on " Biblical Exegesis." The walls and ceiling of the room in which the examination was held were profusely decorated with evergreens and flowers. The number of visitors present taxed the resources of the institution to provide adequate sitting accommodation, and even then a considerable number could not obtain sitting room. The Rev. R. Bavin, chairman of the district, presided, and the proceedings commenced by all joining in singi *' Praise Ye the Lord, 'tis Good to Raise," after which the Rev. E. Best led the meeting in prayer. In his opening remarks the Chairman congratulated the friends on the good attendance and the beauty of the decorations. Mr. Nott was the first examiner, and he took the Maori youths for arithmetic, geometry, and history. In arithmetic they showed a fair knowlodge of weight and money values, working out difficult sums in practice, simple interest, and mensuration, proving a knowledge of decimal fractions in calculating areas of land. In history, they gave the years in which the kings of England ascended the throne, from the Norman conquest to the reign of Edward VI ; the date when the authorised version of the Bible was published, and the reigning sovereign ; the first inhabitants of Britain, and whom they were succeeded by ; the name of the first king of all England, and many prominent subsequent events; the year in which the " Petition of Rights" was granted, and some of its valuable provisions. Charlie Tuhakaraina, a young Maori youth, then recited in a very pleasing manner " The Pointsman and His Son," after which the Maori students sang "Come Let Us Away." Mr. Murray then examined the students in reading, spelling, grammar, and geography. They had no special reading lesson prepared, but rose one after another, as their names were called, and read with ease and fluency from the piece chosen, "The Swallow." In grammar they gave the parts of speech readily, and the meaning of the words as they were quickly read out. The spelling caused as much fun as an ordinary spelling bee, of course there were a few mistakes, but only a very few, and snob words as uncertainty, mystery, frolic, beautiful, comfortable, etc., were given correctly. In geography they first defined the meaning of the term, then gave the general divisions of the earth, continents, countries in Europe, population, principal rivers, and highest range of mountains, with the chief towns in England, France, and Germany. Harry Dansey, one of the youngest Maori youths, then recited " Excelsior" in a very creditable style. The Maori youths then sang " The Queen of Night is Rising." The Rev. Alexander Reid then took the examination in " Biblical history, geography, and Catechism, and on the miracles of Our Lord." He first referred to the old and pleasing custom of the Maori women regularly chanting portions of the Catechism while engaged in preparing the evening meal, and then put a series of questions on the different petitions contained in the " Lord's Prayer," ail of which were readily answered, and Scripture texts given in proof, all the youths speaking together in unison. In Biblical geography and history they pointed out tin the map the divisions of the land for the different tribes of Israel, answered several questions regarding the land of Palestine, and showed a general knowledge of many of the familiar events in Bible history. They gave the number of miracles wrought by the Saviour, and how many were recorded by the different writers, the circumstances under which many of them were performed, and the names of those on .whom some were performed. The Chairman' congratulated the Principal on the marked success of the examination just held, and expressed the opinion that it was the best of any at which he had been privileged to be present. The older youths were leaving and new ones coming every year, so that fchey must not think the success of the present examination was caused by a longer residence here than usual. Mr. McDowell, 8.A., expressed his pleasure in being present, he could fully endorse the remarks of the chairman, and thought the Principal and English students deserved to be complimented on the marked success of their work. During his recent travels round the world he had seen coloured people of many nationalities —Kanakas, Red Indians, Arabs in Palestine, and the natives of Indiabut was satisfied thai none of them he had seen were equal to the Maoris. The Maori students then sang, " Heai the Echoes," after which, at the invitatior of the chairman, Mrs. W. Gittos presented the book prizes to the Maori youths, anc afterwards gave them a few words of con gratulation and encouragement in theii own language. On behalf of an ex-student, the Chair man then presented the Institution witl; suitably framed portraits of two of th< early missionaries to this country—the Rev, John Hobbs and the Rev. Thomas Buddie both of whose memories were held it esteem by all who were privileged to know them. The Rev. A. Reid was pleased to accepl the valued gift, and also gratified with the prominence given to mission effort that day. He took the opportunity of thanking th< friends for their sympathy, as manifestoc by their presence on the present occasion. The Rev. J. A. Taylor moved a cordia vote of thanks to the students for theii services in teaching the Maori youths, ant also for their pulpit ministrations, whicl were very much appreciated. The Rev. \V. Kkall moved a hearty vot< of thanks to the Rev. A. Reid and family for their kindness in inviting them on thi present occasion, and also to their attentioi to their comfort and welfare. He had fo years looked forward to a probable visit t< this College, and was more than pleasec with all he saw and heard. The manner ii which the youths answered the question was to him a proof of the power exorted b; the Principal on all who came under hi influence.. The Rev. E. Best seconded the resolu tion. He had enjoyed the meeting ver; much, and was thankful to God for givinj their old and honoured friond, Mr. Reid such a measure of renewed health am strength. The Rev. A. Reid briefly responded, am again thanked the friends for their atten dance. The Maori youths then sang, " God b With You Till We Meet Again," the audi ence joining in the chorus, after which th Chairman pronounced the Benediction Miss Reid played the accompaniments t all the pieces, and Robert Friend, a Maor student, conducted. The voices of th youths evince very efficient training, am their pieces elicited well-merited ap plause of the audience. The Principal invited the members of th District Meeting and the representatives t a sumptuous spread in the dining-room when they received every attention froi: Mr. and Mrs. Reid and family. Owing t the showery weather, there was very littl opportunity for out-door sports, but th afternoon was very agreeably spent 111 musi and social intercourse. Rather earlier tha

usual, Mr. Paterson's omnibuses, and a number of private vehicles, conveyed the visitors to their various abodes.