THE LOYALTY OF THE MAORIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 11542, 29 November 1900, Page 6

THE LOYALTY OF THE MAORIS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Permit me to draw the attention of the public to a most interesting event, which will take place on next Saturday, the unfurling of the flag at St. Stephen's Native School, by the Most Rev. the Primate. It is, to my mind, very significant that the past and present boys of St. Stephen's should of their own motion subscribe out of their limited means to have the British flag flying in their school. As an illustration of the spirit in which the scheme has been carried out, I may mention that some of the old boys got a monoao tree for the lower pole of the flagstaff, many miles from the coast, and had it conveyed to the Bay of Islands for shipment to Auckland. The monoao timber was used by the Maoris in the olden time for building their pas, because of its durability, and they desired to use this wood with a kauri spai for their flagstaff. The boys will render an interesting programme of gymnastic exercises, under Professor Carrollo, to the accompaniment of Hunter's Band. The buildings will be open tor inspection, and an opportunity given to the public to see something of the work done in the school. The attendance of a large number of our leading citizens, in response to the invitation of the boys (given by advertisement) would be a gracious expression of appreciation of the loyal spirit of the rising generation of Maoris.—l am, etc., George MacMubbat.