CORRESPONDENCE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume X, Issue 2025, 14 September 1883, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE

(Wo do not hold outyeivei responsible for opinion expressed by correspondents.)

MATAWHERO SCHOOL.

[To the Editor of tiu Herald.}

Sik, — I would like you to insert a few words from me in reply to a letter signed " Makauri " in your last issue. The writer of that letter is evidently one of those narrow-minded individuals whom will cease to exist when the present system of compulsory Education shall have time to bear fruit. Without knowing him, I would venture to assert that his letter of last night was not written by himself, or that you, sir, did what is commonly known as " licking it into shape." He is a man that get his ohildron fairly educated for about 5s a year, and grudges that. I should like to kuow for what sum his name appears on the subscription list he refers to. However, sir, for the benefit of him and others like him, I will explain that the present schoolmaster, Mr Harris, together with Mrs Harris, commenced their duties on tho 2nd July last, and in one short mouth their energy and unremitting attention has raised the average attendance at the school from about 44 to 121, which has been steadily increasing since. When Mr. Harris arrived, the school-house and the master's residence were simply islands in a lake of mud and water. Taking the opportunity of Mr. Lamb's (the Education Board's architect) presence in the district, we drew up a schedule of necessary works, including the raising and enlarging of the school, etc. This we forwarded to the Board, with a request that they would undertake the works. In replying, the Board acknowledged the necessity for the improvements, but had no available funds to effect them now, although promising their most favorable attention to the matter on receipt from the Government of their building subsidy for the current year. In the meanwhile, tlie Committee had to do certain sanitary works or close the school. Subscriptions were asked for, and a sum, of some £30 was collected, which was spent on earth-works. Other \ alterations becoming equally necessary, the Committee have undertaken them, and are now again appealing to the public It is proposed to hold a soiree and concert some time next month, and \ will take this opportunity o,f thanking the many ladies and gon.tlem.ei}, b/>th in the country and tqwn, who have voluntarily offered thejr servioe* to assist. I trust this letter may be sufficient explanation for ' ' Makauri," and, in conclusion, I would suggest to him that if he were to join the well-attended night-school now being held by Mr. Harris, it might tend to enlarge his mind, and generally; a^ct to txis intellectual health.- -I am,, etc., iNhLHAM E. Richardson, Chairman Matawhero .School Committe. Matawhero, Sept. 14, 18S3.