TE ARAROA NEWS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19104, 27 August 1936, Page 16

TE ARAROA NEWS

TEACHER FAREWELLED (Herald Correspondent.) The settlers of the Tokata district, both pakeha and Maori, gathered at Ruuaruku last Friday to bid farewell lo Mr. and Mrs. B. K. Fairbrother, who for the past four years were in charge of the native school at Tokata, on the eve of their departure for Hicks Bay to take charge of the Wharekahika Native School there. Mrs. Hoana Parapara expressed regret that Mr. and Mrs. Fairbrother were leaving Tokata after four years of perfect harmony between their guests and the community, where they had laboured both in the classroom and outside it for the well-being of the children as well as of the adults. They had taught the children on week-days and Sundays for they believed also in the spiritual good of the children. Mrs. Parapara presented Mr. and Mrs. Fairbrother with a beautiful kiekie floor mat.

Mr. W. Crawford wished that Mr. ami Mrs. Fairbrother could make Tokata their permanent home. The remarkable progress the children had made was evidence of the effective labours of their

guests. Mr. Turei Akuhata, chairman of the school committee, referred to the happy relations that existed between the committee and the headmaster. Mr. Akuhata presented Mr. and Mrs. Fairbrother with a tea set and clock, on behalf of the parents. Mrs. T. Henderson also presented them with a cruet-stand. Little Miss Ann Fairbrother was presented by the children with a child's tea set. and bv Miss Addie Akuhata with a child's set "of knife, fork and spoon. Mr. Fairbrother thanked his friends for their gifts and kind remarks. It was true, Mr. Fairbrother said, that he had taught the children also at Sundayschool, for he believed that spiritual teaching was essential for that would save them from much barm and trouble during life. Mrs. Fairbrother also expressed her thanks. Mr. and Mrs. Black arrived last week to take charge of the Te Araroa Native School, Mr. and Mrs. Harris having been transferred to Omarumutu Native School, near Opotiki. The destination of Mr. and Mrs. Broomfield, who have been in charge of the Wharekahika Native School, Hicks Bay, is not yet known. Mr. and Mrs. Hornibrook have taken up their residence at Te Araroa during the construction of the Karakatuwhero bridge. Mr. Hornibrook was clerk of work at Hicks Bay and is taking up a similar position here. He has been supervising the planting) of willows on the banks of the Karakatuwhero, above the bridge site. People who have seen the Wharekahika bridge consider it a handsome structure.

Leading natives are -waiting for the summons to Wellington to attend a conference to discuss matters concerning the welfare of the Maori people. On the other hand, natives have expressed their doubt as to the utility of many natives going to AVellington. It has been stated that Maoris belonging to the Labour Party are organising a. deputation of their own.