MRS. MILLS’S BOARDING SCHOOL, APIA, ISLAND OF UPOLU.

Samoan Reporter, Issue 1, 1 March 1845, Page 3

MRS. MILLS’S BOARDING SCHOOL, APIA, ISLAND OF UPOLU.

This school is now in its second year, and, though its growth may have been slower than many others of the same age, it must be remembered, its circumstances have been very disadvantageous. Frequent interruptions from bad health, and other unavoidable calls upon my time, have greatly interfered with its superintendence. Besides, the want of school books, maps, and stationary, have in no small degree retarded the progress of the girls—still, with all these disadvantages, I rejoice to see much more fruit than I ever enjoyed in the Day School. There are 34 scholars. Except a few lately received, they all read fluently, and understand what they read. Some of them write pretty well, and are getting expert in the simple rules of arithmetic. Geography is a favourite exercise, but the want of maps keeps them all behind. Nee-dle-work is also a favourite employment, and from having full scope in this department, many of them work very neatly. Though their families hold different ranks, they are all on a level at school, and it is quite pleasant to see the harmony that subsists in the establishment. Their conduct is outwardly correct, but I am not aware that any of them have yet experienced the great change, though they seem quite acquainted with the gospel scheme of salvation.

The parents feed them, and have hitherto supplied them with a great part of their clothing, but I desire to acknowledge the liberality of those kind friends, who have so warmly espoused their cause. When I get a little leisure, I will write more particularly—in the mean time, I have to acknowledge a box of clothing &c. from kind friends at Sheerness —another from the Independent Congregation at Stepney, and others from Scotland—also one from Mrs. Berger, London. Many of the articles have already been appropriated, and are exceedingly suitable. One great desideratum now is a School House. We have only a low native building, and often when 1 retire from it, I am laid up with headache. Some kind friends have sent in contributions for the erection of a school house, and if we had a few more, with the assistance of the natives, we might get a comfortable building. This is a hurried and imperfect sketch, but as there is no time for delay, I send it off. Feb. 27. 1845. LILIAS MILLS.