MAHANA.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13913, 20 October 1915, Page 4 (Supplement)

MAHANA.

(From "The Colonist," Sept. 22.)

A very interesting gathering took place on the afternoon of Monday, the 13th inst., for the purpose of opening the school. The building was tastefully decorated for the occasion, and there was an attendance of about sixty. The proceedings were opened with the singing of a verse of the National Anthem, in-which all joined heartily. Mr. C. A. Hendeason, the chairman of the provisional School Committee, in the course of his remarks said that this was the first public function which had been held in the district, and that it would probably become a prominent feature in the history of the place. He went on to explain that the building in which they had assembled had been erected by the Moutere Amalgamated Fruit Lands, Ltd., who had kindly consented to allow it to be used for school purposes until the permanent building was completed. The company had also provided a site for the permanent school, and the education authority had applied "for a grant. "We hope," said Mr. Henderson, "to see the school erected by Christmas." There were already about fourteen scholars. After referring briefly to other matters of general interest to the settlers, the chairman asked Mr. A. P. Allport to declare the building open.

Mr. Allport said this was a significant occasion, because it meant, not only that We were to educate the children, but that there were children to educate. The company set out to make the district carry more people, and Mahana was now becoming the. centre of a closely settled district. The company, on behalf of which he and Mr. W. A. Dee, as two of the directors., were present, would do anything they possibly could to help the settlement ahead, and the district was fortunate in having men like Mr. Henderson, and Mr. G. Stratford, the resident supervisor for the three estates of Bronte, Bell and Mahana, to push things ahead. It) conclusion, Mr Allport congratulated the settlers en starting a school, and finally declared the building open.

Afternoon tea, which had been provided by-the ladies, was then served. Miss Huffam takes charge of the school temporarily, and Miss E. J. Dolamore, who has accepted the permanent appointment, will take up duty on October Ist.