OPENING OF THE MAORI SCHOOL AT AROWHENUA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2769, 29 January 1895, Page 2

OPENING OF THE MAORI SCHOOL AT AROWHENUA.

The Building. The building stands in a lofty position on an acre of ground. It is excellently finished. The lighting is first rate, there being several large windows. It is also well ventilated. The length of the building is 28ft, and the width 18ft. The height of the walls is 10ft, and the roof is in keeping with the height of the walls. There is also aporch attached to the school, and the whole is neatly painted. All round the building has been placed an abundant supply of shingle, which will serve its purpose well in wet weather. On the whole the school is a credit to designer and builder. The Banquet. This portion of the programme was well represented. A large marquee had been erected close to the school, and in this was placed a strong floor. There were two long tables about 24ft in length, which were joined by shorter ones at the ends. On these were eatable? of a very tempting nature. These were relieved by slight, but tasty, floral decoration. At about 3 o'clock the guests, who numbered about 200, and amongst whom was a large number of Europeans, seated themselves round the tables. The chair was occupied by Mr H. Kahu, and the vice-chair by Mr J. Richus. The ladies who presided at the tables were Mesdames Parahu (the principal), H. Kahu, Rehu, Campbell, Whitau, Fowler, Tiko and Anaha, and Mißseß K. and F. Fowler.

After everyone had partaken of the banquet, the toasts were proceeded with.

Mr Thos. Parata (native member for the South Island) rose to propose the first toast. He asked those present to charge their glasses and to drink the toast of " The Queen and Royal Family." In so doing Mr Parata referred to the occasion for his visit that day, which was to open a school at Arowhenua. Ihey would now have a school to teach them English, and he hoped all parents would send their children to school regularly or they could not compete with their friends, the Europeans. He had been agitating for this object for years, but until now was unsuccessful. Unless they took the opportunity to educate themselves they eould not cope with the Europeans. It would also be a means of them becoming polite and refined in manners. In passing, he wished to express his gratitude to Mr A. E. G. Rhodeß, who had been of material assistance to him in educational matters, and also to Mr F. R. Flatman, his successor, who had also accorded him support in securing a grant and having the school ereeted in its preseut position. He was pleased to see the cordial relations which existed between the European and Native ladies, as was evidenced on the present occasion, which' he hoped would continue. (Applause). The toast was duly honored. Mr H. Kahu briefly proposed the toast of " His Excellency the Governor and j Hiß Ministers," which was drunk with musical honors.

Mr J. Guild proposed the toasts of " The Chiefs of Arowheuua," speaking of the old Scotch chiefs, aud the Maori chiefs. He briefly referred to socialism, individualism, and communism. The next toast was that of " The Ladies," and it could not have been entrusted more happily than to Dr. J. S. Hayes. This gentlemen proposed the toast in most felicitous terms. During his remarks Dr Hayes said that fine clothes did not make ladie3. Amoug the natives could be seen better ladies than many of those were who had spjut much upou clothes. The toast was drunk was musical honors

Chief Emera Tarawha proposed the toast of " The Minister for Education, rind the Native Department." He congratulated tfye Government upou the advantages they had placed at their (the natives') disposal, aud acknowledged the I compliment paid to the chiefs by a 1 "**'»S'{9H 8 speaker. They had met to open - «ciwpj. and f,he spread was to the new .. —»on. T!l? Pchool commemorate ihe occ... than

was placed iu their midst to m. habits similar to those of Europeans. Mr John Willis proposed the toast ot "The Native Members," coupled witn the name of their representative in Parliament. He referred to why they had mot there. This was one ot tho principal things t*e members had done. This was the full-1 men (J f promi.es made by Parliament when taking large territory from the natives. In 1868 they had a member in Parliament (the Hon. Mr laiaroa), and the uueßtion was then brought w by

him, and schools were then established in different parts of the Middle Island, and the education agitation was continued by Mr Parata, and through his efforts they had the present school. He was pleased that the chiefs aided in the agitation through him. "Long life to the Legislative Council and Parliament" for bringing about this beneficient object. He was pleased to meet those whom he had known for years. He thanked their medical attendant (Dr Hayes) for being present. It was through their chiefs they had obtained him. The toast was drunk with musical honors.

Mr Parata responded. He referred to the hardships they were under in the House, and dwelt upon the drawbacks which they experienced through want of education. He spoke of the tie which bound him to the native race, and hoped their language would be kept up. Their representatives had tried to do the best for those who sent them there. He did all he could, not only for those in the South Island, but also for those in the North Island. He did his best to civilise them there and get them to adopt European habits, and remarked that education wouid bring the next native generation to the front. He hoped that from them could be chosen representatives who would not only be capable of repraenting the native race, but also Europeans. (Applause.) Mr Albert Leonard next proposed " The Visitors," coupled with the name of the Rev. Mr Blathway. He was pleased to see bo many visitors present, and glad to notice among them Dr Hayes, Messrs Meyer, Guild, WaddelL Edgar, and Lawson. He also was glad to see so many European ladies present. They were assembled that day as did their fathers in their time. He would ask tbjem. to drink the toast with enthusiasm.

The Rev. Mr Blathway Responded to the toast, and thanked the Maoris for their kindness in inviting the Europeans. He spoke enthusiastically of the excellent qualities of the natives. As a minister he had been associated with them for a considerable time, and specially contrasted them with Europeans in the religions aspec+, showing their superiority over the latter. He next dwelt on school matters. Hib son was their first schoolmaster, and he hoped that he wonld do his best to get the children to adapt Pakeha habits, and also not let them forget their native tongue. He asked all interested to helfi the master in making matters a success. •

■' Mr Farata proposed the health of " The New Schoolmaster, Mr 6. Blathway," and topoke of his successful career in other parts of the colony. He impressed on parents to sand their children to ichool regularly, and listen to no tales which may be brought home. He asked those who would be elected a committee to work harmoniously with their teacher.

Mr Blathway briefly returne| thanks, and promised to do his best for the children.

Mr J. Rickus proposed the toast of " The Native Children and their Parents." He saidpia the course of his remarks, that the Bchbol would be open to Europeans as well as Maoris. Those who lived in the vicinity could take advantage of the opportunity. He next gave some advice to native ladies, and wound np by saying that "the more children they had the better for the school." Mr Parata then announced the banquet closed. Honobing a Distinguished Visitor. Later in the day the Rev. Tare Te Kahu (Rev. Charles Wesley), arrived from Waitaki, and a ceremony was held in his honor. Ope kino the School.

Mr J. Kahu, in addressiug the parents and children, said they were giving Mr Parata power to chriaten the ach 01, and, after that gentleman had returned, he requested the new teacher-to open the door, who asked the little children to follow him, and then came the adults. All being seated, Mr Blathway tendered a few words of advice to the children, and their behaviour during the ceremony was excellent.

Mr Parata then addressed the parents and children. He said they had now a school in their midst, and he hoped the children would do their best to learn, and take an interest in what the master taught them. It was a credit to their parents and to him after having agitated so long to have the school established in the native settlement of Arowhenua. It could not be done in a few days. It had taken a number of years so get the school established in their midst. He hoped they would do all in their power to seed their children to school, which would be a benefit to them in the future. He would not make inauy further remarks, but he must not forget to refer to the kind way in which Mrs J. Xahr had handed over the school site to the Government for the benefit of the children of Arowhenua. There was a difficulty over a site, as the place proposed j was not suitable for the school site. was with great liberality Mrs Kahu made over the site solely to the Education Department. It would be a credit to her children. It would be nice for them to think how their mother had been a benefactor to their race. He thonght it was wrong to ask her to hand over thn site, but that was the only course open to them to obtain the school. He thought she was entitled to compensation from tho Government, as Bhe had the courage to haud the land over to the Education Board. He did not think the Government would overlook the matter. He just made thece remarks to show that he had not lost sight of the matter. There were others who wished to give a site, but it was unsuitable. He hoped no jealousy would be caused by liu remarks. It wra an honor to Mrg Kahu and her relatives. Her father was against education, but those difficulties had been overcome, because they were becoming enlightened, and were progressing in every way. They hud more household comfort, and were improving their house sites. They had also fiiit) orchards near their dwellings. Mr Parata next referred to an omission which had been made at the school, and asked the master to communicate with the department on the subject. In concluding he hoped parents would work harmoniously in electing a committee, and see that their children were sent to school regularly. He hoped the committee would work hand-in-hand with the master, and sat down amidst great applause, J Mr J. Kahu wished to thank Mr Parata for his great efforts in establishing a school in their midst, which would be a* benefit to their children and grand children. They had handed their children ovor to the now master, who would teach '-"owledge which Europeans XJST'h.*- •*** "*'"*" wa „t—a night school. ouief Eruera Tarawha also made a few further remarks, 4tt? which Mr Blathway said lie had something to say to the children, but this would take him all ifie year round. With regard to the : nignf school no doubt it could be arranged. He would do all Jie could to meet them in this respect. He s&vd he could not ooeu the school till he had communicated P - •»•''<._«•,

with the Department on several matters. He begged the indulgence of parents for one year, to see what he could do with the school. He was willing to take advice, where it was not contrary to the rules he had to go by, and asked the hearty co-operation of parents. They may sometimes think he was acting wrongly, but let them wait till the inspector's examination, and then arrive at conclusions. He thanked the speakers who had so kindly alluded to him in their speeches. He announced that guardians and parents would meet later in the evening to elect a committee. Mr Blathway then called on the children for three cheers for Mr Parata and Mr J. Kahu, and to all who had assisted in making the proceedings a success. [Prior to opening the school the gathering and building were photographed by Mr Elliott.] The Dance. At night a ball was held in the marquee, at which there was a good attendance, and it was kept up till a late hour.