PARAWAI SCHOOL.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1856, 14 December 1874, Page 2

PARAWAI SCHOOL.

At the request of the local committee Sir Donald McLean, attended by Mr G. 11. Davis, Interpreter, visited the Parawai School this morning at 11 a.m. There were present Mr Allom (the chairman), with Mr Spencer and Mr Hogg, members of the school committe, Messrs Miller and Mcßoberts being unavoidably absent. We also observed the native chiefs To Hira Tuiri, Te Moananui, Riwai and W, Taipari, with a number of other influential natives, all of whom showed much interest in the proceedings. The object of Sir Donald's visit was to witness the progress made in a school wnich has received special aid from the General Government on account of the Maori scholars. The number of pupils present was 87, of whom 14 are native children. Mr Coburn. explained the general system of instruction pursued, in which he showed that no distinction is made between Maories and Europeans. On being requested to examine the native children, Sir Donald delicately observed that he had no wish in any way to interfere with a school unconnected with the General Government. The Maori children were, however, at the request of the Committee, specially examined in reading, and their writing was also exhibited. The progress made by some of them—even in one or two months— is extraordinary. Shortly before Sir Donald's departure, the children sang two or three verses of the Anthem very nicely, and Sir Donald afterwards paid, a very well deserved compliment to Mr Coburn, the teacher, and expressed himself well pleased with the condition of the school aud with his visit. As the Christmas examinations are now proceeding, it was cohsiderd desirable not to interfere with the arrangements more than was absolutely necessar}'.