NEW SCHOOL

Waikato Independent, Volume XL, Issue 3664, 6 February 1940, Page 5

NEW SCHOOL

OPENING AT MAUNGATAUTARI A GROWING DISTRICT A greatly increased school roll is usually an indication of a growing district, and such has been the case at Maungatautari, where the No. 2 School has had to be enlarged. As a result of the efforts of the school committee, a new building was erected by the Education Department, and this was officially opened on Saturday afternoon. The accommodation will be practically doubled with the new building, which is designed on the latest open-air lines, similar to the Convent School described in Saturday's Independent. There is a porch aiong the length of the northern wall, with large folding doors giving access to the main room. The opening ceremony was performed by Mr A. F. Moncur, member for Rotorua, and also present were Mr W .S. Goosman, member for Waikato, Mr A. N. Macky, ward member of the Auckland Education Board, and Mrs Moncur and Mrs Goosman. There was a large attendance of district residents, although the weather was unfavourable. It was necessary to hold the official ceremoyn in the old school, and proceedings opened with a rousing haka of welcome by the Maoris. Chairman's Welcome A welcome to the visitors was also extended by Mr A. C. Gagen, chairman of the school committee, who explained that Mr Moncur had been asked to perform the opening because of the good work he had done in securing the grant for the building during the time Maungatautari was in his electorate. „ Knowing that it was the policy of the Government to provide children in. the country with the same facilities as those in the towns, the committee had asked for a new water supply several years ago, and later had added a new school to its request, said -Mr Gagen. At the end of 1938, a grant was made for all that was asked for, and as a result of the continued efforts of the committee the building was commenced shortly afterwards. The district *had a school of which it could be proud, said Mr Gagen. He considered it would be amply big enough for a number of years to come. It was anticipated that there would be 80 children attending the school this year, which might mean the loss of the teacher, Mr R. D. Ward. He hoped that such would not be the case, as Mr Ward was very much liked by the district and the children. * Congratulations from Board It was grand to think of a district developing until its school accommodation had to be nearly doubled, said Mr Macky. He congratulated the committee on its initiative and energy in securing a new building. Concerning the teacher, Mr Macky said he knew Mr Ward liked Maungatautari, but-if: his grading: rvvent up, then he would have to move on. This would not foe necessary 'if the district continued to advance, and the grading of the school advanced also. On behalf of the Education Board Mr Macky extended best wishes for the future of the school. He expressed pleasure at the progress of the district and said it was evident that the land was held by the right type of farmers. An understanding of the sentiment behind the action of the committee in asking Mr Moncur to perform the opening was expressed by Mr W. S. Goosman. He thanked the Maoris for the splendid welcome they had given to the visitors. Message to Pupils : The b(>ys and girls would all apwhat was being done for Ihem today, added Mr Goosman. Th,ey were receiving great advantages, and it was up to them to do their best for their teachers and parents,and thereby do their best for their country. "If you "are pleased with the new school, then we are pleased, too," said Mr A. F. Moncur, in declaring the building <3pen. He added that the GovernmentVealised its responsibility in connection with'' the young people of s&w Zealand. Mr Moncur from the Hon. of Education, who congratulations to thb obtaining its new school. Besf wishes to the district and the school were also conveyed in a communication, from the Prime Minister, Mr Savage. It was pleasing to see the Maori people part and parcel of the dis-

trict, with the school open to them, said Mr Moncur. iHe mentioned that New Zealand was the only country in the world where the aboriginal natives were treated as equals with the white residents. In conclusion, Mr Moncur stated that although Maungatautari was not now in his electorate, he would watch its progress with interest, and would be pleasejf to associate himself with in any effort for the ; good of the community. -" : Appreciation of the complimentary remarks made concerning him was voiced by the teacher, Mr Ward. He mentioned the happy atmosphere which existed in the district and the fact that during the three years he had been at the school there had been no differences between him and the parents. One of the pupils, Topsy Gagen, presented Mrs Moncur with a bouquet, and the function closed with afternoon tea, which was served in the new school; The new school was erected by Messrs Speight, Pearce, Nicoll, Davys, Limited, of Cambridge.