The Waka Maori. WELLINGTON, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1876. PARIKINO SCHOOL GATHERING.

Waka Maori, Volume 12, Issue 4, 22 February 1876, Page 39

The Waka Maori. WELLINGTON, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1876. PARIKINO SCHOOL GATHERING.

In accordance with our promise to our Native readers, we proceed to give them an abstract of Mr. Woon's report on the Parikino School Christmas gathering at Whanganui:— The "Whanganui, Ngarauru, aud Ngatiapa people mustered in force on the occasiou, to the number of some seven or eight hundred. HakaraiaKorako,Reneti Tapa, Hone Tumango, and the resident Natives, made every preparation for the reception of their guests ; a lai*ge Runanga-house was erected for their accommodation, and numerous tents and canvass whares covered the ground. An immense calico building, with wooden tables from end to end, was used as an eating-house, and the food was partaken of by the visitors in relays, served up by Maori waiters, male and female, under the superintendence of Wild Keepa. It consisted of very substantial fare, in the shape of potatoes, meat, turkeys, geese, fowls, Jcumaras, bread, buns, plum-cake, puddings, and other things. A plate, knife and fork, mug and spoon, were provided for each guest. Of provisions generally there was enough to feed this host of people for a week, and the liberality of the resident Natives was much applauded.

The school-house was decorated in the most appropriate manner with evergreens, and sundry mottoes in large letters of coloured paper on the walls and ceiling in English and Maori, such as—" Welcome to Parikino ! j" " A Merry Christmas and a Happy NewTear;" " Glory to God in the highest;" " God save the Queen," &c, &c. The effect was most pleasing, and reflected great credit upon the teacher, Mr. Nickless; as did the tidy appearance and wellkept state of the interior of the schoolroom, with its many maps and scripture tablets or pictures. Recitations were given by some of the children, and Christmas and other hymns sung. The distribution of prizes from the Native Minister gave great satisfaction. The parents of the children and the members of both Committees were present. Several cricket matches were played, and the boys seemed to take great delight in the game. Bats and balls for the occasion were bought by subscription. A marked improvement was visible in the appearance of the children, their dress and general get-up being quite in keeping with the event—the celebration of Christmas. Some of the elder lads and lasses cut quite a dash, and were attired after the most approved style and fashion. Several of the chiefs and leading Natives addressed the children and expressed their great satisfaction at what was being done to provide instruction for the rising generation. They enlarged upon the great benefits likely to result to them as a people by paying attention to the matter of education, which I trust wiil be more sought after in the Great praise is due to Hakaraia for his efibrts in supporting the two schools on theWhanganui River, and he has gained great respect and influence among his people on account thereof. His example is most praiseworthy.