THE HON. G. FOWLDS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXII, Issue 12436, 8 April 1908, Page 5

THE HON. G. FOWLDS.

(Per United Press Association).

DUNEDIN, April 7.

The Hon. G. Fowlds, with a party, today inspected the Orokanai Home at Waitaki, the Seacliff Mental Hospital, and the Waikouaiti Native School at Karitane. Afterwards the Minister was accorded an enthusiastic welcome by the Maoris at Puketeraki, and banquetted by them at the whare of the Council of Araitiuru. At the native school an address of welcome was read by Mr T. H. Parata, who said that the fact that the native schools were administered directly under the control of the Minister for Education wag in a great measure the reason that they were so well abreast of modern educational requirements. Mr Parata asked the Minister to set his face against any attempt to hand the native schools over to the Education Boards. It was obvious that education was far too important to be controlled by men other than specialists. He drew attention to the matter of a high school being established in the South Island. They felt sure by his past actions they would not appeal in vain to him to do something for the higher education of native boys and girls.

Mr Fowlds, in his speech, complimented the school and the scholars on their appearance and progress, and urged the latter to lay hold on education, so as to take their places in the work of the country on the same footing as Europeans. He could make no promises about a high school, but would do his best towards getting the best possible higher education within easy reach of native children.

The party were welcomed to the whare by native women waving handkerchiefs and shouting native greetings. The banquet was on a lavish scale. In proposing the" toast of the Government Dr Truby King took occasion to warn the Maoris against shutting air from their dwellings at night. There was nothing about their face to make it liable to tuberculosis, but having adopted certain fashions of the Europeans they must go further, and* .adopt their precautions to ensure health.

Mr Fowlds also laid stress on this point, and assured them that the Government had the true interests of the Maoris at heart.

The Minister returned to Dunedin tonight.