13

G.—4

Other subjects it has been impossible to attempt, especially since Christmas. I had intended to have had some maps done by the boys, but my wishes were frustrated by their non-attendance. Henry Nickless, Teacher.

No. 10. Memorandum by the Hon. Mr. Reid. sth May, 1877. Mr. H. Churton, of Wanganui, called when you were at Otaki. He made the following statement, which he asked me to bring before you, as he would like some answer from the Government regarding his proposal:— Mr. Churton wishes to establish a boarding-school for Maori girls, and he wishes to know whether the Government will give him any assistance. Ho states that he has now secured 10 acres of laud for the purpose at Wanganui, that he can endow the school to the extent of an annual income of from £1,000 to £1,200 to begin with, but at his death the endowment will be increased. He has had some correspondence with the late Sir D. McLean about the matter, and the Colonial Architect has had the plans in hand during the last two years. Mr. Churton would like you to say whether any assistance would be given towards the buildings, and also whether the Government would assist towards framing regulations for management, &c, and pass any Act that might be required, and also under certain conditions subsidize the school. The proposal appears worthy of favourable consideration, and Mr. Churton seems to be thoroughly in earnest about it. Hon. Dr. Pollen. D. Reid.

No. 11. The Hon. the Natiye Minister to Henry Churton, Esq., Wanganui. Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, 14th May, 1877. My colleague, Mr. Reid, informs me that you desire to know whether any assistance would be given by the Government in the shape of contribution towards the cost of the buildings proposed to be erected by you at Wanganui as a boarding-school for Native girls, and afterwards, by way of subsidy, in aid for the maintenance of the establishment or otherwise. The documents on record in this office relative to this subject are few and of old date, the latest being a letter of date 18th July, 1873, in which you acknowledge the receipt of a plan of the school buildings, prepared by Mr. Clayton, the Colonial Architect. Personal communications have probably since then been had with the late Sir Donald McLean, but of their nature or result there is no record accessible to me. Under these circumstances, I can do no more than assure you generally of my readiness to co-operate with you in carrying your benevolent purpose into practical effect, and to invite you to state in what manner I can help, and what may be the nature and extent of the assistance you require. I have, &c, Henry Churton, Esq., Wanganui. Daniel Pollen.

No. 12. Henry Churton, Esq., Wanganui, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir,— Netley Lodge, Wanganui, 17th May, 1877. In reply to your favour of the 14th, I will briefly state my intentions respecting my proposed Maori girls' school. It has long been my conviction that the only way to secure the future welfare of the Maori race is to bring up the children, especially the females, to habits of industry and the acquisition of the English language, and I do not see how this can be done except by the institution of boarding-schools —day-schools I believe to be quite inadequate for the purpose. In order, as far as in my power to forward this, it is my intention to give the sum of £1,200 per annum at present. At my death, and in future, this will be much increased as land improves in value; but take it at that for the present, and the sum will maintain, say, forty-five children, at the rate of £30 per head per annum. I have secured a piece of land, about 10 acres, on the bank of the Wanganui River, about four miles from town, where I propose to place the institution. The completion and furnishing the house will, I think, amount to between £2,000 and £2,500. If I find this amount myself, of course it will diminish the future income available (not the £1,200). lam therefore anxious to know whether, and to what extent, I may rely on assistance from the Government towards the erection, &c, of the building, and also if any future subsidy will be made towards maintaining the children. In latter case, the number of children admitted might be greatly increased, and in a short time another similar establishment formed elsewhere. lam quite willing to make over the control aud management to the Government. If my health allows me, it is my wish to return to England as soon as I see the business completed, so that I shall not be able personally to give my attention to it; and I have no doubt the Government will manage it more satisfactorily than if I left it in the hands of private individuals; but in this question I shall be glad of your opinion and advice. Will you oblige me by requesting.Mr. Clayton to send me the corrected plans as soon as possible, as I am anxious to proceed at once to order the timber during the present proper season for cuttiug it. I have, Ac, The Hon. Dr. Pollen, Native Minister, Wellington. H. Churton.