G.—s.

40

[G. MATJNST'LL

The Rev. R. Maunsell writes (7th August, 1854) —" The Governor visiting the other institutions, it struck me that I also might get good for my school by a visit. Immediately on his arrival, Sir George Grey, at my request, applied to the chiefs for more land for the school. The people who owned this property (Kohanga) immediately came forward and offered it. I accepted the offer, and Sir George Grey discussed boundaries and obtained their signatures to the deed of surrender (vide ' Maori Deeds,' Vol. i.). The land was surveyed and a grant given before Sir George left. I hope soon to have all our party gathered together in our kohanga (nest)". —(Church Missionary Society Report, 1855, p. 215-16.) The Rev. R. Ashwell (1853) re Taupiri Boarding-school — "The Natives have given 1,385 acres opposite Pepepe for the support of the school, for which a Government grant has been issued under the new legislation. The permanent maintenance of the Taupiri schools must eventually depend upon its success. Twenty acres are already under cultivation." —(Report, 1854, p. 255.) The Rev. J. Morgan (3rd November, 1853) re Puniu—" The block given up at Otawhao for my school when surveyed proved to be 870 acres. When this estate is brought under grass and stocked it ought to support, clothe, and educate a school of 300 children." —(Report, 1854, p. 255.) Again, Rev. B. Y. Ashwell (3rd July, 1854) re Pepepe — " In 1852 100 acres of land were given for a teachers' institution at Pepepe, and eventually chiefs endowed that institution with 1,385 acres opposite to Pepepe." — (Church Missionary Gleaner, 1855, p. 47.) In 1863 war between the bulk of Waikato tribes and the Government broke up these schools, and no attempt was made to restore them until the 7th February, 1873, when the following resolution was brought forward by Hohoia, Ngahiwi at a meeting of the Native Church Board, the late Bishop Cowie being president, and the present Bishop of Waiapu acting as secretary. This was the initial meeting of that Board. " There are these lands given before this for establishing schools for the Maori children of these districts—viz., Kohanga, &c. This Board desires to know from the trustees what moneys are derived from thence in the year. In the opinion of this Board it is advisable that Maoris should be placed on the list of trustees for those places in conjunction with pakehas. The Bishop is requested to bring this matter before the General Synod."—(Carried at Hopuhopu.) The Board met next year (1874) at Kohanga, the Bishop again presiding, when a similar motion was brought forward by Hori Kukutai. The discussions which ensued upon these resolutions affirmed the necessity for immediate steps being taken to reopen schools on those estates, the buildings still standing, and Government being willing to pay masters for day-schools ; but nothing in that direction eventuated. I was present and interpreted for the Bishop at both meetings. Next year I was moved to Tauranga, and lost sight of these matters. In 1900, after twenty-five years' absence, I returned and was appointed to Waikato, and in itinerating throughout that district was horrified to find that the buildings had disappeared and the estates were overrun with noxious weeds. The Natives I met strongly objected to the estates being let and no schools provided for, and blamed us, the founders of the above institutions. For three years I have been endeavouring to get them redress ; first from the trustees, then in the Synod, but unavailingly. The Government were more sympathetic and were willing to rebuild at Kohanga, and I went thither with the Inspector of Schools, but found the whole estate of 750 acres let, only 5 acres at the churchyard being reserved to bo fenced in by the tenant, who most inflexibly refused to allow any school to be built, as the scholars would disturb his stock and there was no recognised mode of access to a school. A sum of £200 was placed for Kohanga with the trustees by Archdeacon Maunsell in 1864. but does not appear to have been invested but hid in a "napkin. At Hopuhopu the trustees promised to reserve 30 acres for a school and parsonage,'but to make this estate available it is necessary to settle the parents on the estate as well —in fact, to make a model settlement under the eye and tuition of a Native priest who has been moved there and a small cottage built for him. At Puniu a like state of affairs to Kohanga prevails. There are only two Government schools in a district 150 miles long, whilst on the Bay of Plenty there are six or seven times that number in a like area and amongst a similar number of people. Notes on Debate re Schools at Hopuhopu, March, 1873. Heta proposed that schools should be established within the district; that the children be taught the Scriptures ; that the parents should provide part of the maintenance— e.g., clothing and food. They had begun in April of that year and charged a sixpenny fee per child, and had been at work for three quarters. Mita Karaka : They wished to have schools. Why should the Government still require further sections for school-sites when they had already appropriated estates for that purpose — e.g., Kohanga Maoris should be admitted into the Native School Trust. Eruera Ngara : Where land has been given for schools the site for new schools should be taken for that. Once giving was quite enough. Hohaia Ngahiwi : They had given estates. If leased, what were the proceeds ? Let them be leased for Native-school purposes. Hohua Nuanaroa : In 1853 Kohanga was given because the old site, Maraetai, was inferior land and belonged to the Church Missionary Society. Governor Grey wanted the school shifted to Otaki, and then Ngatitipa gave the land to prevent it. Governor asked for the land. Heta :It was said that the land was to be given for our own children. Government still desired fresh sites for schools. What are the trustees doing with these; lauds ? Why arc they not leased 1 They have been lying idle for fourteen years. Mita Karaka : He would press the resolution at future meetings. He asked whether the proceeds of these estates would in future be given to the schools. The Bishop answered, " Undoubtedly." Eruera : What have become of the proceeds ? On what terms does Mr. Pritt live here ?