HATO HOHEPA

Te Ao Hou, Spring 1954, Page 30

HATO HOHEPA St. joseph's maori girls' college was founded in 1867 by Euphrasie Barbier, Mother Mary of the Heart of Jesus. She left behind her a book of instructions to her Sisters on the training of youth. Her programme of study (according to the 1950 school magazine) included not only a sound knowledge of the three R's and the ordinary subjects, but also languages, music and singing—especially choir work—cooking, laundry work, nursing and needle work. Artistic training was not neglected. These instructions have been the basis of the school's 87 years of teaching. I was fortunate enough to be allowed to listen to the choir, and it was a wonderful experience. As I write this, I still remember the fullness and melody of those well-trained voices regrettably hidden from a wider public. The new block of classrooms and dormitories completed earlier this year makes the school second to none in amenities, and the cooking and sewing rooms are real models. Few house-wives would be shamed by the perfect, almost A group of St. Joseph's College girls, photographed after meeting the selection committee which considers admissions to Training College. Most of them were accepted. (PHOTOGRAPH—JOHN ASHTON).

A science class at Te Whaiti Nui-a-Toi Farm Training School. The three boys are receiving instruction in testing milk from the head teacher, Mr S. Goldsbury. (PHOTOGRAPH—PRESBYTERIAN INFORMATION) staggering, neatness in which the whole institution is kept by the girls. Among the craft work I saw, I was interested in the adaptation of traditional Maori craft features to modern conditions. Examples were a lovely little carpet woven with Maori scroll designs and a large sewing box on legs whose sides consisted of tukutuku work. Such features will undoubtedly give atmosphere to homes. St. Joseph's college plans its courses for girls who will ultimately settle down and set up home for themselves. The home crafts are emphasised; all Fourth and Fifth Form girls are given a complete course in mothercraft by the district health nurse. The Red Cross Association gives courses in first aid, home nursing and hygiene. At the same time it is considered that for future mothers nothing but the best will do educationally, and a high proportion of pupils obtain school certificates. With a roll of 140, the college offers an academic and a commercial course. Over the last ten years a lively old girls' association has been built up with branches in every big centre. Branches have their own monthly meetings and functions, and a reunion is held at college once a year.