Maori Schools Centennial

Te Ao Hou, March 1968, Page 26

Whakarewarewa Maori School's most senior old pupils at the centennial. From left, Tangirau Karekare, Guide Ellen, Mamaeroa Maniapoto, Guide Kiri and Guide Rangi. National Publicity Studios Maori Schools Centennial by Kiri Haira The Maori Schools Centennial organized by the Rotorua and District Maori School Committees Association was held at Whakarewarewa Maori School, Rotorua, on December 9–10 of last year. Guest speakers at the celebration included the M.P. for Eastern Maori, Mr P. Reweti, and the Education Department officer for Maori education, Mr N. F. Harré. The celebrations attracted old pupils of Maori schools from such distant points as Cape Reinga in the north, the East Coast, Taranaki, Wanganui and Hawkes Bay. They were welcomed by the mayor of Rotorua. Mr A. M. Linton, the chairman of the organizing committee, Mr Macfarlane, who is himself an old boy of the host school, and a leading elder of the Tuhourangi tribe, Mr Matina Makiha. A gallery of old photographs and press clippings tracing the history of individual Maori schools was arranged for public viewing by parents, old pupils and teachers of Sister Annie, deaconess of the Maori Synod of the Presbyterian Church, talking to Mr H. R. Lapwood, M.P., for Rotorua, and Mr N. B. Hunt, chairman of the Rotorua County Council. Sister Annie worked among the Tuhoe people of Ruatahuna for 50 years and retired in 1964.

Maori schools. This aspect of the centennial celebrations was well presented and well received; it contained a wealth of information which would have been useful to the student of Maori history and Maori rural life in the early years of this century. It is unfortunate in this respect that the anniversary was not better supported. A variety concert was held on Saturday evening at the Sportsdrome, and each school party or school district was invited to make a contribution to the programme. The procedure was quite informal and ended with a cold supper. The centennial weekend was completed on Sunday with a church service at St. Faith's, Ohinemutu, the Revd Te Hau officiating.