Te Aute College

Te Ao Hou, September 1968, Page 56

Te Aute College Te Aute College was founded by Archdeacon Samuel Williams in 1854. The main purpose of establishing this college was to help the young Maori generation to learn more about the world, by the guidance and support of the Anglican Church. It was founded by the church, so that there will always be some sort of religious influence within. Of course the Maori people gave as much help as the Government as far as the lands were concerned. For more than a century, this college experienced both tragic and wonderful events. During the 1931 earthquakes, most parts of the building lay in ruins. Nevertheless, the college buildings took shape again a few years later. Once it was burnt down completely, but was soon restored to its previous form again. Its past academic results were undoubtedly excellent. It was from this college, that such famous Maoris as Sir Apirana Ngata, and Sir Peter Buck emerged. Concerning outside activities, this college was well-known for its rugby teams. During recent years, though the school is still going on fairly well in the way of intake of pupils, there is a strong tendency

towards declining, not because of the shortage of staff members, or financial difficulties, but because of the growth of state schools throughout the country. This year, the total school roll is around about 83, and there are five excellent teachers, and the principal. There is a new swimming pool, and beside this we have for sports and recreation purposes, three tennis courts, two recreation rooms, a sports field, and various other sporting equipment. Last year the college's School Certificate and University Entrance results were not very good. However, the aim of teaching pupils is not merely to pass exams and various other tests, but to cultivate the nature of the child, to become a good member of the society of mankind. Gina Tekulu, Lower VI, Solomon Islands In recent issues we have published many poems written by pupils of Northland College, and are pleased that this has stimulated further interest in literature. Recently, two pupils, Hemi Epiha and Takiora Neho (pictured below) were chosen to record their own and their fellow-pupils' poems at the N.Z.B.C.'s Whangarei studio, for a nation-wide ‘Poetry’ programme. We print now short autobiographies by Taki and Hemi.