Page image

The 1923 schoolhouse of each year, we had a ‘break up’, sports and a concert by the children. Sports were followed by a hakari prepared chiefly by the older people, supplemented by a Christmas cake and small cakes made in the school-house by the upper standard girls. Then came the items. At the end of the evening, prizes and gifts were presented to each child. These were sent to us by our Bible Class members, near and far, from the various churches, as well as by a gentleman and his sister, who had been greatly interested in a party of the children we had taken to Auckland, with their singing and action songs. This they did for many years. I must not forget to say that after we had been three months at Waiohau, the Education Department said that they would take over the school, providing we would put up with existing conditions, which we agreed to do. But in 1923, a new school and dwelling were built by the department on the land given for that purpose by the Maoris. So the years went by Some of the children A group of children beside the school residence left school and started work. We heard good reports of them. Some girls went to Turakina College and a few boys went to Wesley College. Among the girls who went to Turakina was Minnie McCauley (Te Waewae) who after a few years went nursing and then took up another position in Auckland. I generally made for my home in Auckland for the holidays. This time I heard how seriously ill Minnie was in the Auckland hospital, so I went to visit her. In the office I was told that I couldn't possibly see her. I said “I must—I have come from her people.” I was told to see the sister of the ward who asked if I were the one who had sent a wire. When I replied, “Yes,” she gave me permission to see Minnie and to come whenever I liked, but to leave the room when the nurses were attending to her. I was able to visit Minnie many times during those holidays. She told me “It was restful as soon as you came in the door—peace nothing but peace.” Later she had several bad turns, so Sister Ivy Jones sent a message to her people at Waiohou. Later I received a message to go to the hospital as Minnie could not possibly last the night. My brother, Reg Webber, Sister Ivy, and Mr and Mrs Jack Currie kept me company. The nurses moved Minnie to a larger and quieter room. We were delighted to see Minnie's father and cousin Minnie McCauley in traditional dress