OHIWA.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume II, Issue 177, 16 May 1874, Page 3

OHIWA.

(VKOM A COES BSI'OKIJENT.)

BdEtty 11, I have just returned from a visit to the native school in the Arawa Pa, on the top of One Kawa Hill aboutSOO feet above the levelof the sea. The school consists of about 20 children—all boys, of from 10 to 16 years of age, _ and it is conducted by Mr John A?ent, of Opotikl. The school-house is simply a Maori whare, badly lighted, ill-built, and an earthen floor. In spite of all these obstacles. Hr Avent has brought the children to a state of proficiency which is almost marvellous, and would put to shame many a European child of the same age. With a globe, made from a common gourd pasted over with foolscap, and the map of the world traced by his own hand on it, including latitudinal and longitudinal divisions, & c , he has taught them the geography of all countries ; with weights, made of pumice stone, bo has taught them the weights and measures tall m % they are wehupin grammar and other brarc.u a. pronounce the English with great correctness, and sing very well some simple English songs to the music of their school mis-ter. who is quite an accomplished violinist. It. is quite a pleasure, end would be a useful lesson to many a European school, to see the boys filing out when dismissed : each one, cap in hand, turns respectfully towards the teacher and wishes him “ Good morning " The children are cleanly in appearance, and many of them nicely dressed. It is a thousatd pities that a man of such talent and perseverance as Mr Avent, and whose efforts have afforded such practically satisfactory results, should not have better encouragement, at least to the extent of the erection of a small wooden school-room, when a number of the XJriwera and Hauhau children would attend who are at present prevented from doing so by the very limited accommodation, ibis matter, if properly taken up by the Government, would have a most beneficial effect upon the disaffected tribes inland, and would go, far towards cementing the peace already established.