NEW PAROA SCHOOL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 87, 13 November 1939, Page 5

NEW PAROA SCHOOL

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY GATHERING OF PARENTS "LIFTING THE TAPU" Maori and Pakeha, rubbed shoulders at the opening ceremonies' in connection with the new Paroa Native Schoolroom which took place before a large muster of parents and friends and featured interesting songs, hakas and poi dances by the pnpH'Sv The entire proceedings were a tribute to the organisation and' enthusiasm of the teaching staff and members of the native committee.. The actual opening of the school was performed by Mr W. A. McCracken, chairman of the RangitaiM Dairy Company, while the conduct of the programme way in the capable hands of the chairman of the school committee, Mr J. Riini'.

Those present included Rev. K. J. Watson., Mr and Mrs C. Southey (Whakatane school), Mr A. Boswell (Poroporo school)', Mr and Mrs H. J. Ryde (ex-Poroporo school), Mr Haines (committeeman), Mrs McCraeken. Mr Tawhio Keepa attended as local head of the Maori parents and officiated in the interesting' process of lifting the tapu, from the new building. Chairman's Remarks. Mr Riini welcomed the visitors explaining that the building represented the first instalment of a com plete new scheme which when finished would make Paroa second to none as a native school.

He paid a warm tribute to the interest of the Minister of Education, Hon. Peter Fraser, who he said gave active encouragement to the Native School scheme, which had shown marked progress during the past feAV years. Mr Ryde, as an old public school teacher of 48 years experience congratulated Paroa on its very fine addition. He lealised that the wonderful improvement's- to the grounds and schoolhouses were due almost entirely to the efforts of Mr and Mrs Clark the present teachers: He appealed to parents to co-operatc with them in every way and particularly in compelling their children to observe regular school attendance

Mr Southey, for the visiting teachers, added his congratulations, and remarked" that he was glad to see the perpetuation of many of the ancient Maori customs and crafts, which most thinking pakehas thought should be encouraged.

Ousting the Spooks,

The simple yet efTecliA 7 e 'lifting the tapir* from the neAV building Avas then performed by Te Keepa Tawhi'o, who's one of the few living Maoris to-day Avho can recite the ancient incantation. Under Maori law, both building and builders are 'tapu'" until this rite is peformed. and yo Avoman or child may enter the structure until it is freed from the influence of the unseen. Thus it AA r as most important in Maori eyes at any rate that the old custom should be obser\ 7 ed. Chief Keepa. smilingly complied, and Avith the assistance of tAVo husky lieutenants uttered the magic Avords, ending in a shout Avhich Avas taken up by his colleagues, and so the deed A\ r as done. Survey by Chief. Te Iveepa,, then gave a brief surof the history of the move for a school in Paroa, Avhich he said, dated from 18!)0, Avhen the natives first approached the government for a building. The reply had been that the government Avould supply the facilities and equipment, provided the Maoris built the school. So the first school of raupo and rush, Avas constructed, but so poor Avas the building that seven teachers came and left in quick succession, refusing to put up Avith them. Finally in answer to a petition the moA'ed the school to OAA'liataitai, authorising timber and proper material in the meamvliile. HoAvever the school had been shifted back to Paroa again and had ne\ r er ceased to progress. He Avas proud to-day to see the rise from a raupo hut to the splendid neAv build ing AAhich they AAere noAV about to enter.

Mr McCracken's Tribute. Mr W. A. McCracken said that pakehas realised all too little the wonderful work of the Native schools He had had his first introduction

to one in 1909, when droving cattle along the East Coast. Since then he had the pleasure of visiting Paroa, and seeing for himself the remarkable progress the children were making tinder the caapble instruction of Mr and Mrs Clark. Paroa, he felt had every reason to be proud of the teachers who hstcT done so much for the school. He referred to the work of the health clinic, and drew attention to the healthy happy children who- were present. He then unlocked the main door, to the applause of the assemblage, and declared the school open. The Social Aspect.

Prior to a dainty afternoon tea, served by the young helpers and provided by the parent's, the pupilsjoined in entertaining the gathering, with song, dance and haka. The canoe poi by the girls was particularly graceful, while the boys earned just applause for their energeticinterpretation of the haka. The fea-

ture was however the haka by a group of junior boys whose ages could only have ranged between live and seven years: Though tlic group included several pakeha laddies, one and all acquitted themselves well, and were most popular with the onlookers;

The new school was inspected by the visitors all of whom expressed pleasure at the equipment, and neat detail. A boiler room in the basement, is provided for the serving of malted milk, which will be a daily artion to the children, replacing the usual cup of soup with which the children have been served for many years.

I heard someone beseeching someone else lo "bring us a handle." I saw a uniformed figiire about to disappear into a certain hotel Avhich is in the vicinity and saw also that he had acknowledged the salutation from over the way. More so. He lifted up his voice and enquired how he was supposed to guide a 'handle' through the bars. The chappie displaying the thirst was not daunted and said that he wouldn't stop at throwing a bucket down.

* * * * That made me forget the bear and Algv. Instead I thought it would sound better to incorporate the incident I had seen. I'm afraid I didn't make too good a job of it, but I welcome suggestions. I saw some men: The men were thirsty; The thirsts were many; They didn't get any. **# » j : > I .iasked: > i>id you see, "If I were -King?" He said: No, I didn't get out to the bonfire. $