MATATA SCHOOL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 53, 22 November 1946, Page 6

MATATA SCHOOL

INFANTS’ ROOM OPENED

V.C. WINNERS VISIT

A very successful and memorable day took place at the Matata Native School recently, when the new Infant room was officially opened. The school annual bring and buy was held in conjunction with this opening when a very large number of parents, children and visitors attended. The chief guests were Sergt. C. Hulme, V.C., his wife and family, Mr F. Burt Sen., Mr Whino Raureti and head teachers of Pukehina and Paroa Schools.

Sergt. Hulme spoke to the children recounting some of his experiences while on active service which were listened to very attentively by children and parents alike, afterwards the children viewed the very coveted award the V.C. Mr Whino Raureti next spoke on behalf of the Maori race and commended very highly the appearance of the school grounds and the very efficient manner in which Mr Nauman- and his staff taught the children. He also congratulated the School Committee on the great duty it was doing in connection with the raising of funds to keep the school grounds in such wonderful fcondition.

Mr Burt after congratulating Mr Naumann and his staff, turned to Mr J. W. Parkinson, Chairman of the School Committee, and , congratulated him and his committee for their effort in making the day such a great success. Mr Burt then declared the school officially opened and rang the new bell. The bell is a shell case and was from the shell fired from a strip at Singapore. It was presented to the school by

Mr N. Hill, a member of the School Committee.

During the day there was plenty of fun by way of games and the school children rendered a number of Maori songs and hakas. There was also a display of school drill and Maori games. Morning and afternoon tea was successfully run by the ladies’ committee. There were also soft drinks, ice cream and lollies for the children. Mr and Mrs Chaytor were in charge of a hangi which was also very successful. The programme finished about 4 p.m. and all present expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Headmaster and the Committee.