ST STEPHEN’S NATIVE SCHOOL, KAIAPOI.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 124, 23 October 1874, Page 4

ST STEPHEN’S NATIVE SCHOOL, KAIAPOI.

The second anniversary of this school was held yesterday, and the weather throughout the day was of that character so much desired on occasions of public gatherings. As a result of this, the affair went off very successfully, and was fairly attended by European visitors. Great preparations for the day had been making for days, if not weeks past, and by the assistance of generous subscriptions the committee of management were enabled to issue an attractive program me of events for the sports and evening’s entertainment, which they saw carried out in an exemplary manner. No doubt Mr H. J. Reeves, the master of the school, was the principal person on whom the hard work of the day fell, but he discharged his part admirably throughout, meriting the thanks of every one. The other members of the committee seemed to work equally well, and it is to be regretted that their names were not made public, as being deserving of warm thanks. The list of the day’s proceedings included a public examination of the school at 11 a.m,, sports at 1 p.m., tea at 7 p.m., and entertainment afterwards, with a grand pyrotechnic display before the people went home. . , , This is the second anniversary of the school, and it showed in the examination a decided improvement on last year, which latter examination it must, however, be borne in mind is not in the least degree to be found fault with, but then the school had only been formed, as it were. Since i has been in operation t.vo years, it is with pleasure the visitor has to record the advancement in the studies and general conduct of the children, which reflects great credit on the master and mistress —Mr and Mrs Reeves. To the Rev J. W. Stack, curate of the Maori Mission, is also due much of the success of the establishment. Hehas watched over it with anxious care, and only by his encouragement and perseverance has it reached its present popularity with the natives. It appeared doubtful whether the school would ever succeed, but now it is in a fair way of proving one of the most useful institutions of the Maori village, and old as well as young take the utmost delight in doing any thu g which will assist its progress, in which all are equally interested. The Government have gladly and willingly given assistance of a kind which the Maoris may not possess, and by every means striven to bring the school to its p?*esent condition.

The visitors to the ground on Thursday were in excess of last year, and, profiting by experience, the arrangements were better. On the road numbers of vehicles were passed containing people in holiday attire, bent on a day’s enjoyment. The St Stephen’s establishment was early descried from the North road by the display of flags. On nearing the school, it was seen that, by the aid of bunting, kindly lent by the captains of vessels in Lyttelton, strings of flags and flags on poles had been erected, giving the grounds quite a gay appearance. A rocket platform had also been put up, from which the fireworks were displayed, and a figure said by the Maoris to represent the “ Dark past,” in the form of a man, was placed on the top, which figure, stuffed with gunpowder, was to be exploded as a finale. At the Maori town hall, the flag used on JState occasions, viz, the Union Jack, presented by Governor Gore Brown to Pita Te Hori, was hoisted at the head of its tall pole. Near the school there was a circular enclosure for the sports bounded with flags, and also a tent, in which the sale of refreshments to visitors was carried on. A number of the visitors were entertained, including his Honor the Superintendent, &c, at Mr Reeves' house. The schoolroom had been neatly decorated with greenery, which, with the large supply of maps on the walls, gave it an attractive appearance. Ranged along one end was a table containing the prizes to be presented to the scholars, and those to be competed for at the games. On the wall was also poticed a neat rustic cuckoo clock, presented to the school by Messrs Peterson and Co of this city, in connection with which it was amusing to watch the Maoris with what wonderment they examined it when the cuckoo came out to tell the hour. The prizes were a valuable lot, more so than usually seen at such gatherings, and the Government prize books were so elaborately good as to excite the envy of European lads attending other schools. At the examination, twenty-one Maori scholars of both sexes were present. They were all clad in a uniform (of blue tunics with scarlet sash. The decorum which they observed, and aptitude in answering the questions put by the master and the Rev J. W. Stack, were indeed cheering. The courses in which the school was examined, were geography, reading, spelling, object lesson on the bell, recitations, singing, writing, and drill. The recitations on the “ Children’s choice” were especially good, viz, that of Martha Pihawai, Tehera Mutu, Honi Martine, Hannah Solomon, Mary Solomon, and Wiruma Hopi. The singing and other parts of the examination were very creditable. His Honor made the following entry in the remarks book, October 22nd, 1871:—“I was present at the examination of this school, and was much pleased with the results which have been attained. W. Rolleston, Superintendant.” Henry J. Tancred, J. Harris Wills, W. R. Mitchell. The examination being over, and a number of Natives outside called in, His Honor said he was glad to have been present, and to have seen and heard what had taken place in connection with the examination that day,. It was satisfactory in several points of view. It shewed that great pains had been bestowed in their teaching, and that great credit was due to the master. It was satisfactory also as shewing what he had also learnt from the register that there had been regular attendance on the part of the scholars. He felt particularly interested in this matter, because it showed a marked change in the views both of the Maoris and the Government on the best form of schools. In the past it had been considered that the older generation of Maoris did not value education, and that it was better to remove their children from them, and teach them in boarding schools apart from their parents. He hoped a better state of things was arising. The advantages of schools and a system of education was not confined to scholars. There was almost as great an advantage to be derived from the interest taken in it by the parents and people generally. He had frequently been disappointed in talking with Maoris to find that they regretted the past, that they connected the coming of the Europeans with the introduction of much that was evil and injurious to them. Ho was free to admit that ills had been introduced with the Europeans that had not previously

existed hut they had also brought advantages of a kind previously unknown. If they had brought thorns and thistles, they had also brought flowers and fruit. It was only by following up education that they would learn the b p st ways of avoiding fhn one, and of getting the full benefit of the other. Anyhow it was no use looking back. Their only chance as a race was to lose no opportunity of placing themselves on a fair footing with their European fellow citizens, by learning their language and making the most of the means of education afforded them. The results of the present examination were such as would, he hoped, be an inducement to every Maori village in the province to establish similar schools. The matter was of the greatest importance to them now that they were called upon to take part in the Government of the country, and were represented in Parliament. Questions of the largest importance to them as a people were at present discussed in a language not understood by them generally, and a large amount of what was written and spoken on thesesubjects could not be properly understood by them. These disabilities would be in a great measure removed if the Maoris bestirred themselves, and established schools such as these in all parts of the country. He could assure them they would have the assistance both of the General and Provincial Governments.

The Rev G. P. Mutu (Episcopalian) proposed a vote of thanks to his Honor for having come to see them that day, and for the interest which he had taken in the education of the natives.

KevTe Kooti (Wesleyan) seconded the vote, he observing, on behalf of the, Maories from a distance, that he was glad to hear his Honor speak so approvingly, and he thought that only by the establishment of these schools that the European and Maori would become one people, for, at present, they were only so in name, but then they would be one people in reality. The vote of thanks was carried by acclamation, and an adjournment was made to lunch.

In the afternoon a number of sports took place, viz, 200 yards for Maori boys, for concertina, won by Tuckey ; the Girls’ race for brooch and earrings ; Maori Men’s race, 300 yards, fora cigar and pipe case; Egg and Spoon race, 300 yards, for a meerschaum pipe ; Maori Women’s race, 130 yards, for a pair of kid boots, won by Mrs Solomon ; race for English Bovs, 200 yards ; Maori Boys’ race, 200 yards, for cup, given by Petersen & Co, won by Robert Pohi ; English Girls’ race, hop, step, and jump, for a cup, given by Petersen and Go. A number of other games took place, and, finally, most of the old men of the Maories gave a reminiscence of former times, by showing the art of spear throwing, which created more interest than all the rest of the sports, and at its conclusion they were loudly cheered. It may be said, that in this mimic combat the native women assisted by picking up the weapons, consisting of light sticks, and urging their lords on to battle and conquest. In the evening a tea meeting took place in the schoolroom, the trays at which were presided over by several ladies who volunteered their assistance. After tea an entertainment was held. In opening the proceedings, The Rev J. W, Stack gave a summary of the early efforts to establish the present school, and urged the Maoris to profit to the utmost by sending their children to it, and support Mr Reeves in his efforts to maintain discipline. He then called on the Hon. H. J. Tancred to distribute the prizes. Mr Tancred, in handing the awards to the children, said it gave him great pleasure to be with them on that occasion. He was pleased with the proficiency shown, the orderly conduct, and cleanliness of the children. The Pakehas had a proverb that knowledge was power, and he was glad that the Maoris were now trying to obtain the instruction of their children, so as to prepare them for positions of power. His Honor had given them some good advice in the morning, and he hoped that they would attend to it. If they wished to make a good use of the privileges of parliamentary representation, they must obtain the knowledge which alone fitted men for power and to exercise properly the duties of citizenship; concluding by saying that the best thanks of the Maoris were due to the master for the way in which he had discharged his duties. Mr Tancred then distributed the prizes gained by the class. Te Hira Mutu receiving the silver cup presented by Mr Drquhart of this city, for general proficiency. After receiving the prizes, the children recited several English pieces, and sang several songs in a creditable manner. Mr and Mrs Long and Mr Carder also sang and were highly applauded by the Maoris, especially Mr Long’s rendering of the “ Charge of the Light Brigade ” The Rev J. P. Stack proposed, and Rev G. P. Mutu seconded, a vote of thanks to all the kind English friends who had contributed their gifts, and by their presence, added to the success of the fete. The vote was carried by acclamation. The singing of the “National Anthem” brought the indoor part of the entertainment to a close. The bonfire and fireworks were highly successful, and delighted the Maoris.