OPARURE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 14, 1 February 1907, Page 3

OPARURE.

A very pleasant function took place at' the Maori kainga on Saturday last, when the children and parents met together for the purpose of bidding farewell to the teachers (Mr and Mrs Stanton), who are leaving for North Auckland, and also to receive their Christmas toys, which did not arrive at the originally appointed time. The weather was lovely for the occasion, and the hearts of the children were cheered by the very

excellent programme provided by the committee. The games and races were keenly contested, and happily rewarded. At the conclusion,_ a very handsome presentation of a silyer jnounted salad bowl, and a pipe, >vas made by Mr Jiuirau Thompson, Chairman of the Native School Compiittee, in a graceful and feeling speech, which included the Stanton household, and Mr White, their father and guest. The teachers, both in the school, and in tjieir very excellent - garden, had set a good example, not only to the children, but to their parents also, and they all regretted very much that they were leaving them. Both Mr and Mrs Stanton made feeling and suitable replies. They were very much surprised and delighted at the good feeling, which had so quickly sprung up between them, and the whole of the Maoris in the district, as well as the love of their children attending the school, and would gladly have accepted their proffered petition to be allowed to remain among them, j}|it they always thought it best to meet, without question, the wishes of tfce Native Department. Felicitous speeches on both sides brought this interesting little function to a close.