MANUNUI.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 55, 8 November 1907, Page 3

MANUNUI.

The opening of the public school

on Saturday last, was the occasion of an imposing assemblage, fully being present from all parts of district. Mr W. T. Jenning'F, member for the district, arrived at Taumarunui on Friday evening to perform the ceremony, and the opportunity was also taken to make several presentations. The school, which was recently removed from Piriaka, was opened on the previous Monday under the headmastership of Mr H. Mason, when pupils to the number of /I attended. After a few introductory remarks by Mr D. Kilpin, Chair- - man of the School Committee, Mr Jennings in a suitable speech, declared the school open, and expressed his heartiest good wishes for the future of the school, and those who derived benefit from it. Mr Jennings also stated that plans for a railway station at Manunui, were now in hand, and he thought a Post-office savings bank would be opened in the near future. He also promised, in the event of a public library being started, to donate a number of books to the institution. On behalf of the Committee and parents, Mr Clark then presented Mr Jennings with a handsome writing case and a fountain pen, and our popular member suitably responded. The presentation of the Royal Humane Society's Certificate of Merit to Tekura Bolan, a halfcaste school-girl 12 years of age, for saving from drowning, in the Wanganui river, Ona Kilpin, the eight-

year-old daughter of Mr D. Kilpin, of Manunui, was then proceeded with. Jennings, in making the presentation warmly commended the bravery exhibited by Tekura Bolan, and also read a letter from the Hon. J. Carroll, Native Minister, expressing pride and gratification at the courageous action. Mr Mason also spoke* and stated that the occasion was one of the most pleasant during his career as a schoolmaster. The ceremony of unfurling the flag was carried out by Tekura Bolan, and the children, after saluting, sang "The Red, White and Blue." The Rev. J. E. Ward gave a short address, referring to the patriotism engendered -bv the British flag. Games and races were indulged in, and a very pleasant afternoon was spent, in the evening a concert was held in the hall, when a large and appreciative audience listened to an excellent programme. Dancing was was indulged in after the concert, the company breaking up at midnight after one of the most successful functions ever held in the district.