Mixed Schools.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 94, 7 August 1908, Page 5

Mixed Schools.

TO THE EDITOR. < SIR, —I was interested in reading in ybur issue of the 24th insf Mr John Ormsby's letter on' the education of the Maoris, the more so that during a recent visit to Otorohanga I had had a-convefsation with him on the subject. I quite agree with Mr Ormsby that the Rohe Potae would be an excellent centre for the establishment of an Agricultural College, and I may say that when our own Agricultural and Technical School was opened at Marton some months ago by the Minister of Education, I put in a good word for Te Kuiti, remarking to Mr Fowlds that it would be a very suitable locality for a similar school. I am surprised, however, that Mr Ormsby should advocate a separate college for Maoris, seeing that during our conversation he deplored the racial exclusiveness that was evincing itself at Taumarunui. On receipt of your paper, I gave my senior scholars, as a subject for debate, "Should Maoris and Pakehas be educated in the same schools ? " The debate was a somewhat one-sided affair, as it was exceedingly difficult to get anyone to take the negative side. One of the most cogent arguments in favour was the spirit of mutual emulation it would evoke. The old are hard to bend or blend, but the young are more amenable. Allow me, therefore, to send a simple rhyme which I should dedicate to Dr Pomare as a tribute to his valuable ethnological researches.

THE DARK CAUCASIAN In the Rohe Potae, Close beside his dam Draining the maternal fount, ■ Knelt a little lamb. Skipping to the other side, Scared, he darted back, For sharing that same" fount he spied Another lamb —'twas black. " Oh ! mother," cried he to his dam, " Drive away that dusky lamb ! " " Why so selfish ? " said his mother, " This black lamb is your twinbrother." I am, etc., Marton. E. MOSSMAN.

[Our correspondent is under a misapprehension when he accepts Mr John Ormsby, of Otorohanga, as the author of the letter referred to. Mr J. A. Ormsby is a nephew of the gentleman with whom Mr Mossman had the conversation. —Ed.. K.C.C.[