Opening of Marokopa School.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 356, 3 April 1908, Page 3

Opening of Marokopa School.

[OOMKUNXOATBD. [ At Marokopa, on the 23rd March, an interesting ceremony took place. As the school was to be opened that day, the residents considered it would not be out of place to commemorate tbe event. At the bonr of mid-day a procession of Natives and Europeans, beaded by the Ta Haiti Braes Band, bearing tbe Union Jack, and playing a lively air marched to tbe school to welcome tbe teacher, Mr R. 0. Honore. On arrivtbe prooeeuion baited when the band struck up another well-known air. The visitors were met by the Chairman, teacher and the 17 pupils. Mr J. Wouldes, Chairman of the School Committee, then addressed the oro’ftflL’-blaring tbe school open, giving a history of its erection, referring to tbe difficulty in getting a teacher and offering on behalf of tbe residents a hearty welcome to Mr Honore. The teacher suitably responded, promising to do his utmost for the chil - dren placed in bis charge, and to be ae painstaking with Native as European children, andjbe would endeavour to be kind and firm to them, and hoped to be regarded as the childrens’ guide and friend. He appealed to the parents and guardians for their co peration in the maintenance of discipline, and promised tbe scholars if they were obedient and earnest in their work, many a happy hour was in store for them.

Morerua, Chairman of the Native Village Council of Te Kuiti, who takes a keen interest in Education, was the next speaker. He made an eloquent appeal to bis people to support the school, shewing the advantage to be gained thereby. He referred to the class distinction between Maori and Pakeha, which had been in evidence at other schools of tbe Dominion. At Marokopa tbe natives had apparently taken no interest in the schorl. It behoved them to come to the front, and take part in tbe Government of the school by accepting two seats on the School Committee. He eulogieed the good work done by tbe Auckland Education Board for the furtherance of learning. He hoped the Chairman of the Committee and the teacher would live long. Korobeke Paranui endorsed the remarks of Morerua in a speech full of wit and humour. He did not wish his children to grow up dunces like himself, and he was not going to censure him for neglecting bis duty.. Waamu spoke of advantages of education, and endoroed the remarks made by the late

speakers. QMr J. Willison, storekeeper, carried ©nt tbe duty of interpreter in an effioL •nt manner.

HCbeers for their distinguished visitor, Moerus, and for the baud, brought the ceremony to a close. Melons, which had been borne by a body of Native women (in accordance with a Native custom) were served out to all. A sumptuous feast followed, after which tbe children received their first lesson, viz., “Obedience brings happiness.”