Untitled

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume 3, Issue 71, 11 September 1851, Page 4

Mothers—You will perceive that the above is a cheerful and innocent song, intended to be sung by groups of little ones, in many strains, with action suitable to the words, which makes it not only amusing to those who sing, the by-standers also cannot help partaking of their mirth. The worthy gentleman who first introduced nnd taught my little daik friends to sing this is well known to most ol you, and it is a fact (hat those, who two years ago could scarcely distinguish between sounds, ara now capable of singing accurately some very choice pieces, such as " Sound the Loud Timbrel," "Haik the Glad Sound,'"and a variety of sweet and solemn hymn tunes, chants, &c. It is desirable that you should be acquainted with these things, lest any of you who have not been favoured with the like instruction should suppose anything too difficult for your children to learn. They are as well able as those of any other land or nation, the truth of which, observation will prove. Strangers when visiting the schools are often much surprised to find the amount of general knowledge that they are daily acquiring. Now will you be advised to place your children in some of these schools, where you may be quite sure they will bo carefully watched over. You will, I am sure, see thai it is necessary to do something towards their support, while at school. I think I have heard say, that five pounds n year in tnoimy or food will cover i the expenses of each child, perhaps less: you will do well to inquire. How very plexsint it will be for you to visit your children, find them always clean, neatly clothed, happy in their sport, and learning that which is useful. Indeed, friends, there is but little doubt you will soon count it among your highest honors to do all that lies in your power towards improving your own people, and if you would do any good, you must commence training your children with care from their very infancy. Do not be discouraged at the thought of payment being necessary for instruction, food, and clothing; you have plenty of pork, flour, corn, potatoes, &c. j you had better pait with theso articles for such a purpose than for tobacco, and the children will tell you so by their words and actions, when you have the pleasure of seeing them useful members of society. Have any of you begun to work the straw r An old friend of yours has named three of your own plaits which he thinks will do, Tangiriki, Rangntu, nnd Rnrangamaori. Plait some of each and see which will answer best when se«n together. From your wellwisher. An English Mother. Auckland, September 8, 1851.