TOKORANGI SCHOOL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 133, 6 May 1940, Page 5

TOKORANGI SCHOOL

PRESENTATION TO TEACHER. Miss M. Wernham, who has been infant mistress at the Tokorangi School for the past two years, has just received word of her appointment to a similar position at the Maungatautari School, near Cambridge. During her stay in the district Miss Wernham has taken a keen interest in all matters that might lead to a better understanding and greater co-operation between Maori and pakeha, and the esteem in which she is held by the residents has been shown by a series of farewells tendered in her honour. On Thursday night the Maoris gathered at the meeting-house, Arapiro, to bid farewell and good luck to one they have learned to love. The first part of the evening was spent at table tennis and cards, while community singing led by Mr R. Searancke, filled in the latter part. Items were given by the Maori ladies, Mrs Arapiri, Miss Tapini, Mrs Morrison, Messrs Sambo, Heta, Hallett Bros, and Kereama. At a suitable juncture, Mr Searancke recalled the purpose of the gathering and expressed the Maori people’s sense of loss that Miss Wernham’s departure had created. All their children loved their teacher, and the elder people had feelings of the greatest appreciation for all Miss Wernham had tried to do on their behalf. Because he found it so difficult to express in pakeha language exactly the feelings he wished to convey to Miss Wernham, he called on Rev. P. H. Leonard to say a few words. Mr Leonard stated that for the greater part of the 100 years of New Zealand’s history the white men, with some notable, very notable, exceptions, who associated with the Maori were not the finest type, with the result that to-day the Maoris were showing signs of having learned from the wrong teachers. Nowadays, however, fine types of pakeha were taking an interest in the Maori and the fruits of their labours would soon be evident. Of these people Miss Wernham was one of the finest, and if there were more like her the equality and big brotherhood they heard the pakeha talk about when telling the world about conditions here would be a fact and not mere words. On behalf of the gathering he asked Miss Wernham to accept a Maori carved jewel box and to take with it the best wishes of the Maori people. The pattern was symbolic of a migratory bird and, in closing, Mr Leonard hoped Miss Wernham would some day wing her flight back to Tokorangi where she had established herself in the hearts of the people. miss Wernham replied in a few well-chosen words. She had so often heard that something should be done that when she saw an opportunity she took it, and with the willing co-opera-tion of themselves she had done the little which to them seemed so great. Mr M. F. Henry, on behalf of the pakehas present, thanked the Maoris for their invitation and a very pleasant evening. On Friday, the pupils of the school entertained Miss Wernham at an impromptu concert. Later the head teacher (Mr Henry) emphasised the sterling qualities possessed by Miss Wernham and expressed the sorrow the children felt at her departure. Mr J. Fergusson, chairman, said all regretted Miss Wernham’s departure. The committee wished they could persuade Miss Wernham to remain, for her stay here had enriched the community. Her example would be something to those left behind to live up to. He asked Miss Wernham to accept, as a token of appreciation for her services, and as a reminder of those left behind, a travelling rug. Mr Iwikau spoke on behalf of the Maori children. On behalf of the Women’s Institute, of which Miss Wernham was the originator in the district, and secretary since its inception, Mrs Prior asked her to accept a handbag as a token of appreciation for all she had done. Without her there would have been no institute; with her everything worked smoothly. Mrs Iwikau confirmed all Mrs Prior had said and wished Miss Wernham “Kia Ora.” Mrs Morrison, on behalf of Mrs Short, of the Federation of Women’s Institutes, expressed regret at the loss of so energetic and capable an organiser, and conveyed to Miss Wernham the federation’s appreciation of her services, wishing her happiness in her future spheres. On both occasions Miss Wernham briefly replied, reiterating that what she had done had been a pleasure, and had the gulf between Maori and pakeha been narrowed by her efforts then she was happy in that some success had crowned her labours. Miss Wernham left on Friday for Maungatautari, where she will commence her duties after the holidays.