NATIVE SCHOOLS.

New Zealander, Volume I, Issue 52, 30 May 1846, Page 2

NATIVE SCHOOLS.

It has long been subject of regret, among those anxious for the true civilization of the Natives of New Zealand, that the youth have not been, earlier, instructed in the English language, instead of teaching them in the vernacular tongue. Such a course of tuition would have rendered them far more useful to the European settlers, while, at the same time, it would have enabled them to become acquainted with much> in their daily intercourse with the settlers, of which they remain uninformed, merely from being ignorant of our language. However, although so many years have passed away, since the residence of missionaries in the colony, without such obviously advantageous mode of civilizing the natives being practised ; we are rejoiced that a far better system is, now, about to be pursued by those devoted to the laudable task of instructing the natives in the duties of Christianity, and in the industrial pursuits of civilized life. Bishop Selwyn, on his late visit into the interior, has established schools in various districts, at which the native children will receive the rudiments of an English education. At Tauranga, under the superintendence of the Rev. C. P. Davies, nearly one hundred native children are daily instructed, in the English language ; and in other parts there are proportionate numbers deriving the same advan-. tages. At the Wesleyan Native Institution, at Auckland, a system of Normal education is now pursued, in the English language, which cannot fail to confer incalculable advantages among the natives. There have been, at the Institution, eighteen adult pupils, -selected from different districts, — Hokianga, Kaipara, Manukao, Waingaroa, Kawhia, Taranaki, and Wellington. They are taught in the English language, reading, writing, and arithmetic; and they evince great aptitude for learning. To those that disclose a desire for more-ex-tended knowledge, it'is intended to teach other branches of useful education — as geography, ! &c. Besides the routine of scholastic duties, ' these adults are likewise instructed to reflect i as to their conduct, both morally as well as religiously. During the hours, not appropriI ated to study, they cultivate the land attached to the institution, by which means they are initiated in the European system of agriculture, while at the same time they raise provisions for their own consumption. At the expiration of a certain term, they leave the Institution and return to their respective tribes, to act as teachers of their own people, and from their knowledge and education, , the seeds of Christianity and civilization will thus be widely propagated. This plan of teaching the natives, in the English language, will in a very few years completely change the habits and character of the natives, rendering them most useful memj bers of the community, and it is the most certain, sensible means of turning tomahawks [ into ploughshares.

Queen's Birthday. — On Monday last, afl the troops in our garrison, assembled on parade, under the commaud of Colonel Hulme, to payhonour to the day, the Royal artillery being on the right, H.M. 58th Regt. in the centre, and the detachments of H.M. 96th and 99tk Regts. on the left of (he line. The u.sual salutes were fired, with three cheers from the whole line, at the termination of which the rain suddenly descended in such torrents as abruptly to stop the joyous proceedings, and to compel the troops, as well as spectators, to leave the field. H.M.S. Racehorse fired a royal salute at one o'clock. In the evening there was a subscription ball and supper at Wood's Royal Hotel which was very fully aU tended. Slaughter Houses.—- As in the ensuing week the session of Supreme Court will commence, and the Grand Jury assembled, we would suggest that the latter should make a presentment to the Court, of the baneful, unhealthful nuisance throughout the town of Auckland of pig-yards and slaughtering places. .Although there is, as yet, no act to prohibit slaughtering within the town— too person can, legally, create'a nuisance" to his neighbours, or endanger their health, by accumulation of filth and keeping animals on his premises* There is a slaughter-house in Freeman's Bay/ where any person may kill, for a small gratuity ; therefore, there is no reason whatever, that the inhabitants should continue to be annoyed with, the yells of dying pigs, or suffocated by the stench from their sties. We trust that one o| the first ordinances of the session will be tt> terminate, at once, this abominable nuisance, so disgraceful to Auckland. Kawau. — In our notice of this valuable mine, some 1 short time since, w t e mentioned Copper Ore, to the amount of ten tons weekly, was obtained from the mine. This was an unintentional mistake on our part. The quantity we understand is ten tons, daily— with prospect of great increase when further arrangements are completed; and no doubt, after the winter months have passed, increased energy and activity will be directed to obtaiu the abounding riches from this valuable mine.

Mounted Police.— This new force are most active in their drill, which they attend twice daily, on the ground belonging to the Mechanics' Institution— and they perambulate on that limited space, as if it was the only open piece of ground around the town. As there is a public school, daily, at the Mechanics' Institute, we would suggest that the practice of marching, counter-marching, and all the mysteries of soldiering, should be performed on a more appropriate spot. Cattle.— We are glad to call the attention of the settlers to the continued importation of cattle and sheep. The Maty, barque, made the voyage from Two-Fold Bay to Auckland in ten days, bringing an excellent order of no less than 130 head of cattle and 140 sheep, which will be sold this day, at auction, by Mr. Hart, at the stock-yard of the Blue Bell.