NELSON.

New Zealander, Volume 2, Issue 84, 9 January 1847, Page 3

NELSON.

(From the Nelson Examiner, Dec. 19.] Nr.i,soN School Society. — The fust General Assembly of the children belonging to the Nelson School Society, was held on Thursday last, at Brook Gieen. A lcirgj booth had been erected adjoining the schoolroom, opposite Mr. Songer's, and the schools from Nelson WaimedVillpge, Spring Grove, and Wakefield, walked in procession to this spot. For ihe younger children, who were unable to walk the dNtince, carts weie lurnished. The cliildreu from the W^^an school a* Richmond, weie also present. Shortly after their arrival, the whole body sat down and partook of refreshments; in which they were joined by d considerable number of visitors. About three o'clock, the examination was commenced by Mr. Pox, principally in Sciipture history and arithmetic, and the manner in which the children acquitted themselves must have been as gratifying to their parents, many of whom were present, as it was satisfactory to the teachers. The childicn also recited sonic short poems, and sung a few hymns. Mr. Fox expressed himself greatly delighted with the result of the examination, and endeavoured to impress on the minds of the children the importance of making the most of the opportunity now afforded them

of acquiring knowledge. The education they were receiving, he said, was such as would stand them in best need in after lift-— a thorough knowledge of the great fundamental truths of reiigion,, apart from sectarian principles, and good practical instruction in reading, writing, and arithmetic. He exhorted the parents not to neglect the moral training which children receive mostly at home, nor by example lessen on their minds the effect of the principles inculcated in their schools. The Ilev. J. Aldred then briefly addressed the children ion their religious duties. After the examination was | concluded, the childreen partook of tea. j We have witnessed nothing in New Zealand which j has afforded us so great a pleasure as this assemblage of children. The number from the various schools we are told, amounted to about 400. The manner in which they conducted themselves throughout the day, their clean and neat appearance, the progress they have made in knowledge, as evinced in their ready and in- , telligent replies to the questions put to them, showed the great, the iinpoihnt benefits which these schools are conferring on tins settlement*. AYe cannot adequately express the obligations \ye arc under to the gentleman to whose untiring energy we are mainly indebted for the establishment of these schools. AYe are, certain, however, Mr. Campbell needs no eulogium of ours — the success of his efforts bring him his greatest reward. Independent of the schools which met on the above occasion, several others exist in the settlement, belonging to the Established Church and the AVesleyans— at Nelson, Riwaka, Motueka, and AVaimea; so that in a population under 3,000, there cannot be less than 700 children receiving instruction at schools. Other settlements in New Zealand lay claim to advantages peculiar to themselves : one boasts the largest revenue, derived principally from the sale of spirits ; another, the greatest number of civil cases tried before the Supreme Court. Let the proud boast of Nelson be, that it bestows on every child a good education, and has the least amount of crime.