THE HON. G. FOWLDS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9116, 8 April 1908, Page 2

THE HON. G. FOWLDS.

VISITS IN THE SOUTH. Per Press Association. Dunedin, April 7. The Hon. G. Fowlds with a party to-day inspected the Orokanai Home at Waitaki, the Seacliff Mental Hospital, and the Waikouatiti Native School at Earitane. Afterwards the Minister was accorded an enthusiastic welcome hy the Maoris of Puketeraki, and banqueted by them _at the whare of the Council of Araiti* nru. At the Native School an address of welcome was read by Mr T. H. Parata, who said that the fact that Native Schools were administered directly under the control of the Minister for Education was in great measure the reason that they were so well abreast of modern educational requirements. Mr Parata asked the Minister to set his face against any attempt to hand the Native Schools over to the Edcuation Boards. It was obvious that education was far too important to be controlled by men other than specialists. He drew attention to the matter of a High School being established in the South Island. They felt sure by his past actions they would not appeal in vain to him to do something for the higher education of native boys and girls. Mr Fowlds, in his speech, comlimented the school and scholars on their appearance and progress, and urged the latter to lay hold on education so as to take their places in the work of the country on the same footing as Europeans. He could make no promises about a High School, but gwould do his best towards getting the best possible higher education within easy reach of native

children. The party were welcomed to the whare by the women waving handkerchiefs and shouting native greetings. The banquet was on a lavish scale. In proposing the toast of the Government Dr Truby King took occasion to warn the Maoris against shut-

ting air from their dwellings at night. There was nothing about ~ their race to make it liable to tuber - • culosis, bat having adopted certain fashions of Europeans they must go further, and adopt their precautions to ensure health. Mr Fowlds also laid stress on this point, and assured them that the Government had the true interests of the Maoris at heart. The Minister returned to Dunedin to-night.