BRITAIN IN THE SOUTH SEAS.

Shannon News, 10 July 1925, Page 3

BRITAIN IN THE SOUTH SEAS.

ADDRESS BY INSPECTOR BIRD

A large gathering of teachers under the auspices of the N.Z. Educational Institute took place at the Levin District High School on Saturday morning, the occasion being a lecture by Air Bird, ALA., Senior Inspector oi Schools, on “British Possessions in the South Seas.” Air F. H. Taylor (Shannon), President of the Institute, took the chair, and in introducing the speaker, said that in his opinion the subject was one of vital interest to the people oi the Dominion. Taking into consideration the affinity that existed between tiie Maori of N.cw Zealand and his mother of the South Seas; remembering the close ties by which Samoa is bound to this country by tiie mandate exercised over his Since the war, and i in view of the fact that the British Government were establishing a huge naval base at .Singapore, suggesting the possibility of the South Pacific becoming the storm centre of the nations in the future—from every aspect was important. Continuing, Mr 'Taylor stated that Mr Bird hud .paid three visits to tiie Islands by the- direction of the Government, to investigate educational matters, and lie'knew of no one more capable from his long experience as Chief Inspector of Native Schools, of appraising the cha-j racteristics of the natives of the Is-1 lands and summing up the conditions j of life therein. !

Air Bird, in the course of a most interesting and informative address declared that words were inadequate to describe the charm and beauty of the Islands, and dwelt .on the simple and care-free life of the Islanders. He pointed out that in Raratonga the language was similar to that of the Maori—so much so that he was able to walk into a school and give a lesson without the slightest difficulty. He paid a high tribute, to the work of the missionaries, who beyond a doubt had, done wonderful work among the people. The climate, flora, insect pests, difficulties of landing on reefs, and the quaint and somewhat patriarchal laws were other matters touched upon, in regard to Samoa he was convinced that the climate was not a healthy one for .Europeans, and was of the' opinions that teachers should not be left there for a longer period than two years. Teachers accepting positions in the Islands should regard their work as work for the Empire, and be prepared to face discomforts and isolation.

A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Bird for his very interesting lecture was moved by Mr White, headmaster it Shannon, and carried by acclamation.