Opening of the Waio-Karaka School.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3194, 15 May 1879, Page 2

Opening of the WaioKaraka School.

The fine new school building erected by the Board of Education for the Waiotahi School District, a deicription of which has already appeared in our columns, was opened to-day. The children assembled at the school at 9.30 in the morning, Mr G. N. Phillips ( taking charge. Mr J. L. Scott has been appointed probationary assistant teacher, and the other teachers are those formerly on the_ staff of the Thames School. Such a large,number of children assembled at,the school that the head-master found it necessary to send away all the new scholars till the .Thames school pupils, of whom there were^bout 300, had::been accommodated.! The, children, being 'seated in- their class rooms, were put to various tasis," and Mr "Phillips" deliTer'ed ra rßhoFt:addre'sßfb'the elder boys regarding their conduct in and out "of'school. — \\

At 2j3o:o'clpck the formal opening took place. The "scholars, to the number ol close on ;;400, assembled ;in ? the; infants class room, where the opening ceremony was to have taken place. Shortly after ,the hour of commencing however such, a large number, of'ladies, and gentleman assembled that it was found, absolutely impossible to Accommodate, them all, in the one room, and it was then decided io carry out the programme outside the buildings (

His Worship,the Mayor, who presided, said :—Ladies and gentlemen^The duties of a. chairman on "such an occasion aa the present should be very light,' and of a pleasing nature.' The opening of another school: in our district is a matter for mutual congratulation, and an event that cannot but effect the best interests of the whole community, and the welfare and happiness of, many of the, rising generation. The want of a school building such as we are about to declare open to-day, has long been felt by the Waiotahi School Committee, in whose charge this portion of 'the district ' is, .and for years efforts have beeti made to supply the want, but from several causeg,.untucceß»fully »till up to the present day^ | n We have oa^se to be grateful for many of the public institutions in this ooloiiy, and for none more than the ample provision that ia made by the law of the land for the education of the young. Although the present secular system does not meet the views pf all aectfpns ?p the community, still it places within the

reach of every child the means of acquiring a good sound education, free of charge upon the parents. I may be allowed to say a few words to our young people, so many of whom, are present, upon the necessity of valuing the facilities placed within their reach, for such cannot bo too highly prized, and the true value is known only to those whose school-days are passed, and who remember the difficulties in their paths, and the expense parents were put to not many year a ago to provide even an ordinary education for their children. Young people seldom realize the importance of attending to the instruction given by their teachers, often thinking it a hardship to have learn: lesson^.;but few, who have lived to look badk to their school days, but think of-them as some of the happiest in their lives, and regret the want of attention given by them to the admonitions of their teachers. Notrcnly is it necessary however to gather a store of learning from their books, bat it, is* of -the greatest importance young people should acquire habits of attention, study and observation, for it is of little good to learn as a parrot does, if no use is made of information gained, or without leaving a lasting impression on the mind. In such a land as ours, is it particularly necessary that boys and girl* should make the belt possible ÜBe of the time allowed themvat school, for. at & very T early,j age they are called upon to commence the battle of life, and in many cases the opportunities* to follqw. upltha school studies are. withdrawn, and their .success in tha t t battle, may, be, dependant, upony the uVe made of their time during their schooldays:-' I should like to impress upon all the children present the necessity of being tegular in their attendance at school; to •come'always with their lessons ptfeparedi and to give the greatest attention :to< the instructions and commands '• of,"v their i'eacbers. Let them remember the'greitt expense gone to in preparing'" such';*a commodious, building as we are about to open' for their benefit this day, the trouble taken by their teachers to impart knowledge, and the cost to their parents in furnishing < them with food, and clothing, while they, on their ' part, ' are only. ;j required .; to. <give ; attention and , study t0..-. their , lessons." some other friends are to addi-ess you I. will not.further, take, up ypur time, but trust ''tHat all the Children * present 1 Will bear in mind the importance of the duties .they are called .upon .to perform,_no.t. only to their teachers, but especially to their parents, and to themselves, rp The children, under the leadership of Mr'Gr'igg;' sangO" My bwrfOSSwi Zealand .Horne i ;; : m.good;sty | le V; ., uhi . umfW > 'Mr Newell said hen could <i&t but feel proud and gratified when; he looked at the handsome and spacious building in: front of which they were assembled, and"in which he was'!to 4"assume*.the"" re-: sponsible position of head- mks'ter": This! ..was the,third largest school in New Z,ea-j japd'he ha 4 assisted.io'op.e'jdP^Hei^fejredi )tp, theincreasing ifatim^tipn^i{^laie^]'^e'. public schoortystem: was held^^djloo^ed forward to its expansion and'in^provement ,in the futqr?*i ;fle l did ! not l bel)e^,^ip^he cry that,children were being over-educated now-a-days, or the pessimist views so ..manyf people Ttoblc o£ the; future qf G ?jir colonial youth. The larrikinism talked of was very often traceable to home neglect, and parents, instead of throwing ;all the biirden of^the't children's moral shortcomings on the teacher, should second'his''efforts in'sehool r bj? looking after them well at home.. He. explained i the new system of yearly standard examinations, the passing of which would be a ■ iguarantee to,parents that their;children^ had gained a certain amount vof ; knowledge during the year.'! Addressing, the pupils, he urged on them! diligencel and thoroughness in their school work,; aud hearty enjoyment of play after tasks! were.prer, Btraightforwardness and truth-I fulness; an 4 concluded by assuring them i of his friendly interest in their welfare. ; ..The smaller„children then sab.g, under the direction^; oi Mr Grieg*-"-Mary* Mad' 'km®i*MN^vLr .„„„ „__,,^ Mr Lawlor, Chairman aM mmJGM- ■ mittee, thanked those present for their;, attendance, and the interest they had < shown in the opening of the new school, j -; The-'Mayor then deotared"the-t«chool open, naming it, ? the ; i '*, ; |Waio-Karaka School."

After singing the National Anthem tho visitors departed, the children remaining to receive presents of cakes and sweetmeats.