NATIVE NEWS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XX, Issue 3401, 19 June 1877, Page 2

NATIVE NEWS.

The Waka Maori has much pleasure in publishing the following notes from R. W. Woon, Esq., R.M., of the up-river district. The .Natives of Wanganui have always shown themselves atxious and ready to take a leading part in forwarding any movement haviug for its object the advancement of their district, and the prosperity and well-being of themselves and their children. They take a pride in their schools, their churches, and their agricultural pursuits ; they have proved themselves a loyal, industrious, and an intelligent race, and we heartily wish them prosperity and success: — The Ngatiapa, of .Korinifci, and Poutama,of Karatia,have now, after much effort and labour, succeeded in getting their water flourmills completed. The machinery is of iron, most efficient and durable, and has cost them, for both mills, £800. The services of a competent miller, a Mr. Richard Pestell, have been secured at a salary of £60 per year. He will superintend the working of each mill, and keep them both in working order, besides instructing the Maoris in the art of grinding, &c. Next season wheat will be sown to a Lirge extent, and turned into flour for home consumption, and also for sale at Wanganui. In days gone by the up-river flour was much sought after, and commanded a good and paying price, and it is to be hoped that the Wanganuis will find this a profitable venture. A third mill will be erected next summer at Pipiriki, the machinery for which was procured from Glasgow some time ago, and totara timber sawn for the mill-house. Major Kemp liberally gave £100 towards this rnill, and will yet further assist in its completion. The Tuhua Natives (Mauiaku's people) are also getting an iron mill put up at Ohura,andin a short time there will be no less than four iron flour- mills on the Wanganui River, which will grind flour enough for the whole population, and leave a large margin for sale. In reference to the school?, it is pleasing to note that the Natives have procured two large harmoniums at £17 each. £24 of the cost was subscribed by the parents aud children, and some kind European friends at Wanganui ; the remaining £10 was supplemented by the Hon. the Native Minister. Since the introduction of these musical instruments the singing of the Maori children has much improved ; and on Sunday afternoons the parents and other relations gather at the school-room to hear the singing of the children ac companied by the melodious notes of fche organ. Many of Moody and Sankey's hyrns and tunes are in vogue; and the children are frGquonUy to be hemd singing those sweet melodies when, rowing on the river, or when otherwise engaged outside of the school. This is a great improvement on the Maori waiatas and hakas, and the olevatiug effect of music on the minds of the Maori children is unmistakeable. Funerals are often attended' by the children, and sacred hyms sung over the graves of the departed.