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which gave me so great pleasure at Euatoki as when I was requested to get a school established there. The same request was made at Te Whaiti. Each asked me, as I came along, to establish schools in their midst, so that their children should receive education. I say it gladdened my heart, because it was a step in the right direction. Education is the brightest gem of civilisation. Civilisation ofttimes brings with it evils, but the real safeguard to a noble race and the completion of that race's glory is to have its people educated. Without education your position will grow worse and worse every year, and the day will come when your children will say, " Why did we not have the privilege that was given to the pakehas and others of our race in the different parts of the colony?" I was pleased when I was at Galatea to find the schoolmaster was also a medicine-man. The Government had supplied him with medicines ,he had a slight knowledge thereof, and he was acting as doctor for the district, and had been the means of saving life and alleviating the sufferings of those who were sick. I also found he was the postmaster and that they had the convenience of a mail in the place. All this springs from the school. Now, if you have produce you want to dispose of, and your children and yourselves are not taught, how would you know you were getting a fair price for the produce you are disposing of ? If there are laws being passed in Parliament, you ought to know which are for your benefit or if any are disposed to do you harm. If the latter, how are you to have them rectified if you have not some one amongst you who can read and write and know what is being done ? I therefore tell you that that is the one subject which is of paramount importance to you, and it deserves your attention as soon as possible. The hour is growing late, and I will not say anything further at present. I have given sufficient indication why I am here, and that the object of this journey is for your improvement. There are three subjects you desire to bring under my notice to-night, and I should prefer that you do so to-night. I have been a long time from the outer world, and my attendance is wanted in Wellington. I have been longer away than I intended. I would have liked to have stayed with you to-morrow, and discussed matters further, but time will not permit, but I am prepared to sit up with you all night if you like. I am one of those who like work, so let us proceed if you like. If the work is to be done let us embrace the opportunity; let us do that work. Speak to me as a friend, we want to deal fairly and honestly with the Native race, and in such a way that it will promote their best interests. I wish, in conclusion, once more to thank you very heartily for the kind welcome you have accorded to my colleague, our friends, and myself, and I am not saying that which is not founded on fact when I tell you that of all occasions on which I have landed in places in New Zealand, none have given me such great pleasure as when I first set foot on the shores of Lake Waikaremoana. Hapi said, —You deserve the thanks of all. I heartily approve of bringing the territorial boundary under the law, as mentioned by Mr Carroll. With regard to our father's (referring to the Premier) remarks in reply to the many points raised in our speeches, I can only say I am more than pleased— in fact, the whole house joins with my hearty approval of all he has said. This is the first time we have heard any one in his position speaking. It is quite true we should not go by what w r e hear , it is far better that we should meet and talk face to face as we have done to-night, to hear straight from his lips the Minister's own words that is fair, and more satisfactory He has carefully advised us to-night, and given strong reasons why he so urges upon us that our only salvation lies in the law With regard to our father's remark that whenever there is land it should be utilised and made productive, I may state that all the available land, so far as the Tuhoe are concerned, is occupied. The land that you saw lying unutilised when going through this territory you have properly described. It is rough and uninhabitable. The house has naught else to do but express entire satisfaction at what has been said to-night, and the counsel the Premier has given us is worthy of every consideration. He did not confine himself to the question of land alone, the position and character of it, and how it should be dealt with, but he also applied, his remarks to the condition of the people, the supremacy of the law, and how the proper management of the affairs of the people can be made conducive of good results. I heartily approve of and agree with the Premier's remarks in reference to education. Education is the means of imparting knowledge to the people, which will qualify them to undertake administration, and better their position. The people on this side of the lake have really no land of their own, they are living on Government land. The whole of us here agree that we should have a school. In consequence of the Premier's remarks we are anxious to have it, but I would point this out to him, that all this land we are living on is Government land. Where we are living now is only a reserve the Government gave us. We are occupying! the whole of it, ourselves and our horses. If the Premier will consent to give us a portion of the Government land for a school site, we can settle the school question in one breath, because we want the school. The Premier If that is the only obstacle in the way, send me the number of children here who would be likely to attend, and I will confer with the Minister of Education, and settle the matter The school ought to be convenient to where the children are. It only requires an acre of land. Hapi: The Government have some land adjoining this land down the valley here. The Premier I will make inquiries in respect to it. Wharerangi said, —Wiremu has been applying for this school for two years. Mr. Bush came here and he also applied to have it established, but it was not granted. Captain Preece, who was Eesident Magistrate then, saw the number of children we had here, and he advised the establishment of a school, but without result. The Premier How many children are there ? Wharerangi: Fifty The Premier I will confer with the Minister for Education, and I have no doubt you will at once have the school. Wharerangi: You will see when the list is sent you. Possibly there will be more than fifty There is another subject we wish to lay before you which I will explain. In the Waikareiti Block,
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