![Thumbnail: [No. 38 (March 1962) page 12]](/journals/teaohou/images/Mao38TeA/Mao38TeA012(t150).jpg)
Auckland
Our stay in Auckland was highly organised and most enjoyable. We were all disappointed with conditions at the Waipapa Hostel, and felt that it is a pity that this rather disreputable-looking building should be there as an example of how some are content to live. It is no wonder that many Europeans look upon us as poorer types than they—they don't discriminate and realise that there are differing standards in all races. But we were lucky to have all the children at the one place, as being billeted would have been too overwhelming for most of them.
We used the Maori Community Centre as our base, and ate three satisfying meals a day prepared by one of their people. Our overall charge was substantially lowered by the Maori Community Centre Committee, a wonderful gesture and greatly appreciated.
The week flew by. We visited the Fire Station, the Railway Station, Dominion Motors Assembly Plant, 1ZB, the Post Office, the Milk Treatment Plant, the Museum, Planetarium and Zoo. We went for a ride on a ferry, and across the Harbour Bridge. A ride to the top of Mt. Eden at night brought home the size of Auckland City. Until then they had only seen it in sections, but the lights just went on and on.
The visit to the zoo was thoroughly enjoyed. To actually see animals such as lions and tigers …
But all good things must come to an end, so
Horoera School Goes to Auckland
Sunday saw us homeward bound—a very tired but contented group.
We arrived at Te Araroa to find the Awatere River true to form. It was up, but not uncrossable, although normally one would not have put a bus into it. However we safely negotiated the crossing and most of us were in our own beds by midnight.
We returned with money in the bank, even after paying all expenses, which included lollies, fruit, ice-creams and all forms of entertainment. Everybody was happy, the children had enjoyed themselves while learning, and we weren't broke. Th parents could see the results of their hard work and did not regret it, and as far as we teachers were concerned, the tour was an outstanding success.
We are grateful for help from the Education Department, the Maori Trust Committee, the Auckland Public Relations Office, the Maori Affairs Department, and many others. As the teachers involved, we must extend our thanks to our own local inhabitants, who raised the money, without which a tour of this kind could not even be contemplated.
