Mr. Charles Peter Winkelmann, who was appointed to the Whirinaki Native School in 1897, was born at Bradford, Yorkshire, was at Askern College, near Doncaster, and finished his education under a private tutor. He came out to New Zealand per ship “British Empire” in 1877, intending to engage in sheep farming, but obtained an appointment at Te Aute College as assistant master. After five years' service he resigned his position, entered the Native School Department, and was given charge of the school at Kaipara, where he remained seven years, and was subsequently at Waimamaku for a like period. Whirinaki was always considered a troublesome school to manage, and it was not in a peaceful condition when Mr. Winkelmann was asked to take charge of it. However, he has succeeded in overcoming all difficulties and has placed the school on an excellent footing.