Activities alter

Press, 14 September 1988, Page 35

Activities alter

Activities for the pupils, both in and out of school, were vastly different for those students of 100 years ago. Fortunately the booklet published in 1939 to mark the school jubilee still survives, and the reminiscences of ex-pupils contained in that provide a fascinating slice of the everyday life of the children. Donald Haultain, who later became a clergyman, recalled that out-of-school occupations included stealing apples, tying string to door knockers, snaring finches with bird lime and blowing up tins with gun powder.

Maud Bowbyes recalled that in those days the headmaster, Mr G. W. Bishop, lived opposite the school, and as there were no roads between his home and hers on the corner of Hood and George Streets, he used to pilot her home over the sandhills with the aid of one of his carriage lamps. She also recalled the first school picnic at Otahuna, which the students were transported to in drays. Other pupils recalled being taught to swim in the river, ringing the bell to celebrate the 1918 Armistice, getting chocolates to celebrate the 1911 Coronation of King Edward VII and taking part in Arbor Day tree planting, sports days, cadet drill, and many other school activities.