HISTORY SINCE OPENING

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 28 September 1933, Page 7

HISTORY SINCE OPENING

HALF CENTURY’S RECORDS ' EXTRACTS FROM LOG BOOKS. PEN PICTURES OF PAST. The log books of the school contain an unbroken re:oru Oi the duilr] events and give pen pictures of the!. principal happenings cluring the fifty | years. ! The first entries, made by Mr George] H. Maunder, on October 1, 1883, states I that the school opened on that date, there being an attendance of -o pupils. The apparatus provided included, a. blackboard, a ball frame, eight maps, six picture ’.lessons in ! geography* two natural philosophyj charts and n.ue charts. Incidentally] it is recorded that the roof leaked' in the sitting-room of the teacher’s apartments. The first examination entry records that Hugh Cameron, Alex Muir, Caroline Pope, Bessie ■Scott and Rose Cheevers passed Std. I; George Muir, Geo Scott, Alex Murdoch, B. Harkness, Std. 111. Truancy was experienced by the master and two boys were punished—“the cane and. half an hour extra "°On April 24, 1884, Mr W. H. Vereker Bin don, Inspector to the Wanganui Board, and well known in early Taranaki, reported that he was exceedingly pleased with the appearance of the : school and the desire of the master .to advance his pupils and also to cultivate their taste. Politics enter when it is noted that the schoolroom was used on Wednesday for an election meeting, with polling in the schoolhouse on Tuesday. Then follows an amusing comment that “desks scribbled on during time building used for school services.” And another that the teacher “prohibited playing with dice for marbles.” The inspector reported in .July that the school was a credit it'o a country district. No corporal punishment was needed for several months until three boys were punished by a “light use of the cane.” A personal interest in the scholars is shown in an entry: “Accident to Hugh Cameron on his way home from school.” , . „ , The horticultural show at Normanbj was the reason for a holiday on .March 18, 1886. - . \n en.tr v that, the scholars were working out easy problems in arithme tic is followed by one that J. Murdoch commenced algebra,” proving that there were the beginnings of a secondary course in the school. This was on December 1. A few days later one reads of the breaking up of school for the Christmas holidays, and the school picnic. So ended the first year of the newly established school at Okaiawa. SECOND YEAR ’S RECORD. Tuesdav, February 23, being race dav a ho dav at Hawera and Mauaia, S'cMHreS hud »» extra half-hour ». midday recess. It seems strange thej did net get the holiday, seeing, tha. onrents asked for it. Doubtless, the teacher adds, many children have many home duties which leave tnem ■little spare time for home lessons The absence of two boys ascribed to the fact that they were needed at home and only a small school after 3 p.m. so many have to leave ear y. The year 1887 began with a note bj the inspector that the premises were in better order than ever before and the school was conducted very earnestly. St The call of dairying came to be mem tionfed when it was stated that tile

Advice was received later in 'the year from the chairman of the school committee that the schoolroom had been granted for election purposes to Major Atkinson, a few days later to Mr 'McGuire and then school closed on account of general election. March 9, 1888, records that Henry Law, probationer, had been in the school taking notes and generally assisting in the work. Air Law was afterwards for many years headmaster at Manaia.

It is recorded thalfc the teachers gave small rewards to David Shearer and George Hatcher for good marks gained for home lessons. Then follows a note that Air Burgon distributed medals for attendance to Bessie and Jessie Scott, Jas Scoit't, G. Hatcher, Adelaide Ilatclier, Christina Johnson, Fred Muir, W. Christiansen, Mary Ilarkness, Dave Shearer (first), Rosina Oughton, Emily Clement (second), Win. Shearer, Tlios Shearer, Alex Muir, Georgina Oughton (third). An entry on December 21, 1888, which has some significance, and which shows that an early master was keen on interesting his pupils in Empire, matters, is one that records: “Particular attention is being given to the British Empire on geography and history lessons.” Another reference to Empire matters occurs when he says, “we are employed with the foreign and colonial possessions of Great Britain and are making good headway.” CHANGE OF MASTER, Air Geo. H. Maunder relinquished his position on February 18, 1889, and a note appears showing a change in teachers when H. J. McClure records that he took charge of the school on that date. There were 41 scholars attending—24 girls and 17 boys, and. in the afternoon there were 39, two girls I being absent. He found that in the infant class some did not know (the most simple words, and the rest backward in reading. Mental work was very poor. The teacher taught them Ito add by means of pebbles, and this I seemed to awaken interest. Mr AieClurc was worried by unpunctuality and to remedy this evil he made late pupils stand to the end of the first lesson. He had the reply from all who were late: “I had work to do.” Wet weather played havoc with attendances and several times a record shows that only about fourteen were present.

On March 27 appears an interesting reference to early work in homo science, when the master notes that Sophia Carroll had been taken from school to go to Manaia to learn dressmaking. An interesting entry appeared on April 13, when it is recorded that three bovs-Wni. Shearer, Laurence Maxwell and George Reid—had run away from home and gone to work at a flaxmill at Manaia. “I believe it is the, intention of the parents to let them remain there,” records the teacher. On April 24, 1889, the entries arc resumed, over the name Thomas Ronaldson, relieving headmaster, after the Easter holidays. He found nearly half the children without necessary books and -that no time-table was arranged for preparatory classes. After an interview with Mr Burgon, he arranged with Mr .Toll, storekeeper, to procure the boks. On May 3 the master records that “Vivia Dingle fell from horse on playground and broke her left arm.” County council matters were of so much importance that the schoolroom was given up to the election and no school held on May 9, ISB9. Many children were recorded as irregular in attendance, the cause assigned being “potato picking on the farms.” There was no committee elected that year and the master was practically without assistance.

A holiday was given on .Tunc. 17 to enable the master to meet the inspector at Hawera Public School, when he received a new time-table for the school. A quaint entry is that “one family declined to purchase school books and the children have to look on with others while work is done.”

Truancy again gave trouble, and one boy was consistently guilty. The master stated that he wrote letters of excuse in his father’s name. Bovs were punished for using a catapult and popguns in the schoolroom. A hopeful note appears on August 8, when the master records very good attendance and several new pupils. The records the examinations show that 30 pupils passed out of a total presented of 42. The best results were in Stds. 5, 4 2 and 1. The syllabus showed that subjects taught were drawing, history, geography, drill, singing, needlework, geometrical and model drawing and extra drawing—quite a good list for such early days. .MAORIS ENTER. SCHOOL. The teacher records the beginning of Maori attendance, two boys being enrolled on August 18, 1889. The master notes that he walked to Xormnnbv for drawing utensils, and to

Hawera to see Air Alair for blackboard squares. Preparations were made on September 30, for building a new dwelling house, and on that date the first lot of timber arrived at the school, but a few days later some of it -was blown down and smashed.. Mr Fitton is reported as building the new house and fence round it, the board’s architect, Air Atkins, having been up on a visit of inspection. On December 17 there were no pupils present at opening time, owing to wet weather.

Water was short on November 6, and the master notes that, as the tank was dry he had to go to the Inaha for water.” A report showed that the percentage of passes was usually small at the examination, only 35 per cent, being sue*, cessful, but irregular attendance is stated to be the chief cause as well as change of masters —three in one year — and in addition sickness was another serious trouble. VARIOUS EPIDEMICS. Diphtheria was prevalent in 1890 and medical attention was necessary on several occasions. The school was closed several days as a conequence. Cowpox was said to lie the causo of the absence*’ of many children in 1890, and it was said to be. -very prevalent in the district. One epidemic of measles

occurred in September, 1893, and this school was closed for two wreeks. In the following three months it was noted that whole classes were absent at a time. An epidemic of scarlet fever struck the district in November, 1904. It played havoc with the attendances and the school was. closed for several weeks. Summer sickness and typhoid were prevalent in February, 1916, and this necessitated a visit from a health officer. The typhoid was among the Maoris. Another outbreak of scarlet fever took place in 1911 and half the schol were down for some weeks. This was repeated in 1914, much sickness being experienced. Another outbreak also occurred in 1918 and the school was closed for several weeks in 191 S for epidemic of influenza, Whooping cough appeared senonsly on March 21, 1924, and did not disappear until June 20, the attendance meantime being seriously affected.. The teacher, Mr Ronaldson, received notice of termination of appointment on July 31. Late arrivals of children was a worry to the master and the invariable excuse was -that the pupils were looking for cows. MR.. HARRIS APPOINTED. Thomas A. Harris took charge on August 1, 1599, and records that everything was in fair order, but an attendance of only 15 out of 35 on the roll. On September 4 -no pupils turned up and the school was declared not open. However, a few attended later in the morning. The school in those days was used for socials and concerts, and one such was held on October 31, the promoters being the Betts family, who were the leaders in this part of the social work of the district for many years. The examination returns were very good, 21 passes out of 26 presented. . The school was used for political purposes on November 26, 1890, and later for the polling booth. A record of interest is the fact that Walter Carroll is reported to make great progress with his model drawing, and that generally there was great improvement in all classes. A visit was paid by a teacher from Canterbury, who remained a whole day observing the work. The master notes difficulty in getting home work done and complained of irregular attend-

“ PLANTATIONS BEGUN. The fine trees of the present day were begun to be planted on Arbor Day, observed on August 4, 1892. The children did the work. Some new ground was taken and gaps made good, jhj'fty trees were planted on Arbor Day, August 3. 1894, and it was decided to allot half an hour every month to keep them clean. Miss Mary Hunger, who was pupil teacher in. 1894, rode dailv from Normanby, it is recorded. A ; t the annual examination by Mr Bindon the percentage of passes was 62.1 per cent, and failures 4.7. The report spoke in very high terms of the intelligence shown in oral work and the diligence, attention, and emulative desire to answer shown by pupils. The order and discipline were excellent, manners very pleasing. The report was signed by R. H. Clement, chairman, T. L. Joll, H. Dodd and A. Scott, members of the committee. The report of the inspector, W. E. Spencer, in 183, referred to a weakness in simultaneous reading and urged more care and study of best methods. ■ Mr limes, of Taonui, and later a headmaster, was a visitor to the school on July 21, 1893. In July, 1896, a library was started, each scholar bringing one volume, and 60 were soon collected. A BOY’S DEATH.

A tragedy is noted on August 17. 1596, when, by an accident in a gravel pit, Andrew Doyle, a Std. AH I pupil, was injured and died four hours.later. Aliss Hunger and Mr Frank Raikes, cadet, . were away at examination in Wanganui on December 11, 1896. Sewing was initiated as an extra class in February, 1897. Miss Hunger was in charge for one day when the master visited Kakaramea and was given a cordial reception. In a. test examination the leaders xn the various classes were Annie Phillips W. Williamson, P. Bremer, J. Bogue, and W. Wood. It was recorded that the attendance was over 190. There was a race meeting at Okaiawa on March 25, 1899. and fully a third of the . pupils were present, the master recording that any excuse seemed sufficient to let them stay away. Routine reports occupied the next six months, varied bv a threatened squabble between the pupil teacher, Mr Frank Poster, and an irate parent, but it was smoothed over. . Miss Hunger was appointed relieving teacher in IS9B and her place was taken by Miss Christie. AHss Hunger was in charge during October, 1898. . . A special note of appreciation of the work of the staff is appended by the chairman of the committee, Mr E. O. Chivers. „ . .. . Aliss Crowhurst took Aliss Christie s place in July 1599. The school was closed on April 4 tor the Governor’s visit to Manaia.. The headmaster received advice of his success in the B.A. degree, with honours in political science. Advice was received on October 1991 thnt Mr Harris had been offered and had acepted appointment as head of Atotueka District High School. The committee placed on record its appreciation of bis good work during his eleven vears at the school.

AIR. A. O. BUCIILER TX CHARGE. Air A. O. Buchler took charge in February and expressed appreciation of the work of the pupils and then- behaviour. . r . .. Air A. Johnstone died on March 0 and the pupils attended the funeral. The following week the children were taken to Dawson Falls on a twodav trip. .Another similar trip was made on March 13, 1993. The headmaster congratulated Aliss Crowhurst on her capital work and said her methods were good. The tone of her ] classes was very good and she had a good command of her pupils. . ] Air Buchler . records an interesting | fact in that he had introduced Maori, children to the school, especially mentioning a Porewa Maori, Tahu Iwikau,. and that, with Mr Hadden’s help, he would endeavour to get more of them j to attend. The results were not good at first owing to the influence of the j Te Whiti cult, but it improved later. INFLUENCE OF DAIRYING. ’ “The milking season being now in full swing Ims caused the unpunctuahty or several pupils. The listlessness of several, I am inclined to think, is due to too early hours at home,” so ran a comment by the headmaster .of April, 1993, and it recalls a spirited controversy on “child slavery” on. the dairy farms. In a testing competition by Okaiawa for schools m Kaponga, Kapuni, Normanby, Hawera, Kakaramea and Okaiawa, the local boys secured two firsts and two seconds. Later Kathleen Groves took second and Elsie Oantelin third at the Hawera show. The committee minuted special appreciation of the good work both of Mr Buchler and of Miss Crowhurst. The examination closed with a pass list of 63 out of 66 presented and the headmaster records a sense of pleasure in the tone of the school unknown during his first quarter. Miss Crowhurst resigned on the occasion of her marriage to Air C. R. Benton and Miss M. Hunger was appointed assistant and the report on her work by the inspector was very satisfactory and her work was regarded as splendid. An unusual event m the life of the school occurred on September 11, when a charge of sweating was preferred against the headmaster and considered by the committee, who duly exonerated him. 1 The picnic and concert took place that year on December 18. The results of the examination were very good, six out of seven .Std. AH candidates pass”lg‘ CHANGE IN SYLLABUS.

The new syllabus came into force at this date and Air Buchler went to Patea to sec it working. He noted that Aliss Hunger was adapting, her class to its methods, but was handicapped by numbers. She was not able to take on the singing lessons and Air Buchler took these over himself. Eight pupils passed proficiency and three left tor the Hawera High School. 'Chief Inspector Braik paid his first visit in June, 1995, and w-as delayed by the rough roads. Teachers attended a summer school in Wanganui and came back with

many new ideas in training. Boys were instructed by Departmental Supervisor in preparing tue gardens and good work was done. A dairy class was also started by Mr R. A. S. Browne in February, 1907. In 190 S the school was made an 11 Observation School” for the year. An event of great moment to the district was the death of Mr T. L. Joll, which event occurred in Wellington. Mr Joll was a member of the committee and his funeral was largely attended, the school being closed for the occasion. The attendance steadily grew through 1906, 1907 and 1908, and reached 125 by the end of that period. MB. THOMAS TNNES APPOINTED. Mr Buckler resigned on February 17, 1909, and was succeeded by Mr Thomas Tunes, after a few months in charge of MT N. B. MicEwon. Mb Inncs and Mr Graham, assistant, were appointed lieutenant and second lieutenant. of the school cadets. Miss Hunger resigned to be married on December 15, 1911, and left behind hind her a record of 15 years faithful service, being a most- ■ capable teacher and one whose disposition endeared her to the pupils. The school consistently won competitions at the Winter 'Show, and in 1911 had a remarkable record in the district show event, and in essays and held a shield for some time.

On April 3, 1915, the Minister of Education, lion. «T. A. Hansen, with. Air F. Pirani, paid a visit to the school and addressed the children and granted them a half-holiday. Air Lees drew attention to the need of a, new school. In Alareh, 1915, 71 new hooks were added to the school library, which was then a valued asset to the school. . On April 4, 1918, a start was made on the new school and on (March 29, 1919, the new building was used for the first time. During the next quarter no fewer than 04 pupils left for other districts, while 16 were admitted. In June 1921 a much-needed hostel to accommodate resident teachers was | built by residents and it was opened on June 0. The school won both prizes . for school garden exhibits at the wintci show in 1916, a fine performance. In 1918 the shield for garden exhibits was won and held for twelve years. In 192 S the school held the Cuthbert Shield (gardens), Janies and Gillman Shield (rural work), held for twelve years, Potato 'Shield, St. Alary’s Cup (flowers). The Cuthbert Shield was for general work outside of and inside the school. | Air Thos. Innes retired on superannuation on September 28, 1925, and gave up control of the school after 194 years’ service. The present master, Mr E. C. Evetts took charge on October 1, 1928, and he has fully maintained the standard of the school set in the past. The school continued to win the James and Gillman Shield at the winter show until 1933. He introduced with success a scheme of monitor control which has worked excellent results. The interest was maintained in calf judging and athletics, and the children competed for the Dixon Danner. AVith the help of the boys, Air Evetts formed a swimming pool in the Inaha stream and instruction was given on swimming. The attendance at times was very unsatisfactory, children being kept at home for hay-making and other farm-work.