WHENUAKURA’S NEW SCHOOL

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 3 May 1934, Page 8

WHENUAKURA’S NEW SCHOOL

OLD LANDMARK DEMOLISHED

SERVICE FOR SIXTY YEARS-

A colourful chapter 111 the history of Wheuuakura was concluded with the recent demolition of the old school which had served tlie district for neatly <jo years. A new building has since been elected, and every modern faculty, provided. It will’ be oificially opened next week. . . ' , The old •school originally of one room was built bv the l J a tea ltd neat ion Board, which went out of existence shortly arterwards. Among the earnest oupns who attended the school in ib< < were Ernest Mercer, Jeremiah Sue alian Daniel Sheahan, Daniel Hurley, John Sheahan, Albert Edward Symes, Jeremiah Hurley. Charles AicUanchiin, Mary Johnson, Jane Woods, Eva Woods, Allan Johnson, Charlotte J onnson Fanny Johnson, Johanna Sheahan and Olga Buske. The first teacher was £Mr Lyon Weiss. The advantages of education weu-. not appreciated by the natives of the district for many years afterwards, as it was not until the end of IbSS that the names of Tima Tipoka, Turi iutawa. and Tate Whatahi appeared as the first Maoris on the register During! the years 'which followed, Whcnuakura’s sons distinguished themselves both at home and abroad. D* Gadsby, a recent distinguished visitor ,o .New Zealand, was one of a iaimly closely associated with the School’s early years. In the years of the Great War 41 of Wheuuakura’s old scholars saw service in defence of their country, four of whom made the supreme •sacrifice. Miss Irene Honeyfield, whose name apeui's on the roll, saw service as a lied Cross nurse. ■ Successive teachers who helped to shape the /destinies of the district, through the school, were Messrs Yerdon, Thomas, Lattey, McEau. W. H. McLean, Miss Cheyne, Messrs Black, and S. Barry. The present teachers are Mr J. A. Wither and Miss Heinoi. The greatest number of children attending' the school had been about TO, but with the absence of the live-year-olds the p'oll. is only 4&. The new school consists of two large classrooms and a corridor, and lies with its greatest length on a line drawn from south-easet to north-west. Large windows on each side permit sunshine to enter each classroom (throughout ;h e school day. With bungalow roof of green and cream woodwork the school’s exterior presents a pleasing appearance. The entrance doors to the corridor have been placed on opposite sides so that in inclement weather the leeward door may be used without discomfort. iso\v features have be<-n incorporated in the interior where, with walls panelled to shoulder height and ceilings artistically finished in fibrous plaster, the * commodious and bright classrooms are a tribute to the designers and builders. Ventilation is regu-j fated hr an iip and down lever action controlling windows in gangs o: six. Fuel heaters employing a hot air circulating device of a, new type are

installed, tests of which have given complete satisfaction. In order to facilitate evacuation in the event of earthquake or other emergency. the doors have been swung open over an arc of 180 degrees to lie back against the wall. The building lias electric lighting installed. Washing facilities are provided in the corridor, 'storage tanks with 1200 gallons capacity providing the water supply. The two classrooms are 21ft 6in by 22ft and 18ft by 22ft respectively, and the corridor is 46ft by 7ft. A roll of honour board is mounted in the porch.