WAIATA SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 111, 10 April 1934, Page 5

WAIATA SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY

(From Our Own Correspondent.) AVAIATA, April 9. An interesting function was held at AA'aiata on AVednesday evening when the settlors and children of the surrounding districts congregated at the school to colebrato the 40th anniversary of the opening of the .school. Aliss R. Heneghan, tho present teacher, had spared no effort toward making the evening an enjoyable one. There were interesting speeches and card playing for theso so inclined, and then supper, when the young people gathered round the older settlers eagerly listening to tales of bygone days, which in spite of the hardships and privations suffered by the early pioneom were among the happiest years of their lives. Regret was felt, that Mr Fitzwater, the chairman, was unable to attond because of illness, and wishes for a speedy recovory wero expressed. All- H. Mulholland acted in his place, welcoming all who attended. A beautiful birthday cake, mado by Miss Heneghan and surmounted by 40 candles, had pride of place on tho supper table, and when the present pupils had blown out the candles Mrs FT M. Roulston v.as asked to cut the first slice. Mrs Roulston was the first pupil to enrol at the new school 40 years ago, her parents (Mr and Mrs Shannon) being among the earliest settlers. “It seems such a short time ago,’’ said Airs Roulston, “since the new school was opened and how proud wo were with our spick and span dresses and brand new school bags to attend our first school.” Airs Roulston was the first pupil to sign her name on the new register, but she said

the school was not really started until nine days after that, as the workmen had not quite finished. Air AV. Aliers, another old settler, spoke very interestingly on days gone by. He told of the time when he first came, when AA r aiata was all in standing bush. As time went- on and more settlers came it was necessary- to have & school and the discussion arose as to where tho building was to be placed. Strange to say, allthe bachelors lived at the top end of the district and all the married people at the lower end, so when the subject was put to the vote the married folk won the flay and tho school was put where it stands now. It was remarkable that the very first pioneer to enter AA'aiata was the present school teacher’s father, the late Mr Patrick Heneghan, who came alone to carve a home from the hush. Air Heneghan used to tell many interesting tales of his first days in the bush and how he felled his first tree, and his soup related to an interested audience on AA ednesday ovening many tales told to them by their father. Two months after Air Heneghan arrived Air H. Stewart and his wife, the latter since deceased, arrived. All felt, keen regret that Air Stewart was not able to be present. The winners of the euchre were Aliss J. Rodshaw (ladies’ prize), with Mrs Roulston the consolation. Tho men’s trophy was won by Air A. Clifford, with Air G. Goro tho consolation.