ROMAHAPA SCHOOL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22852, 9 April 1936, Page 19

ROMAHAPA SCHOOL

EIGHTIETH ANNIVERSARY EDUCATION IN SOUTH OTAGO AN INTERESTING SURVEY

The Romahapa School, which will celebrate its eightieth anniversary during the Easter period, lays claim to a long antiquity and one which is shared W tew schools in the province of Otago. Strange as it may seem to one accustomed to the present order and importance of things, this school was an established institution in the district when education in the province came under the control of the Education Board. In those days, together with the Warepa and Inch C'lutha Schools, Romahapa, or South Clutha as it was then called, was one of the three schools in the Clutha educational district in the province of Otago. " The South Clutha School had been opened during the year 1856, when the settlers, by taking advantage of the erection of a building for church worship, secured a teacher, Mr T. Brydone, and opened a school in the "bush ' church. This building was situated on the east side of the Romahapa Cemetery and is still standing, though removed to a site on a hill nearby. , . . . But this antiquity is not exclusive to the school; it is shared by the whole district. Though situated many miles from Dunedin, boats were frequently used to travel to Willcher Bay and later to Port Molyneux, a port of entry and one of the sites considered for the capital ot the province. These facts, together with the attractiveness of the district, led to the sections being taken up with comparative rapidity, and within five years of the first arrivals much of the land had been taken up, if not actual y occupied. At the first church service held in the district on March 19, 1854, in the house of the late Mr George Hay, of Hilly Park, it instated that five families were represented, namely, Messrs_Hay, Willcher, Archibald, Mercer, and Brugh, out there must,have been others who if not resident in the district, were in process of making the journey. The now ahn°st non-existent Awakiki Bush seems by this time to have had sections occupied on an sides of it, and it was not long before several persons bearing names well known even to this day settled; throughout the district—Johnston, Shields, Dunn, Christic, M'Lnren, and PatersOn, to mention onfy a fft'- Thus the South Clutha district played a not inconspicuous part in the earliest settlement of Otago. DISTINGUISHED EX-PUPILS From a district settled by what must have been the more adventurous of an adventurous band of men and women, it •Fould he expected there would come in the course of years men and women who

■would achieve distinction in the larger spheres of life—some in places far removed from the scenes of their childhood. And one is not disappointed—from the families of well-known early settlera the Romahapa School can lay claim to not a few distinguished ex-pupik. • Mr James Brugh was an early settler of 1854, who later took up land to b« known as the " Cloan," and who remained in the district until 1881. Of his familythere are four boys who have each en lered a different profession. They all attended the Otago Boys' High School after completing their primary education either at Romahapa or Arthur Street School, Dunedin. James Brugh, the eldest, was first employed by Messrs Sainsbury, Ellisdon and Co., wholesale druggists, and later in the retail trade. He entered and graduated from the Otagi, Medical School with the degrees of M.B. and Ch.B., and later passed L.R.C.S. of Edinburgh. After practising in various parts of New Zealand he eventually settled in Balclutha, where he remained until 1920. He is now retired in Dunedin, and does relieving work. Mr J. B. Brugh, after serving his time as an apprentice with Messrs A. and T. Burt, was engaged for some years in sheep farming both in Hawke's Bay and Victoria, Australia. Gaining some experience of secretarial work he took the accountancy qualification (F.1.A.N.Z.), and is now superintendent and treasurer of the Presbyterian Social Service Association. Mr Sheddan T. Brugh chose mining as his profession and qualified from the Otago School of Mines, A.0.5.M., M.E., and B.Sc. He obtained underground experience in various parts of New Zealand and his first appointment was at Maryborough, Queensland. From there he went to England, and later was employed with the Straits Trading Company, Singapore, for many years. He is now retired in England. Mr VV. R. Brugh passed his examinations as a solicitor while employed by Messrs Sargood, Son and Kwen, and after practice in Balclutha and Invercargill, he entered into partnership with Mr Fred Calvert, of Dunedin, in which city he now lives. He is a prominent member of educational bodies of this city, being a member of the Education Board and Otago University Council, and he was recently elected chairman of the Otago High Schools' Board of Governors-. Another notable family is that of Mr Alexander Sutherland Begg. who started saw and flour mills in the district in the fifties. Members of the family were not content to carry on the work of their father, but they themselves struck out into new fields. ' It wag in Assam, India, that they as tea-planters made their new home. Of a family of six boys Mr James Begg, who is living in retirement in Scotland, after having been manager of the Hoolumgoorie tea gardens for 40 years, is the only surviving member. Messrs Marcus- David and Alex lie buried in India, and John and George spent the ciosing years of their lives in the land of their birth. Margaret, who is now deceased, was Mrs J. Henderson, and Harnett, Mrs Sterndale. whose husband was an artist, lives in London. The only descendants living in New Zealand are three daughters of Mrs Henderson and a son of Mr George Begg—Mr Wilbert Begg, of Balclutha. ~ _ T One of the earliest settlers was Mr George Hay, who arrived in the colony bv the Ajax in 1849 and travelled to Willcher Bay by boat, bringing with him his wife and voting family. He finally settled at Hilly Park. The following members of his family attended the school, all of whom were nresent when the school was opened in 1856. Mr John Hay, who was a child a few months old when he arrived with his parents, attended the school for some years. Joining the provincial survey gtaff in 1807, he held various positions on the field etaffs of Otago and Southland.

He was appointed chief surveyor of Otago in 1897 and commissioner of Crown lands for Southland four years later. He died at the ago of 59. . . , ~ Mr James Hay also joined the survey staff, and at the time of his death was chief draughtsman in the Survey Department, Naoier. A dausMer. Miss Jane Hay. also arrived with her parents and attended the school. Shi' married Mr Henry F. Begg, of the Royal Lochnagar Distilleries, Scotland. She enjoyed the gracious friendship of Queen Victoria, and on several occasions entertained her Majesty and other members of the Royal iamily. Another daughter, Miss Helen, has the distinction of being the first white child born in the South Clutha district, and is also the oldest surviving ex-pupil of the school. She married Mr Peter Miller and lived for some years at Lawrence, but now resides in Dunedin. Mr George Hay's eldest son, Mr William Hay. carried on the management ot Hilly Park on the death of his father. Though not an ex-pupil himself, all the members of his family of 11 attended the Romahapa School. Two of his sons, Messrs Herbert and Sydney, are members of the medical profession, having graduated from the Otago Medical School, and have seen active service in the Great War. At present they are both practising their profession in the North Island. Another son, Mr William Hay, was for many years a distinguished barri&ter and solicitor of Dunedin, and was also lecturer of the law faculty of Otago University. His death at a rather early age cut short a promising career at the Bar. From the family of Mr John Watt, who settled in later years in Romahapa, there are two ex-pupils who are members of the medical profession. Thomas, in addition to being, a graduate of the Otago Medical School, holds the M.R.C.S. and L R CP. degrees. He saw active service as a captain in the Medical Corps, and is now practising at Opunake. His brother William, who is a specialist in tuberclosis work, has held appointments at Cashmere Hills Sanatorium and Pleasant Valley Sanatorium, and is at present practising at Tauranga. A daughter of Mr John Watt was one of the first graduates from the Home Science Faculty of the Otago University, while two other daughters were teachers. Probably one of the most outstanding men in the district during the early days was the Rev. William Bannerman. His monumental work, the foundation and

establishment of the church region extending from the Taieri River to Invercargill, is well known, but in connection with the Romahapa School it should be noted that as a minister he regularly examined the children and also taught during the absence of the teacher. His family attended the school, amongst them being two daughters, Mrs bommerville, of Waitepeka, and Mrs Begg, ot Pukeawa, and two sons, Mr William Bannerman, Dunedin, and the Rev. Thomas Burns Bannerman, now deceased. Mr Burns was a pupil teacher in the. school for about two years and later attended the Otago University. , In search of a change of climate he received a post as a home missionary in Tasmania and continued his studies under Dr Scott, ot Hobart. He was licensed by the Australian Church in 1899 and laboured in Tasmania until he retired and returned to New Zealand. Mr Alexander Anderson, a son ot one of the early committeemen, was an expupil of the school who later became an outstanding figure in the district. In addition to establishing and carrying on a successful storekeeping business, he owned nnd operated different flaxmills. ihe present lawn tennis court is an example of his public spiritedness, being presented by him to the young people of the disNo account of ex-pupils would be complete without brief reference to the president of the Reunion Association, Mr M. T Jackman. Though he has lived all his life in Romahapa he has taken an active part in many outside activities and is widely known throughout the district. A foundation member of the Clutha Mounted RihVs he held a commission in them, and later was in charge of the 51st Company Senior Cadets until their disbandment. He is a justice of the peace and registrar of births, deaths, and marriages. He has been a member of various local committees for the last 40 years, and at present is secretary and treasurer of the Romahapa Cemetery Trustees, while for 28 years be was secretary and treasurer ot the Romahapa School Committee. This account is far from complete. JMo doubt many prominent names have been omitted, but it is fitting that reference should be made to the great number oi less distinguished men and women, many of them now passed away, who served or are serving their day and generation faithfully and well in the more obscure paths of life. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that there are several amongst the present pupils, or recent ex-pupils, who tan lay claim to the fact that not only their parents, but also their grandparents, passed through the school. Mrs A. Ogilvy, of Romahapa, who is a daughter of the late Mr David Dunn, of " Viewfield," has in Mr A. Ogilvy, of Romahapa, and his son. a present pupil, a son and grandson connected with the school. Similarly, a daughter, Mrs M'Laren, and a son, Mr A. Shields, of Mr Andrew Shields, ot I'uerua, have in their respective families pupils or ex-pupils who represent a third generation. The late Mr Jack M'Laren s two sons. J. Gilchrist and Edgar, have children in attendance, while a son and grand-daughter of the late Mrs John Johnston, of "Jura," also represent three generations of pupils. TEACHERS OF THE SCHOOL Of teachers much could be said, and then the subject would not be exhausted, but it should be noted that the record oi the school is somewhat unique in respect of its teachers. From 1861 until 1925, a period of 64 years, there were only four headmasters, and they naturally left a deep impression on the history of the school. Little is known of Mr James Brydone, the first teacher. He was a bachelor, and no trace can be found of any relation 1 ). Before teaching at Romahapa, or South Clutha as it was then called, he had a section in the Warepa Bush, to

which he returned after 1859, when he gave up teaching. During most of his term as teacher he lived on the north side of Awakiki Bush and walked in a direct line to the school along the well-known " Brydone's track." His funeral is said to have left " Cheviot House " for the Romahapa Cemetery. Mr Brydone's successor was Mr Dan. M'Ewen, but he. unfortunately, took ill, and his brother, James, came to take his place and was permanently appointed on Dan's death in 1801. For the following information about Mr James M'Ewen wcare indebted to a sketch by Dr James Brugh:— "He was a small man with rounded shoulders, and he always shaved his chin, which wag rarely done in those days. Ho kept good discipline in his school, and that without much corporal punishment, the extent of which was the ' strap.' A scholar was never punished in front of the school. The tone of his school was very high, and Dr Hislop, when chief inspector, reported:—"J.here is a tone in Mr James M'Ewen's school which is better than in any school in the province. This I attribute to the personality of the teacher.' Higher praise couid not be given. He was also an enthusiastic gardener and had a line display of ilowers and small fruit at the school house, while in a small glasshouse he grew many rare plants, and his gooseberry garden was thrown open to the children towards the close of the season. A regular churchgoer, he was a firm friend of Dr Bannerman, the first minister in the district. Well and faithfully he carried out his duties until 1881, when age and indifferent health caused him to resign, and he retired to live in Helensville with his nephew. Mi Dan M'Ewen." • Mr Jame s Arthur Rix, who succeeded Mr James M'Ewen, was a man whose forceful personality still lingers in the memory of a large band of ex-pupils, who reflect in many ways the deep impression made on them by their teacher, lypical of a past generation of teachers, scholarly, thorough, untiring and conscientious, he maintained strict discipline over, a large and difficult school. He received his early education in Auckland and latci attended the Otago University. Coming from Albany Street School, where he was second assistant, he took charge of the school in 1882, and continued until his resignation in 1902. . Many and various are the »cid«gi that could be related of Mr «■"• Many ex-pupils still remember the man who strove so hard and so untiringly under trying and difficult conditions. But we cannot do better than quote Dr b. U. Hay:—"But many will remember with respect and affection thei late Mr Jamee Arthur Rix. He certainly diu not spare himself, and gave of his best u. order that his pupils might get a tnorough primary education. Generally having fiom 40 to 50 pupils, ranging from m to Standard VII, he had too ™" ch .J" do for one teacher. Childlike, we often thought him very strict, but as one got older in the school one realised that some of the pupils, would have been a severe trial to a saint. Most of u« now realise what we owe to the late Mr Kix in our early training, and it was to a well-earned rest from his troublesome pupils that he went when be retired to his fruit farm at Hunt's road. Mr Rix's successor was Mr Samuel Joseph Harrison, a man of no lew) striKine personality, who was in every sense of the word an asßet to the district. The following facts are taken from an account of his life by his daughter, Mrs Stewart: — "Born in Quebec in 1868 he came to New Zealand with his parents. at the early age of seven and settled in JJunedin. He was educated at the Caversham School which he left in 1880 with a Junior Board Scholarship, heading the list ot Otago candidates. He then proceeded to the Otago Boys' High School, where two

years later he won a senior scholarsnip, being second on the list. Three years later he entered the Dunedin 1 raining College, where he underwent the customary two years' training for teachers. After teaching at Hindon for 11 years and Chaslands for four years, he was appointed to Romahapa, or Puerua a e it was then called, in 1902. As a headmaster Mr Harrison believed in strict discipline, and it was needed in those days, when Standard VI boys neared adult proportions. His percentage of proficiency passes was' high, and he was especially successful with scholarship candidates. During those years at least four junior scholarships came to Romahapa pupils, and two of those headed the Otago list —a record distinctly meritorious for so small a school. In the district Mr Harrison took an active interest in the work of the Presbyterian Church, was a keen choir member, and at one time conducted the evening service once a month. He was always willing to assist at concerts and social functions, and was one of the foundation members of the Tennis Club." These are just plain facts, but a very true expression of the esteem in which Mr Harrison was held by the Romahapa district was provided by his public farewell when he left Romahapa for Outram. From a large and representative gathering tributes were paid to the work of Mr and Mrs Harrison and appropriate gifts from the children, parents, and friends testified the extent to which the departing teacher and his wife had won the

affections of all. Thus Mr Harrison left Romahapa, where for 13 years he had been an outstanding personality. Mr E. H. Burn, the last of the four teachers who, together, occupy the continous period of 64 years, was the successor of Mr Harrison. He was appointed in 1915, and left on his retirement 10 years later. He was educated at the Otago Boys' High School, and for 15 years after leaving school he worked in "an office. But his was a teaching family —father, mother, sister, brother, and an uncle—and he was drawn to the profession also. He passed the necessary examinations and taught in South Canterbury and Waipahi before coming to Romahapa. By nature a kind-hearted man, he disliked the use qf the sterner measures necessary to control the school of his day, but always tried to impress on the pupils that good behaviour was a matter of honour. Like many another man who has returned to books and study after a few years' interval, Mr Burn never lost that "student" outlook. He was interested and well-informed in a very wide range of scientific subjects, while his general knowledge was amazing. A farm supporter of the local church, he many a time filled the pulpit during the absence of a minister, while any function or entertainment could depend on his support. Always interested in gardening, he was able, through his labour, to make the rather barren soil around the schoolhouse " bring forth abundantly." Neat and well kept, it presented a pleasing sight at all seasons of the year. Since then the school has had two headmasters—Mr D. Dale, who taught for about five years, and Mr L. S. 0 Sullivan MA., who left in 1934, when the school was reduced in grade. The former is teaching in the North Island, and the latter is still in Otago. The present teacher is Mr A. Eric Paterson, who was appointed in 1934. The attendance of the school was sufficient during the years 1876-1883 to warrant the employment of a pupil teacher, and during those years Mr Dan MEwen, Mr Burns Bannerman, and Miss Jessie Henderson were employed in that sequence, but Miss Henderson was transferred, due to a drop in numbers. Of the three, she is the only one surviving. From the year 1902 onwards the attendance was sufficient, according to the new regulations o£ that year, which reduced the number of children that one teacher wag required to teach, to entitle the school to an assistant mistress. Prior to that time various women had taught sewing in the school—Mrs Rix, Miss M Closkie, Miss Geggie, Mrs Eggleston, and Miss Watt—but from 1902 until 1934 there have been 12 assistant mistresses. Those still engaged in teaching are Miss T. Gall, Miss E. Marshall, Miss D, H. Moss, Miss Harrison, Miss Johnstone. PAST COMMITTEEMEN In the work of the earlier school committees there are many examples of the methods and clear indications of the character of the men who guided the affairs of the school during the. first 40 years of its existence. Painstaking, almost unnecessarily so, thorough in every detail, exact even to the letter and unyielding in the standard they demanded, these men wielded more power, with more responsibility, than any present-day committeemen, and thev fulfilled their trust wisely and well. Prior to the Education Act of the seventies, it was their task to assess, levy, and collect the district educational rates, and with this money, together with grants from the Education Board, to pay the teachers' salary. In addition, they had to have done, and supervise, all repairs, together with the erection of any new buildings. And all this they did in a most business-like manner and in a way that their integrity could never be doubted. When writing of the men themselves, one cannot do better than begin with the Rev. W. Bannerman, who, not only as

a committeeman, but also as a minister, took an active interest in the affairs of the school. He was one of the original members of the Education Committee of the Clutha district, and after the subdivision he served on both the Warepa and East Clutha School Committees. He was a member of the latter from 1864 to 1879, being chairman for the last five years, i.e., from when the office became a yearly one. Other men who held office continuously for the first 10 years were Messrs Johnston, of " Rosemains," J. W. Thomson, of "Foswell," and Alex. Anderson, of " Bridge End," while good service was rendered by Messrs David Dunn, of "Viewfield," George Hay, of " Hilly Park." Donald Henderson, of " Lansdowne," and Alexander Ledingham, of " Kirk Hill." In the middle years several of the former names continue to appear along with those of Messrs William Hay, Dan M'Laren, Alexander Simpson, and John Watt, as some of the more prominent members. In the present generation prominent committeemen were Messrs John Cunningham, P. S. Grant, William Peterson, D. M'Laren, jun., John Judge, M. T. Jackman, A. Abernethy, A. G. Morton, and J. Roy. The office of chairman has been filled for lengthy periods by Messrs James Johnston, William Hay, William Peterson, and P. S. Grant, while several others have held office for lesser periods. _ While discussing committeemen mention should be made of the two teachers, Mr James M'Ewen and Mr J. A. Rix, who, during their terms in charge of the (school, carried out the duties of clork and treasurer to the committee for a total period of 43 years. Since theu that office has been held by Mr M. T. Jackman for a continuous period of 28 years and on his resignation in 1928 Mr James Kilgour was elected and is the present secretary and treasurer. THE PAST YEARS In an historical sketch of the events associated with the Romahapa School during the past 80 years only brief reference can be made to those of major importance. Education in Otago came under the control of the central body by the Education Act of 1856, which divided the province into 11 education districts, Clutha being No. 11. In it three schools were to be situated, a main school at Inch Clutha and side-schools at South Clutha and Warepa. When the South Clutha School reopened in January, 1858, that is when the Act became operative, it continued as before in the now famous "bush church" under the same teacher, Mr J. Brydone, who had tcught since the opening in 1856. . The erection of a teachers' residence was immediately put in hand and one room of it was to be fitted up as a classroom. Completed during the following year, this building was to serve for over 40 years, and its appearance must still remain fresh in the minds of many ex-pupils. It was situated behind the place where the present school stands, immediately in front of the bush, and was a large two-storeyed building with characteristic gable windows. _ At the end of the year Mr Brydone resigned and his place was taken by Mr .Dan M'Ewen, whose brother James came to relieve him on his illness, and who in 1861 was permanently appointed. The school roll increased rapidly and by 1863 was approximately 40 when, in order to accommodate the pupils, a return was made to the church building pending the erection of a school. This building was completed by the end of the following year, but in the meantime it had been decided to subdivide the Clutha district into four separate districts, namely, Inch Clutha, South Clutha, Warepa, and Kaihiku, a change which took place as from September 30, 1804. A separate committee took charge of the Romahapa (school's affairs and adopted the new name of East Clutha. The first committee, consisting of the Rev. W. Bannerman (who was voted to the chair), Messrs James Paterson, Banks, Anderson, Lees, Johnston, and Morton, held its initial meeting on October 25, 1864, in the school, just then completed. This school was to remain in use until 1907, and due to additions and repairs presented a different appearance at different periods. As originally completed it was a high building with a steep shingle roof, and two porches protruded from either end. One of these was used to contain the books of the district library. During the harvest holidays of 1882 an additional room was added to the west end, but the only internal partition was a curtain, a play shed and a coal shed having previously been added to the other end. But most characteristic of all were the two buttresses that were erected to stop the swaying of the building during the heavy winds. After a long and useful service this building was demolished and some of the timber used in the erection of the present school, which was officially opened at a social function held at the school on March 20, 1908. Following persistent requests on the part of the committee. a new teacher's residence was erected some five years earlier. Both buildings are in use to-day, but it will be the older buildings that will be brought to the minds of all except the present generation of ex-pupils who return to the scenes of their school da}*s. What a change of scene! The few children in the old bush church —will they recognise, if they return to the jubilee functions, the sites they knew as children? Known as the South Clutha School until 1864; East Clutha till 1880; Puerua till 1902; the present Romahapa School stands to welcome back all cx-pupils at Easter, 1936. EIGHTY YEARS ON Recollections of Mr s Miller, the oldest surviving ex-pupil, are of interest: " I have on my thinking cap, trying to remember my early schooldays. Perhaps many of my recollections are not really of the beginning of my education under the first teacher, Mr Brydone. I was only four years and a-half old, being sent at

this early age presumably to make up the number to help pay the teacher's salary, a very important matter then. My father and mother sent six of us. my two elder sisters and three boys. In those days there was no free education. I very clearly remember the first day; at least, this is what I do remember. When we arrived at the school, a little wooden building in the bush, my father took me by the hand up a step into the school. Going forward to a table on which were some books, he took up the smallest book, remarking, 'This will be Helen's book. I can still see the alphabet letters apd thinking how beautiful they were, but I have not the slightest recollection of committing them to memory. Later another small school was built on the site where the schoolmaster's dwelling now stands. (This residence was demolished in 1903.) It was both a residence and a school. The narrow footpath through flax and long grass generally landed us into school with skirt-bottoms and feet very damp. We all carried our pieces (never heard of lunches in those days) and milk, it I remember rightly our pieces were shared. Just on the edge of the bush the elder boys built a hut, which was a wonderful delight to us all. - When the novelty wore off the boys set fare to it and burnt it down. Have small doubt but that meant a strapping from the master. In my dim memory 1 thmu punishment was very frequent. Mr Brydone was a very hot-tempered man. On one occasion I can remember being very upset at seeing blisters on Jessie Keed s arm where Mr Brydone had strapped her. We sat on forms in school, only the older children having desks. 1 remember when learning to write I knelt on the ground and used pen and ink and a copy book on a form. The floor was a clay one and very uneven. After the Government took over the school our parents paid a certain amount towards the teacher's salary. ■ I remember feeling very proud when I was allowed to take the school fees to the master s desk. I remember among my school mates Isabella Spiers, Tom and James Johnston, Jean Geggie, the. Shields (Agnes, Mary, Robert, Bannerman), also some of the Beggs. but I cannot remember whether thev were at the first school." Many and various are the recollections and reminiscences that could be given, gathered from 80 years, but space will not permit. Many more shall come to light at the jubilee functions The following is a list of the teachers and chairmen of committees of the school: —

HEAD TEACHERS 1856-1859—Mr James Brydone. 1860-1861—Mr Dan M'Ewen. 1861-1882—Mr James M'Ewen. . 1882-1902—Mr James A. Rix. 1902-1915—Mr S.'J. Harrison. 1915-1925—Mr E. H. Burn. 1925-1929—Mr D. S. Dale. . 1929-1934—Mr L. S. O'Sullivan, M.A. 1934—Mr A. Eric Paterson. PUPIL TEACHERS 1876-1878—Mr Dan M'Ewen, jun. 1878-1879 —Mr Burns Bannerman. 1879-1883 —Miss Jessie Henderson. ASSISTANT MISTRESSES 1902-1907—Miss Gawn. 1907-1908—Miss Weir. 1908-1911—Miss Mary M'Niel. 1911-1915—Miss V. Harrison. 1915-1919—Miss D. H. Moss. 1919-1922—Miss A. Ayson. 1922-1925—Miss J. Johnston. 1925-1928—Miss A. M. Hill. 1928-1930—Miss Harrison. 1930-1932—Miss E. Marshall. 1933—Miss I. Ross. 1934-1935—Miss Tui I. Gall. B.A. SEWING MISTRESSES Miss M'Closkie. Miss Annie Geggie. Mrs Rix. Mrs Eggelton. Mies Watt. CHAIRMEN OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1864-1874—Elected at each meeting. 1874-1879—Rev. Wm. Bannerman. 1880, 1882-1886—James Johnston. 1881 —Donald Henderson. 1887, 1888. and 1896-97—John Watt. 1889-95. 1898-1900, 1906—William Hay. 1901-1903—William Boyd. 1904. 05, 07, 1918, 1920—William Peterson. 1908, 09, 1910. 1915, 1921—P. S. Grant. 1911—John Judge. 1912—Robert Martin. 1913—A. Abernethy. 1914, 16. 17—John Roy. 1919, 1928—John Cunningham. 1922, 23, 26—A. G. Morton. 1924 —Dan M'Laren. 1925 —John Junge. 1927 —J. Kilgour. 1929—J. Nancock. 1930, 31— F. M'Konzie. 1932, 33—H. Evans. 1934—R. Wright.