NORTH-EAST HARBOUR SCHOOL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3959, 28 January 1930, Page 22

NORTH-EAST HARBOUR SCHOOL.

INSTITUTION’S HISTORIC RECORD

JUBILEE CELEBR A TION S. Pleasant memories of childhood s days were revived in the minds of nearly 200 elderly and middle-aged men ami women representing four decades, at Alacandrew’ Bay on Friday afternoon on the occasion of the opening function in connection with the jubilee celebrations of the North-East Harbour School. Many of the former pupils of the school came from other parts of the province and the Dominion. The function was held in the school grounds, and the blight sunshine and smiling faces of the old people added greatly to the congenial spirit that prevaded the proceedings. Success attended the gathering from the outset, and those responsible for the arduous preliminary work arc to be congratulated on their united efforts.

The proceedings opened with the singing of the “ Old Hundredth Psalm the verses being first quoted by the Rev. D. AlTvor.

Before the actual ceremonies commenced the old pupils gathered in groups, and occasional bursts of hearty laughter indicated that incidents which had occurred in far-off school days were being retold.

A number of telegrams from ex-pupils conveying greetings and good wishes to the committee and school mates, and also a lengthy list of apologies from ex-pupils residing in various parts of the Dominion. who were unable to attend the celebrations. were read by the chairman (Air Hunter Alacandrew). CHA IR MA NS AD DR ESS. The principal speaker was Mr Hunter Macandrew, chairman of the Celebration Committee. He said that on behalf of the committee, which had worked strenuously to bring about this reunion of past and present scholars, he wished to extend a cordial welcome to all those who bad | come to Macandrew Bay to participate in the celebration of the seventy-first anniversary of the founding the North-East Harbour School. That their visitors might renew the friendships of many years ago. and that all of them might experience very great pleasure in the renewal of such friendship, was the sincere wish of those responsible for the inauguration of the jubilee proceedings. After a lapse of 71 years they could not, of course, expect many of the scholars who were present at the opening of the school to be with them, but there were present I two of the first pupils, Messis John Ed- | wards’ and Andrew Christy, to whom he J offered his sincere congratulations on 1 their being in such good health an to per- | mit them to take part in the jubilee pro- i reedings. As a tribute to the memory of I those who had passed on to their rest | the chairman asked those present to ' etand in silence for a few moments. Mr Macandrew br iefly’ traced the his- | tory of the school, and referred to the I various teachers. He made special refer- i once to the late Air J. I*. Bell, who was ! known as a highly-educated man. capable of teaching any of the subjects dealt with in the curriculum of education. He also had a happy knack of imparting his knowledge and of retaining the interest ami respect of his scholars. In addition, Mr Bell was a kindly, courteous gentleman, who earned the goodwill and respect of all with whom he came in contact. Mr Macandrew said he was a pupil of Mr Bell's for three years, before he entered the Otago Boys’ High School, and he was firmly convinced that to the grounding he received from him in the North-East School he owed any success he had attained in after life. Mr Bell laid great stress on neat writing, and all his pupils were expected to. write “copperplate.’’

In the early days of the North-East . Harbour School, continued Mr Macau- ( drew, there were uo roads available for i scholars, many of whom came long distances —from Ross Point, Broad Bay, and beyond, from Waverley, and Pukehiki, and from Highcliff, making their way along bush tracks or ®.w here there were no tracks, and sometimes along the beach, which in those days was fringed with bush to the water’s edge. Many an old giant rimu, matai, or totara tree had fallen out on to the beach, blocking the •way when the tide was high. These had to be climbed over. What a contrast from to-day, with the school within a few minutes’ easy walk from their homes. To the scholars of to-day he would like to say that they owed a deep debt of gratitude to those who, by their energy ami their foresight, prepared for those who eame after them, many of the blessings which they now enjoyed. He would impress upon the young people that they should honour their parents, their teachers, their elders, and their school,, so that in the years to come they themselves might attain to honour and merit the respect and the love of those who came after them. At the call of Mr Macandrew-, three hearty cheers w ere given for Messrs Edwards and Christie. All present then stood in silence as a mark of respect to all those ex-pupils who had passed over the Great Divide. OTHER SPEECHES. Sir Charles Statham said he was delighted to be present at such an important celebration. He could assure them that he greatly appreciated the spirit and sentiment which .had brought, them together to celebrate the anniversary of the schoeil In referring to

school days. Sir Charles said he had found that friendships formed at school remained friendships throughout life. It was pleasing to see the Rev. D. AlTvor present. The reverend gentleman was a chum of his own during their term at the Otago Boys’ High School. It was quite evident that Air Alacandrew and the other pupils of the early days of the school had seen great changes in the district. It was a pity that the scenic beauties of the Peninsula had been sacrificed to some extent through the removal of the bush for commercial purposes. In referring to the great difference that existed between past and present days, Sir Chailes said that no doubt the people of this generation did not know how well off they were, when the conditions of to-day were compared with those of the very early days. He felt sure that a better feeling existed between teacher and pupil to-day. It was to be hoped that the committee would be successful in compiling a souvenir of the celebrations. He offered all ex-pupils of the school his sincere congratulations, and hoped the various gatherings would bring much happiness to those participating, and that they would be attended with all happiness for the remainder of their lives.

Air J. H. Wilkinson, representing the Otago Education Board, said that the board was always interested in school jubilee celebrations. Such celebrations seemed to be noted for great interest and enthusiasm on the part of all those who participated. He felt sure that all the ex-pupils of the North-East Harbour School must feel a deep pride in being associated with the school and in being present to take part in the celebrations. They had every reason to be proud of their educational system, he added, especially’ in this part of the Dominion. Air R. A. E. Blick. who was headmaster of the school in 1928-29, said that his term at the school had been a pleasant one. The district was expanding and it was hoped that the School Committee would be successful in securing a new school at an early date. He congratulated the Celebration Committee on the success achieved in connection with the function. Air R. Blair, the present headmaster of the school, said that although he was new to the district, he would always do his bpst to uphold the traditions of the school. Short speeches wire also made by Air J. K. Alenzies. a former teacher, Air R. L. Luke, Airs’ Al. AlAlister (nee Miss Stiles), and the Rev. D. AlTvor, of Marton. Mrs AlAlister paid a very high tribute to the teachers in the early days of the school’s history. Air AlTvor said he had travelled 530 miles to be present—proof of the affection in which he held the old school to which he owed so much. At the conclusion of the speeches. Mr Alacandrew called upon Airs Alary Anu AAilson. a daughter of the late Air Andrew i Christie, to cut a large birthday cake, ' which was afterwards distributed. EA’EN l N G FV NCT I ON.

The celebrations were continued in the evening in the Alacandrew Bay Public Hall, when there was a large attendance of ex-pupils, residents, present-day pupils and friends. Mr Hunter Alacandrew presided. The evening was spent in the foi m of a social and re-union, and the reading of several interesting papers by ex-pupils dealing with the early history of the school and reminiscences of school days. One of the principal features of the evening was the roll call, all those ex-pupils who attended the afternoon function answering the call. During the evening items were contributed by Aliases R. Stubbs, G. Burt. Airs Desmoulins, and Alessrs F. Brown, Desmoulins, and L. Stubbs. The accompaniments were played by Airs’ Desmoulins.

The pi incipal speaker of the evening was Air A. E. Ansell, M.P.. for Chalmers. He delivered a stirring address, dealing principally with the part, played by the soldiers from New Zealand in the Great War, and the great sacrifices made by the men. The young men of the North-East Harbour district, he said, had responded nobly to the call to arms, and had taken their share of the horrors of war with great bravery. The war bad blighted homes and left men crippled. He appealed to his audience always to to remember the brave deeds enacted by the men. and also to remember that a large number of returned soldiers were still suffering from war disabilities. These men should at all times receive first consideration. In conclusion. Air Ansell wished the celebrations every success.

HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL. In 18.58 the residents of the district approached the Education Board with a request that the Middle or North-East Harbour district should be declared an educational district. A grant was made by the board in 1859 for the erection of school buildings-and the appointment of a teacher. The school was erected in 1860, and established. in September of that year. Mr Kenneth Alorrison was appointed teacher. The, reported attendance was 22 —eight boys and 14 girls. Air James Kennedy was appointed secretary of the School Committee. Annual reports were furnished by the committee, and the subsequent teachers were appointed on the approval of the Education Board.

The following teachers were appointed to the school during the following years: — J. A. Lewis, 1862 (roll 22, consisting of 17 boys and five girls) ; J. P. Bell, 1865 (roll 27—17 boys and 10 girls): Ida Bell. 1881 (one year) ; Alexander Pirie, 1883-1886; Elizabeth Pirie (first pupil teacher) ; and Airs Pirie (second pupil teacher). 1886; Alexander Pirie. 1889; Elizabeth Pirie (pupil teacher), 1889 to 1898: Alexander Pirie, 1891 to 1898; Robina Leckie Al’Gill, 1898 and 1901; William Al’Lelland. 1901-1906: Selina Amy Kempshed (mistress). 1902-1903; Alary Gray (mistress). 1904-1905: Agnes Josephine Galloway (mistress). 1905-1906; John Moodie. 1908-191(1; Jessie Al’Farlane Burns (assistant), 1909; AA'illhel-

mina Brown Alathieson (assistant), 19101913; Jamq| Kerr Menzies, 1911-1918; Janet Louise Alitchcll (assistant). 1915; Alargaret Catherine Alorrison (assistant), 1916; Edith Jane AA’alker Carncross (assistant), 1918-1919; Robert Landreth Lorraine Luke, 1919-1927; Edith Jane AA’alker Carncross (assistant), 1919; Flora Al'Donald. 1920-1921: Nora B. Sharpe (assistant). 1922; Ethel E. Botting (infant mistress). 1923-1929; Constance J. Pringle (first assistant). 1927; Richard Blick (headmaster), 1928-1929; Ethel E. Botting (mistress). Constance J. Pringle (first assistant ), Miss MTntosh (third assistant), Aliss Campbell (second assistant), 1929.

Air Blick left the school in September last year, having accepted a position as headmastvr of the Edendale School. He was succeeded by Air Robert Blair, the present headmaster of the school. The old school was demolished in the latter part of 1919 and about £2BO was spent by the Education Board on ground improvement. In 1928 the school was again enlarged, one extra room being added. It was found that the school was still too small in 1929, and a social loom in the Alacandrew Bay Public Hall was acquired to accommodate the increased attendance. An infant class was accommodated in the hall for several months last year. A movement is now on foot to have a new school erected on a more convenient site.

The "only surviving scholars who attended the school when it was opened are Alessrs Andrew Christie and John Edwards. The latter now resides in Dunedin, and Air Christie lives at Ashburton. It was in the year 1859 that Air Christie entered the school. He is a son of the late Air Janies Christie, who resided at Airlie Bank, North-East Harbour. As an inducement to the authorities to start a school, Air Christie, sen., gave the use of his barn free of charge to house the scholars, and agreed to provide the schoolmaster with board and lodging There were five children in the Christie family, and all of them were pupils. The lii’st master (Mr Morrison) was generous in the matter of corporal punishment, his favourite instrument being the supple-jack, which he used with great frequency. School was continued in the barn for some time, when a small building was erected on the present site. The new school contained only one room. A dwelling was also built for the teacher. Air Alorrison did not remain at the school for any length of time. He was succeeded by Air Lewis, who quickly became very popular with the pupils. He, however, soon resigned from the Education Department’s service, and purchased a farm at Lower Portobello.

'The next teacher was Air Bell. lie also became very popular, and was recognised as a teacher of ability as well r.s a man of worth. The scholars made excellent progress under his tuition. Shortly after the appointment of Air Bell the school was enlarged by 12 feet. The attendance had increased owing to the ar» rival of several families in the district. Children from what is known as the too road. Broad Bay, Highcliff. and from scattered residences halfway between Macandrew Bay and Dunedin attended at this period. Complaints were never hear! from the pupils concerning the distance they hail to walk each day to and from school. A night school was subsequently started by Ah' Bell, and about 20 pupils from all parts of the district were soon attending these evening classes. li e first chairman of the School Committee was Air James Christie. He held this po-ition for a number of years. EARLY REMINISCENCES. Interesting reminiscences of the very early days of the Peninsula and the school were supplied by Air Arthur Gwyn. Born at Broad Bay in 1868. Air Gwyn resided there until he was about 20 years of age. when he moved about New Zealand. working at his occupation as a carpenter. He returned to Broad Bay 10 years ago, and has-resided there ever since.

It was about the year 1874 that Mr Gwyn first attended the school. In those days the children were not dressed as they are to-day. The mothers made all the children’s clothes by hand, as sewing machines were almost unknown. It was the for the children to set out from Broad Bay about 8 a.m. each school day. walk up the hill, through the bush, where there was often no track, then along the ridge past Clearwater’s and the late Mr Anderson’s residences, then to the beach at Company’s Bay. Later on. however, the children’s usual trail was further inland and down the tramline from Chi stie s sawmill, and on to the beach near the lime kilns, where the settlers burned shells to make lime for building purposes. There was a jetty at the end of the tram line, where timber was shipped by lighters and small craft, or made into rafts and towed to Dunedin. The children continued their journey along the beach if the tide was out, and around the banks if the tide wae in, passing the old hotel and Mr Edwards’s farm house, where Cosy Dell is now located. There was a zig-zag path up the bank to the school, with a slip panel at the top. just outside the school door. In the other end of the building was the residence of the schoolmaster (Mr J. P. Bell). In those days some of the schoolboys were between 18 and 20 years of age. School was always opened with Bible reading and players. The quarterly fees of the scholars had to be paid for teaching, and fees were also paid for ink and pencils. The children spent the brief periods of recess at the bottom of the hill in a paddock owned by Mr Rodger. The boys spent some of their time on the mud flat securing crabs and small flounders. All the boys attended school in their bare feet, and when Sunday came it was a great trial for them to put on their boots. It was a favourite pastime of the pupils to watch the shipping passing rrp and down the harbour. The Victoria channel had not been dredged for navigation at that period, and small coastal steamers, such as the Jane. Shag, and the tug Geelong often stuck, on the sand banks opposite the school. The steamer Peninsula ran tw’o trips a week from Portobello to Dunedin, but previous to that the steamer Golden Age. a paddle steamer 'drawing about three feet of water, a very long, narrow vessel tapering at both ends, and steered from either end, ran up and

down the harbour side, tarrying passengers and goods. She was not a very popular boat, although she was fast and could do the trip in an hour. Being so , long and narrow, she was unwieldy in heavy weather, and vibrated badly, and sometimes she was thrown broadside on to the wind. Her engines were very powerful, and when the steamer's career ended, the machinery found its way into M’Dermid’s sawmill at Sawyers’ Bay, ami afterwards did service in Mr Foster’s mill at Ahuriri Flat, being finally sold to Mr George Thomson, Of Balclutha. The Peninsula was a much better model, more compact and roomy and nearly as fast as the Golden Age. She was also a paddle boat, and became a great favourite; in fact, she was acknowledged by competent judges to be the best boat for the trade that has ever been on the run. Captain Densen, with Charlie Penny, the engineer, spent many years running up and down the harbour. After the Peninsula came the Portobello, a smaller boat, more easily managed, and a good useful craft, but she proved too slow, and was not altogether a success. Captain Best was in command of her for most of the time. The Portobello was scrapped and towed into Waverley Bay, where her stem post still stands. Then came the lion Age. Mr Gwyn remembers seeing her on the stocks. She was built to eclipse all previous efforts. Owned by Captain Densen and Mr Colin Macandrew. the Iron Age was a good-sized boat, but she drew too much water. She proved a failure, and after her withdrawal a small boat named the Result appeared. She did not reign long, and was followe 1 by the P.S. Balclutha, a big. clumsy stein wheeler, of the flat-bottomed type. This boat had been running on the Molyneux River, as far up as Tuapeka Mouth and Clydevale. Although light of draught and fairly fast, she was not very suitable, and did not steer well in windy weather. After the Balclutha disappeared a small boat called Colleen, owned by Mr W. J. M. Larnach. and called after his daughter, I took up the running. She was built to run to Waverley. About that time the Waverley jetty was built, and the large | house in the corner was built as an hotel, i The bones of Colleen still rest in the mud opposite the house. Later still came the Auckland ferry steamer Osprey, also a

paddle boat, and sharp at both ends. She was a double decker. She made her appearance during the Exhibition years, 1889-90. She also failed to fulfil what was expected of her. and was sent back to her old haunts on th 1 Waitemata. Mi' Gwyn saw her there six years ago, but she has now finished her career of usefulness. A few other boats have taken up the tunning since that time, with varying degrees of success. In the early days Otago was divided into what was known as " hundreds,” and one of the lasting impressions of early school days was the chanting of the Maori names applied to these places. Prisoners could be seen at work cutting stone from Beil Hill. At that time the beach road to Portobello was being made and widened by prison labour. The prison hulk was anchored in the bay opposite the school, and the prisoners went back and forwards to meals in rowing boats, escorted by Sergeant Fergusson. and Warder M'Neish. who paraded all day with a rifle on the sling. Only the short sentence men were sent to the hulk, and civilians were not allowed to speak to them. They continued intermittently for a good number of years working down to Portobello. principally widening and Building the sea walls.

Lighting was by paraffin and kerosene and candles of the home-made type. It was* an evening event to prepare the candle mould, by cutting narrow strips of the leg of an old wornout white cotton stocking and threading in the mould for the wicks. These were filled next day with fat.

As time wore on the road was opened through to Portobello, and the mails which had been carried by the steamers twice a week were then carried on horseback bv Mr William Rodgers. Things went on m that way for some time, and gradually a good single track was made, with passing places, and it was not long before the contract to carry the mails was secured by Mr Henry Richmond, of Portobello, who employed a two-horse express with a tilt* ami seats to carry passengers. The fare was 5s return. Things improved gradually, and a horse-drawn bus made its appearance. And then came opposition. Mr Pickering secured the mail contract at a lower price and put on another bus. The fare was reduced to Is fid return and Is single fare, but the opposition soon ceased, with a law suit and a claim for damages in a collision, and Mr Richmond carried on for many years, eventually selling out. Gradually the old horse bus was pushed off the road by faster and more modern means of transport, and from a modest motor van for the carriage of milk has gradually evolved the present-day motor service to the Peninsula. In the far-off days it cost 2d to send a letter to Dunedin and 6d to send one to England or Scotland. The mails from England were few and far between, and their arrival was eagerly awaited.