Napier Main School Diamond Jubilee 1879-1939

NAPIER MAIN SCHOOL
(CENTRAL SCHOOL)

Diamond Jubilee

1879-1939

Souvenir Booklet

“LAY WELL THY FOUNDATION”

[Advertisement]
SINCE 1872
BLYTHES Ltd.
have been successfully outfitting the Children of Hawke’s Bay with
Things They’ll Need for
SCHOOL
When purchasing School Clothes from Blythes you are certain of getting the highest quality garments at the lowest prices.
Made from first-grade materials, these garments represent value above the ordinary, combining durability with neat appearance.
Our extensive stocks cover the requirements of every school-child, boy or girl, from the first primer to the highest form at High School and College.
A purchase made in our Store will convince you that it is best to buy from BLYTHES LTD. – NAPIER

Page 1

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

Editorial

A record of sixty years’ service to the cause of education in Napier is the proud tradition of the Main (Central) School, which celebrates this month the sixtieth anniversary of its establishment as an important centre of education in Napier.  To look in retrospect at the six decades of the school’s existence is to bring back to mind its achievement not merely as a scholastic institution, but as an avenue through which thousands of persons have passed on the road to citizenship.  Unlike a man, a school when it is entering upon the seventh decade of its existence is not approaching the final stages of life.  Arrival at that point is merely a convenient pausing time to take stock of the past, to cast up the accounts, to make an assessment of past service and examine the prospects for new.  Many schools are younger and more vigorous at sixty than at any earlier age.  To the Main School, then, the advent of its diamond jubilee marks that point where it is “sixty years young.”

H. K. STEVENSON.

Page 2

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

Committees

GENERAL EXECUTIVE.
Mrs. W. H. Shearer, Mrs. R. Layzell, Miss M. Campbell, Messrs. R. McGlashen, J. V. Ennor, V. E. Sanders, A. Scheele, G. Peake, S. P. Spiller, A. E. Renouf, P. Sorrell, J. Hyde, W. E. Cooper (secretary) and C. D. Wilson (chairman).

LADIES’ COMMITTEE.
Miss M. Cass, Miss Barnett, Mrs. Layzell, Mrs. J. Gilberd, Mrs. E. Hyde, Mrs. J. Coddington, Mrs. A. Heiford, Mrs. Moody, Mrs. Gebbie, Mrs. Steed, Mrs. Yates (secretary), Mrs. W. H. Shearer (chairwoman), Mrs. Highley, Mrs. Plested, Miss Tankard.

ROLLS COMMITTEE.
Misses Rayment (2), Campbell, Messrs. Hutton, Moody, Hillson and J. Browne (chairman).

BOOKLET COMMITTEE.
Messrs. G. Peake, J. Hyde, H. K. Stevenson, R. McGlashen, J. V. Ennor (chairman).

SUNDAY SERVICE COMMITTEE.
Misses M. and M. Cass, Miss Tankard, Mesdames C. Plested, Highley, Heiford, Steed, Messrs. A. Heiford, A. Hillson, C. Minett, Hatch, Bear (junr.), P. Sorrell (chairman).

OFFICIAL OPENING COMMITTEE.
Mr. A. Scheele (chairman), Messrs. S. P. Spiller, P. Amner and J. Alexander.

CONCERT COMMITTEE.
Messrs. A. E. Renouf and S. P. Spiller.

GARDEN FETE COMMITTEE.
Mesdames Shearer, Layzell, Misses M. Cass and Tankard, Messrs. Wood, Hutton, Carver, McGlashen, A. E. Renouf (chairman).

DINNER COMMITTEE.
Mesdames Highley and McKenzie, Messrs. P. Sorrell, A. Hilson, W. Nicholson, W. Ennor, S. P. Spiller (chairman), Ashworth and Wood.

BALL COMMITTEE.
Mesdames Coddington, Layzell, Shearer, Fraser, Moody, Carroll, Yates, Misses Campbell, Sigglekow, Hankard [Tankard] and Moody, Messrs. Lynch, Bowater, Carver, McCallum, A. E. Renouf and J. Hyde (chairman).

Page 3

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

Dedication

“THERE SHALL BE EDUCATION IN THIS LAND.”

Such might well be taken as the motto of the early settlers, who even before the introduction of State Primary Free Education in 1878, maintained private subsidised schools to give to their children a better education than they themselves had had.

This Jubilee period should not only be one of retrospection, but a time of looking forward and planning for the future, whilst viewing the achievements of the past in their true perspective.

REMEMBER –

“Heaven doth wish us as we with torches do,
Not light them for themselves…”

Any review of the School for the past 60 years would be incomplete without mention of the services of members of the school committee during that long period.  These men gave a service to the community of which we might well be proud, and to them and to members of the teaching staff, both past and present, is tendered sincere thanks for their outstanding services.

“Do not stand aloof, despising, disbelieving, but come in and help – insist on coming in and helping.  There are glorious years lying ahead of you if you choose to make them glorious.” – Barrie.

May the period of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations be a happy time of social intercourse, a renewal of old and a making of new friendships, and, above all, a fitting acknowledgment of Him to whom we owe all things.

In these days of world unrest and insecurity, optimism is essential, but above all faith and courage, for as Dr. Johnson says: “Unless a man has courage, he has no security for preserving any other virtue.”

C. DOUGLAS WILSON,
Chairman,
Diamond Jubilee Executive.

Napier, 31st August, 1939.

Page 4

[Advertisement]
Timber, Joinery, Builders’ and Householders’ Hardware, Paints, Glass etc.
OUR JUBILEE
WAS IN 1909 – 30 YEARS AGO
Since the commencement of our Business in 1859, we have been serving the people of Napier and Surrounding Districts, and extending and improving that service in every possible way.
Let the test of time be your guarantee and support, wherever possible, your own local industries and the workers associated therewith.
ROBERT HOLT & Sons LTD.
HAWKE’S BAY’S PIONEER SAWMILLERS, TIMBER AND HARDWARE MERCHANTS, NAPIER AND HASTINGS.

Page 5

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

The Hon. W. E. Barnard, M. P.

I am pleased to contribute a foreword to this Souvenir Booklet in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Napier Central School.

New Zealand has reached a stage in its growth when it can look back over a long procession of nearly one hundred years; and we, her people, are beginning to realise that we have a history behind us – a history born of the toil and hardships of the early settlers; a history of resultant growth and development through the intervening years up to the present day, when New Zealanders are fortunate indeed in the enjoyment of a standard of living second to none.

Sixty years ago, in 1879, what was then known as the Napier District School – the first public school in the neighbourhood – was opened, at the foot of Milton Road.  From then onwards, until the present splendid site was secured in Napier Terrace and a new building opened there in 1920, and still again, on to the present time, the school has had a continuous and honourable history.

Among those who have been instrumental, not only in building up the school, but in building up a School Tradition which has created a high standard of character among the children, the name of Mr. James Hislop must stand pre-eminent; and even the briefest foreword would be incomplete which did not bear high testimony to his forty years of devoted and successful service both as a Master and Headmaster of this school.

My earnest wish is that the future history of the Central School may eclipse even the fine record of the past, in passing on into the world boys and girls with a standard of character and a spirit of service which will make them ever worthier citizens of our splendid country and our great Commonwealth.

For therein lies the true test of success of this and every school in the Dominion.

THE HON. W. E. BARNARD, M.P.

Page 6

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

I am glad of this opportunity of extending my congratulations to the Napier Central School on the occasion of its Diamond Jubilee.

The part played by the Schools and their teachers in the moulding of the minds and characters of the pupils is reflected in the activities of those pupils in after life.  Many fine instances of school training are apparent throughout New Zealand, where pupils have gained the highest honours at school and followed on in most important of positions.

Apart from this angle I have many pleasant recollections of School life associations and friendships and I can appreciate the opportunity given by this function for the renewing of such friendships and the making of new.

I desire to place on record my appreciation of the very fine work done by the teachers and committees in making the education of our children possible under the conditions as they are to-day.

T. W. HERCOCK,
Mayor of Napier.

It is a pleasure to me to make this contribution to the official Jubilee publication of the Napier Central School, a school that as a parent in the realm of education in Hawke’s Bay, has, throughout the past 60 years, never failed in its good work of guiding and building the mental and physical well-being of thousands of our young citizens.

Its past pupils, strengthened and buttressed with a sound education have, and are to-day, occupying prominent positions in the social, economic, and recreational life of our nation.  Year by year the traditions of “Central,” by learning and by precept, have become enriched; and none can gainsay that the prosperity and advancement of Napier and Hawke’s Bay are in a great measure attributable to the outstanding service of the members of the teaching staff and of the School Committees over this long period of years.   And the work of the School must go on, for thinking men in all countries, are turning with renewed faith to education to counteract the mechanistic interpretation of life, and to further raise the standard of living and the joy of life by self reliance and courage and by exalted leisure.

The hope of the future lies within the Schools, and I am sure this great institution will, in association with our schools throughout Hawke’s Bay, continue to maintain the standard of its service to our country.

I congratulate whole-heartedly the Central School on the attainment of its Diamond Jubilee, and I earnestly wish the celebrations the utmost success.

I hope too, that past pupils will assemble on this occasion, to renew the friendships of boyhood and girlhood days, and to make a personal contribution to the School to which they owe so much.

With my personal good wishes

G.E. MADDISON,
Chairman Hawke’s Bay Education Board.

Page 7

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

FROM THE VERY BEGINNING
(By Mr. Jas. Hislop, former Headmaster).

Prior to the coming into force of the Education Act of 1877, the children of Napier had received their education at Church and private school.  In February 1879, however, the Napier District School was opened at the foot of Milton Road with a roll of approximately 500, and absorbed the pupils of the private schools in the vicinity, the teachers of these schools, namely, Miss Gascoigne and Messrs. Gush and Wright, becoming assistants in the new school of which Mr. A. B. Thomson had been appointed headmaster.  In addition to the foregoing, there were on the staff Mr. W. Murray, first assistant, who afterwards became inspector, in Taranaki district, Miss Robottom, who remained in the School till 1903, Miss Stanley and several pupil-teachers.

Among the first pupils were the late Mr. Justice Oscar Alpers, the Rev. Charles Laws, now one of the outstanding clergy of the Methodist Church, and Mr. John Williamson, for many years headmaster of Taradale School.  On account of the steady rise in attendance, it was found necessary to provide increased accommodation, and the infant school was built at the corner of Clive Square and Carlyle Street, where all the primer classes, and sometimes Std. 1 and Std. 2 were housed, Miss Robottom being in charge for a number of years.  As the town grew so did the attendance, and the report of Mr. Hill at his inspection visit in 1889 shows a roll number of 708 in the main school and 395 in the infants, making a total of 1103, while in 1896 when the Premier, the Rt. Hon. Richard Seddon visited the school, he addressed 960 pupils, a remarkable attendance.  The steady increase in numbers necessitated further rooms being built, the last additions being two upstairs rooms at the back of the main building.

CLASSES OF OVER 100.

The roll numbers remained at a high level and consequently teachers had very large classes to deal with, these numbering at times over 100.  This state of affairs was improved when all the standard classes were accommodated at the Hastings Street School in 1903, and still more when Nelson Park School was opened in 1914.  When the Intermediate School opened in 1933, a considerable drop took place, owing to about 160 Stds. five and six pupils having to be transferred there.  The present roll number of the Central is about 400.

In February 1892, Mr. T. Morgan, who had been headmaster of the Gisborne District School, succeeded Mr. Thomson as head, and with him started Mr. J. Hislop as third master.  In 1904, Mr. Morgan died while still in harness, and Mr. Hislop, who for nine years had held the position of second master, was appointed in his stead.  On his retirement on January 31, 1934, Mr. H. Parker Smith took his place, to be followed on his appointment to Hastings Central by Mr. V. Parsons.  Mr. Parsons was appointed head of Waipukurau District High School, and in February 1937, was succeeded at the Central by Mr. J. Daly.  Mr. Daly was forced to retire owing to ill-health, and Mr. R. McGlashan [McGlashen], the present head, took charge at the beginning of this year.

Page 8

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

Programme

SUNDAY, October 22nd –
Assemble on Marine Parade (South of Sound Shell), 1.45p.m.
March to Sound Shell.
Jubilee Church Service, 3 p.m.
March to Cenotaph and Laying of Wreath.

MONDAY,  October 23rd (Labour Day) –
Civic Welcome: Municipal Theatre, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, October 24th –
Jubilee Banquet, Foresters’ Hall, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, October 25th –
Jubilee Ball: Foresters’ Hall, 8 p.m.
Cards for Non-Dancers.

THURSDAY, October 26th –
Monster Garden Party: Central School Grounds, 2.30 p.m.
Monster Jubilee School Concert, Municipal Theatre, 8 p.m.

Page 9

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

THE OLD MAIN SCHOOL

As has been stated, the original school stood at the foot of Milton Road, being added to till it contained seven very large class-rooms, in addition to the gun room of which, I have no doubt, some of the boys have “painful” recollections.

In 1904, Napier was visited by a fairly severe earthquake which brought down the very tall chimneys, some of which were standing on the outside of the building, but otherwise no damage was done, and all the pupils were evacuated quickly without any mishap.

On December 5, 1916, a large part of the main building was destroyed by fire, the cause of which remained a mystery for a number of years, until a man on trial for setting fire to several places in Auckland, confessed that as a school boy he had been responsible for the school fire.  With the Christmas vacation near at hand, many of the pupils were looking forward with glee to a good long holiday.  In this, however, they were disappointed, for on the 7th work resumed, the classes being accommodated in the infants’ school, and in various Church school-rooms and halls near the Square.

This unsatisfactory state of affairs lasted for several years.  Largely on account of the lack of playground space, as well as the greatly-increased traffic on the streets nearby, it was deemed inadvisable to rebuild on the old site.  After protracted negotiations the present site on Napier Terrace – one of the finest school sites in New Zealand –-was obtained and two fine brick buildings were erected.  To these the primer classes were moved on April 1, 1920, and the standard classes on February 7, 1921, the total roll on the latter date being 585.  On April 20 the school was officially opened by the Hon. C. J. Parr, K.C.M.G.

AND THEN FEBRUARY 3, 1931.

On February 3, 1931, the day after re-opening, the disastrous earthquake that visited the district destroyed both buildings.  Very fortunately, the children had been given an extra quarter hour’s play which just carried them over the commencement of the ‘quake.  A later examination of the rooms showed that had the pupils been at work 70 or 80 of them must have been killed or seriously injured.  As it happened, there was only one casualty, a little chap who had entered school the day before having a leg broken by bricks falling from an outbuilding.

Again, the pupils had to be accommodated in various buildings in the town until two modern wooden buildings were ready for this use.  The first of these was officially opened on August 10 by the Hon. H. Atmore, Minister of Education, although some of the classes had still to be taught in other buildings.

If the lives of the thousands of pupils who have passed through this school, first known as Napier District School, later Napier Main, and now Napier Central, could possibly have been followed, what a number of interesting and gratifying tales would have been unfolded, and, alas, I am afraid, many tragedies.

No matter what part of New Zealand one may go into, one is almost sure to meet one or more of the old pupils, who, on the whole, look back with pleasure on the years they spent at their mother school.  In fact one hears of them scattered here and there throughout the world.

Page 10

[Advertisements]

WILLIAMS & CREAGH LTD.
PORT AHURIRI
COAL, COKE, WOOD, CARTAGE.
WILLIAMS & CREAGH LTD.
TOWN OFFICE – TENNYSON STREET.

NOW
Is the time to buy an ELECTRIC RANGE
“OUR PLAN” offers you SPECIAL LOW PRICES AND VERY EASY TERMS.
FREE INSTALLATION
ELECTRICITY IS CHEAP
ELECTRICITY IS SAFE – No Matches
ELECTRICITY IS CLEAN – No Fumes
ELECTRICITY IS RELIABLE – No Fluctuations
ELECTRICITY IS CONVENIENT – No Adjustments
ELECTRICITY is Yours – Use it!
RING PHONE 1284, or call at Showrooms,
Market Reserve Buildings,
Hastings Street.
Napier Municipal Electricity Department
HASTINGS STREET

Page 11

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

It is pleasing to note the large number of old boys and girls who have risen to high and honourable positions in the various walks of life they have taken up – professional, commercial and industrial, both government and civil.  Among the many outstanding pupils we may mention the following: – Oscar Alpers, John Caughley and Percy Storkey.

Oscard [Oscar] Alpers arrived in Napier from Denmark in 1875, and was then not able to speak a word of English.  He first attended a private school, and on the opening of the District School became one of its first pupils.  As he says in his “Cheerful Yesterdays,” “by October I had run through the standards and had passed through the highest class in the school.”  At the age of 12 years and 7 months he was appointed a pupil teacher in the school, and completed his training at Christchurch Training College.  Later he was employed as a teacher and lecturer at Canterbury College.  At the age of 38 years he was called to the Bar, and at 58 was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court, the day after he had been asked by the Government of Denmark to act as Consul for that country.  Strange to say, his first sitting as a judge took place in Napier.

Percy Storkey, some time after he left school, having been educated at the Main and later the Napier Boys’ High School, went to Sydney where he studied law and ultimately gained his L.L.B. degree.  In 1915 he went with one of the Australian Reinforcements to France where he gained the coveted V.C. for valour in the field.  On returning from the war he continued his work at the Bar, and much to the pleasure of those who knew him, word came a short time ago that he had been appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, at the early age of 45.

John Caughley, after passing through the school, became a pupil-teacher in Hastings District School.  On the completion of his apprenticeship he was, in 1892, appointed fourth master, and later third master in this school.  After having had charge of several important schools in this and other districts, he became Assistant-Director of Education, to be promoted later to Directorship, and this controlled the whole of education throughout New Zealand.

Eric Arnold, on leaving school, joined the Civil Service, and steadily rose in his branch of the service until he became Commissioner of the Government Life Insurance Department, a position he still holds.

The motto, “Mens sana in corpore sano” – a sound mind in a sound body – has played an important part in the education of the pupils, and a keen interest has been taken in physical training and sports of all kinds.

THE SCHOOL CADETS

For a number of years the school had three cadet companies, and these in their neat uniforms took part in many military and public gatherings in the town, where they always made a very favourable impression.  In 1901 two companies visited Christchurch to take part in a review of volunteers and cadets before the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (King George V and Queen Mary) and His Royal Higness [Highness] awarded pride of place in the march past to the Napier lads.

In 1907 the cadets again paid a visit to Christchurch, where a pleasant and profitable time was spent in military drill and visits to the Exhibition.

Swimming and Life Saving have long been a recognised feature of the school activities.  In 1911 a Life Saving Class was started by Night McCartney, an old pupil, who had himself in 1904 and 1905 won the schoolboys’ champion swimming medal for Hawke’s Bay.  Quite a number of trophies, won by both girls and boys, have come to the school, and every year quite a number have qualified for certificates for both distance swimming and life-saving.

Page 12

[Advertisement]
THE “COLT” COWL
A PERMANENT CURE FOR SMOKY CHIMNEYS
No moving parts.
Neat appearance.
This Cowl scientifically deflects the wind from any direction and prevents down draughts.
EASILY FITTED TO EXISTING CHIMNEYS
Literature and full particulars from –
C.H. CRANBY & CO. LTD.
P.O. Box 120   NAPIER   Phone 1172
District Distributors.

Page 13

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

Football, cricket and basketball have also received their full share of attention, and time and again the competitions in each of these sports have been won by the school teams.  A special word of praise is due to Mr. H. V. Phillips who, ever since he joined the staff, has taken a very keen interest in the foregoing sports, both land and water, and has devoted a great deal of his own time to coaching the children.  Much of their success must be attributed to his good work.

In conclusion, I would call upon the present pupils “to play the game,” and strive to emulate the many good examples that have been set them.  May they remember that the school has always borne a good name, and may they by their diligence and uprighteousness try to maintain that good name, nay, to place it on even a higher level than before.  As the motto on the gate says: “Lay well thy foundation.”

“THEN AND NOW”

(By J. Caughley, M.A., formerly a pupil and a teacher in the Napier School, and later Director of Education).

It gives me unusual pleasure to join with other former pupils in commemorating the Jubilee, the old associations, and the splendid record of the original Napier School, which I entered as a pupil in 1883, and as a teacher in 1892.  As “THEN AND NOW” covers 56 years, I propose to review some of the changes in school life that have taken place in that period.

First, in order to give present pupils a time-perspective, we may point out that in 1883 Napier, and other New Zealand towns had no wireless, radio, cinema, electric light, telephones, trams, motor-cars, safety-bicycles, typewriters, nor even lip-stick and permanent waves; while aeroplanes and submarines were still confined to Jules Verne’s wonder-stories.

For very many years before and after 1880, every primary school pupil had to face an annual individual examination by the Inspector in almost every subject; and according to a fixed detailed New Zealand syllabus.  Now, the rigid universal syllabus is largely replaced by the adapted school “scheme of work,” and class-promotions are made by the Headmaster.

Before, and for about 24 years after 1880, only a very few pupils proceeded from Standard VI to a High School, as the fees were high and scholarships were few.  In 1886, the Napier School, with about 900 pupils, had only 26 in the sixth standard, and of these, only two or three secured scholarships.

Since 1904, however, every qualified standard VI pupil may have a free place for secondary education; and now, in New Zealand, 99 per cent. of the pupils receiving Secondary education are free pupils.  This represents the highest proportion for any country in the world.

THE TEACHERS, THEN

Up to 1901 about half of the school staff in Hawke’s Bay was pupil teachers, nearly all of whom proceeded straight from the sixth standard to positions with £20 per annum for the first year to £45 for the fourth year.  Then many of them were unable to secure a position as assistant at even £60 or £80 per annum.

Page 14

[Advertisement]
Chesterfield Suites
BURTS have the largest stocks of QUALITY SUITES in Hawke’s Bay and cordially invite you to visit their spacious Showrooms, where you are assured of expert attention.
Have a friendly chat with the management about our Extended Terms.
Burt’s Furnishers Ltd.
HASTINGS STREET   NAPIER
P.O. Box 45.   Phone 1069.

Page 15

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

Since 1901, however, the staffs have been greatly strengthened and much better paid through the introduction of a Dominion scale of staffs and salaries.  Further, through the introduction in 1916 and 1918 of the Dominion scheme of grading and appointing of teachers, all teachers have an open field for appointment over the Dominion, instead of being virtually restricted to one province as under the former parochial system.

Since 1906 also we have reaped very great benefits from the establishment of four Training Colleges, though before that event, Napier did some very good work with a small training school at Napier South.  Now, every entrant to the teaching profession has had a secondary education at least up to Matriculation standard; and then for two or more years receives training and some University education, while receiving an allowance of about £100 per annum including board allowance.  What wonderful advantages they have over the pupil-teacher of 50 years ago.

Space will not permit of more than a mention of other great advances since 1880.  These include: Great improvement in school buildings, smaller classes, generous provision for conveyance of pupils, manual and domestic training, medical and dental inspection and treatment, correspondence schools, free milk supply, modern physical training, reduction of “homework” and “keeping-in”, and a marked relaxation of the sterner form of rigid discipline and control.  Pupils and teachers alike, and of course parents, have thus inherited very great benefits from these numerous and valuable improvements, which leave us little cause to envy any country in the world with similar resources.

May I, in conclusion, make two comments.  When looking back to the less favoured days of 1880 and thereabout, let us pay full tribute to the pupils, parents, teachers and officials who, in spite of, and often because of, the difficulties and deficiencies of fifty years ago did such splendid work for the town, the province, and the Dominion.  Many of the Napier and Hawke’s Bay teachers of 50 years ago would not suffer in comparison with the best teachers of to-day with respect to personality, breadth of outlook, wise training and education of children and to their influence among the community.  Many parents and grand-parents of to-day will testify to this tribute.

BUILDING A NATION

The old pupils too, even without present-day advantages, have, in surprising numbers, borne splendid testimony to their teaching and training as well as to their own diligence, initiative, enterprise, capacity and character.  In all walks of life they have done great credit to themselves, their teachers and parents.  Naturally the individual cases are most noticeably those of youths and men in the outside world; but there is also abundant general evidence that the former girl pupils, few of whom engage in the outside world, have in the far more important and fundamental sphere of Home and Nation building, rendered unique service to the city, the province, and the Dominion, of a type and national value that even the most successful business man can scarcely surpass.

My last comment is that we can confidently hope to see the present pupils, parents and teachers realise, appreciate, and give rich evidence of their endeavour to utilise and make fruitful the wonderfully improved and beneficent conditions and facilities which they now enjoy.  “Noblesse Oblige.”  Privileges carry obligations.  We feel sure that the present generation will, through their present advantages, develop a wider, fuller, richer, more and more cultured standard of life and character, resulting in a capacity and a readiness for greater service, and in the provision and transmission of still richer opportunities for the next generation.

Page 16

[Advertisements]

Marine Parade Private Hotel
NAPIER.
The largest Private Hotel in Napier…
Fronting Napier’s beautiful Marine Parade, opposite Children’s Playground, Paddling Pool and Hot Salt Water Baths.
MODERATE TARIFF.
G.E. MOODY, Proprietor
Phone 341.

DOCKERY’S
FOR GROCERIES!
You know
that Value means a combination of low costs, pleasing quality and trouble-free service.
FOR VALUE
in GROCERIES Shop at
R. DOCKERY & CO. LTD.
EMERSON STREET   NAPIER

Page 17

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

THE YEAR THE SCHOOL OPENED.
Back Row: Mary Oliver, Mary Corbin, Alice Hamlin, Sarah Stewart, Adaline Baldwin, Louise Brenton.
Middle Row: Ada Le Moignan, Lilly Corbett, Louise Berry, Maggie Leslie, Minnie Spriggs, Martha Grubb, Maggie Symonds.
Front Row: Aggie Coulton, Priscilla Burton, Emmie Faulknor, Clara Schwabe, Kate Dunn.

STANDARD 3 IN 1879.
Mistress: Florrie Reed.
Back Row: J. Carruth, Mary Mortenson, Kate Grant, -, Clara Hausen, Mabel Smith, Maggie Spratt, M. Murray, F. Baker, -,
Middle Row: T. Watt, S. Lindsay, P. Sellar, Percy Bear, H. McLennan, F. Laws, H. Rymer, Percy Bridger, -, V. Kelsale.
Front Row: H. Bull, A. Wooden, T. Bear, Nellie Gilberd, – Sculley, M. Jones, Annie Webber, -, H. Hallett, Charlie Smith, Tom Limbrick.

Page 18

[Advertisement]
ANDERSON’S NURSERIES
WELLESLEY ROAD & NELSON CRESCENT.
(Also at Cornhill Street, Wellington).
This is Our Golden Jubilee Year
All Old Boys of the Napier Main School will remember the Nurseries in Milton Road, commenced in 1889 by the late Mr. J. N. Anderson, and in 1913, transferred to Wellesley Road, and will know of the expansion which has taken place since then.
Specialising in the production of high-class PALMS, POT PLANTS, SEEDLINGS and many other lines, Anderson’s Nurseries are now by far the largest producers in New Zealand.  Strict and expert attention is paid to every order, whether large or small.
With the patronage of a very old and increasing clientele, we have built up a business in 50 years of which we are proud.
An invitation to all is extended to visit our Nurseries, or write for our Catalogues.  Enquiries welcomed.
J.N. ANDERSON & SON LTD.
ANDREW J. ANDERSON – Managing Director

Page 19

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

“A PEEP INTO THE PAST”
(By A. E. Renouf)

My mind drifts down the “River of Years” to the day when, as a very small boy, I was gently led to the main District School at the foot of Milton Road, Napier, to be initiated into the mysteries of the three R’s.  The School had not long been built and at that time had no fence around it.

The Headmaster was Mr. Archibald Bruce Thomson, a strict disciplinarian but a very just man.  He wielded a “nifty” cane in a manner all his own.  Instead of the orthodox “swish,” he used to “wiggle” the stick and connect with a sharp flip, and, oh boy! did it sting?

Nevertheless, Mr. Thomson was a splendid teacher and his old pupils will remember with gratitude the benefits they received while under his care.  Many years after leaving school I met Mr. Thomson who was visiting Napier.  He was pleased to see me and said: “It is nice to know that my old scholars are keeping my memory green.”

The first assistant master was a kindly old Scot named David Murray, whose expression “Shut ye the door” will be recollected by old-timers.  Later on his place was taken by Mr. James Smith, better known to his class as “Sprouty.”  Eventually he resigned to take up farming in the King Country.  Only a few years ago I met him in Napier and he recognised me at once.

Then came Mr. David Sturrock, who, I am happy to say, is hale and hearty and at the age of 81 is still able to play a good game of bowls in Wellington where he now resides.  It is hoped that he will be present at our Jubilee Celebrations and exchange happy reminiscences with the old-time pupils.

Other teachers that I remember in the olden days were Oscar Alpers (afterwards a Judge of the Supreme Court), Charles Heslin, – Wake, James Hislop (now in retirement) and John Williamson (chairman of Taradale Town Board).

The lady teachers that I can call to mind were Miss Robottom (infant mistress), Miss Corbin (now Mrs. Harris, residing at Greenmeadows) and the two Misses Brown.  Miss Mary Brown had a rather extraordinary accent – so much so, that a dictation lesson she gave us over 50 years ago remains imprinted on my memory.  Here it is:- “It is a circumstance of great significance that parts of animals which to superficial observers, might seem useless or even inconvenient, have been found in the progress of discovery, to serve the most important ends in the economy of life.”

In those early days what is now the thriving suburb of Napier South, was known as the “Little Beach.”  In the hot summer weather we often went to bathe during the lunch adjournment or dinner hour as it was usually known, in a creek which was situated about where Macdonald Street is now.  To get there we had to take off out boots and stockings and wade across the Little Beach. The water in the creek was about three feet deep and quite warm and it was there that most of the boys learned to swim.

Page 20

[Advertisements]

B.G. NICHOLSON
3 WINIFRED STREET, NAPIER.
FURNITURE MANUFACTURER
– AND CABINET MAKER –
FURNITURE MADE TO OWN DESIGN.
(SUPPORT ONE OF THE OLD PUPILS).
Phone 589

QUALITY SUPPLIES
At
MISS CASS’
HANDY STORE
Corner Todd Street and Wellesley Road.
All goods at Town Prices.
GROCERIES – CONFECTIONERY – VEGETABLES

Page 21

1879   Napier Main (Central) School Jubilee Souvenir Booklet   1939

Among my fellow pupils in those early days were John Caughley (later Director of Education), Herbert Russell (late secretary Hawke’s Bay War Relief Association), Robert Le Quesne (the famous Rugby fullback), Robert Holt (R. Holt and Sons), Harry Bull (Fraser and Bull), Wm. Fraser (late Daily Telegraph), Robert Magill (draper), and many others whose names I cannot recall at the moment.  Many of these old scholars have gone West.  Others have sought their fortunes in various parts of the world, whilst a large number have stuck to their home town and I am happy to say, have done well for themselves.

Occasionally, one would find among the very early pupils a hefty lad with a full beard, which gained for him considerable respect from the small fry.

I have a keen recollection of the Tarawera erupation [eruption] which destroyed the famous pink and white terraces in 1886.  In Napier the sky was obscured by a dark cloud composed of ashes carried by the wind from the scene of the eruption.  The gloomy effect was most weird and unearthly.  Needless to say, very little work was done in the school that day owing to the prevailing excitement.

Old-time pupils will have happy memories of the annual school concerts when cantatas were produced under the able guidance of Mr. D. A. Sturrock.  On one occasion I was cast for the part of the quarrelsome scholar and had to appear with a lovely black eye.  I wonder how many old-timers remember little Katie Cantte singing to me in a sweet childish treble:-

Naughty Boy, Naughty Boy,
Always fighting, don’t you know
You are bad, very bad
When you quarrel so.
If such wicked things you do,
None will ever play with you
Naughty Boy, Naughty Boy
When you quarrel so.

Charlie Hodgson was the tardy scholar and the words of the chorus sung to him still remain in my memory:

Tardy scholar is your name
You are scolded, whose to blame.
Always sleeping till the clock strikes eight,
Slowly creeping to the schoolyard gate.

What a memory, sez you.  Maybe, but just ask my wife what happens when she tells me to be sure and bring home a pound of butter.

Heigh ho!  It is a far cry to these olden days.  Since then the happy shouts of successive generations of children have echoed through the school playground.  The name of the old school has been altered and its location changed, but to us old-timers it still remains our Alma Mater.

We all retain happy memories of our old school days when such matters as the high cost of living and rates and taxes meant less to us than the dirt beneath our feet.

At our jubilee re-union old friendships will be renewed and many reminiscences exchanged.

And when the festivities have died down, let us with cheerful hearts continue to wend our way along the “Broad Highway which is Life” till the end of the journey, when the bell rings for the final assembly and the Great HEADMASTER calls the Roll.

Page 22

[Advertisement]
Ask Your
Grocer for
LION PEPPERS
LION SPICES
LION ICING SUGAR
LION JELLY CRYSTALS
LION CASTOR SUGAR
LION WORCESTER SAUCE (Bulk or Bottles)
LION TOMATO SAUCE (Bulk or Bottles)
LION TOMATO CHUTNEY
THEY ARE THE BEST!
We can confidently recommend our Sauces as being as good as the imported article.
W. PLOWMAN & SONS
LIMITED
NAPIER, HAWKE’S BAY