Ormondville School Jubilee 1878-1960

Ormondville School

JUBILEE

1878 – 1960

Jubilee Committee

C. NEWLING, Chairman.

D. CHARLTON JONES, Secretary.

Mrs. PACKER.   A. WHITING (Treasurer).
Mrs. HYDE.   R. CHADWICK.
Mrs. CLARKE.   W. ELLINGHAM.
Miss CLEGG.   M. PEDERSON [PEDERSEN].
B. ANDERSON [ANDERSEN].   V. BENBOW.
A. BURLING.   L. SELBY.
P. OLSEN   R. WARD.
Mr. C. NICKOLAISEN [NIKOLAISON].

PRESENT SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Messrs. T. McMILLAN (Chairman), R. CHADWICK (Secretary), H. SNADDON, V. BENBOW, L. SELBY, B. CASTLES, M. PEDERSEN.

PRESENT SCHOOL STAFF

Mr. R. W. WARD, B.A., Mrs. E. WARD, Miss E. Gorton, Mrs. M, THYNNE (Relieving), Miss D, KENNEDY (Dental Nurse).

ORMONDVILLE SCHOOL

82nd Jubilee

Foreword

I am very pleased to be able to write a few lines by way of Foreword to this booklet and to offer the sincere congratulations of the Hawke’s Bay Education Board to all those of the present generation who have contributed so much to the cause of Education in the Ormondville district.

I should like also to pay tribute to all those who, in earlier days, by precept, toil and example, helped to establish and develop the school which has become, not only a centre of learning, but has also permeated the surrounding community with its spirit and tradition.

I have no doubt that all who read this book and attend the various Jubilee functions, will have a happy time of re-union and will recount, possibly “with advantage” the many episodes and tales of their school days. It is a good thing that this should be so and that we should remember our debt to the past. Having done that, we will enter upon the future more effectively.

On behalf of my Colleagues on the Board, I would like to congratulate the Jubilee Committee on the arrangements they have made and to wish the School, its pupils, teachers and supporters every good wish for the future.

W. SMITH,
Chairman, Hawke’s Bay Education Board.

School Group, 1880.

EIGHTY-SECOND JUBILEE   3

Programme

FRIDAY, 6th MAY –
Morning:   School open for inspection from 11 a.m.
Afternoon:   Sports Meeting – Present Pupils.
Evening:   Ball 8.30 p.m.

SATURDAY, 7th MAY –
Morning: 10 a.m. Official Welcome and Roll Call.
Light Lunch 5/-.
Afternoon:   Sports – Tea 2/6.
Evening:   Banquet 6.30 p.m.

SUNDAY, 8th MAY –
Morning: Church Parade.

4   ORMONDVILLE SCHOOL

ORMONDVILLE SCHOOL

Chairman’s Welcome

The Jubilee, which we hope will be celebrated with enthusiasm on May 6th to 8th, marks the 82nd years since the establishment of the Ormondville School.

We of the Jubilee Committee and ex-pupils still living in Ormondville, heartily welcome all ex-pupils and teachers attending the Celebrations, and look forward to the greeting of old acquaintances and of the renewal of many friendships of our school days.

The arrangements for, and the conduct of a Jubilee, is a big undertaking, and I would on behalf of the ex-pupils and all participating in the celebrations, record our thanks to the members of the Committee, and those many others, who have worked to make a success of the celebrations.

It is fitting to record particularly, our thanks to the present Headmaster for his valuable work in compiling and editing this Jubilee Booklet. We hope that from this Jubilee we will be able to provide some practical additions to the School’s amenities, and we wish our new school good fortune, and continued progress in the years to come,

(Sgd.) C. NEWLING,
Chairman Jubilee Committee.

The Jubilee Committee.

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Message for Publication in the School Magazine

I am very pleased to send my best wishes to all who are celebrating this Jubilee of the Ormondville School. In New Zealand a school that is 82 years old is as old as our system of parliamentary government that followed the abolition of the provinces, and I notice that two rooms of your school were erected in 1878 – the very year in which the national system of education began to operate. The third room was built in 1894 so that the school was already well established by the beginning of this century.

Some of the great advantages of a well established school have been balanced in recent years by the old age and unsatisfactory placing of the building. It has done good service but is no longer adequate for the wide demands of modern education, and I am sure that everyone connected with the school will have been glad to hear that it is to be replaced.

It has given me great pleasure to approve the purchase of a new site and the preparation of plans for the building. The school will embody our most recent ideas in construction and facilities, and I am sure that the new site will prove to be more healthy and convenient for the children and their teachers.

Throughout its history Ormondville School has been loyally supported by your local community. As I offer my best wishes to the school in its future premises I am confident that this support will continue and grow.

P.O. SKOGLUND,
Minister of Education.

The School and Staff, 1899.

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Message from the Rt. Hon. K. J. Holyoake

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, AND M. P. FOR PAHIATUA

My sincere congratulations are extended to all who are taking part in the 82nd Jubilee of the Ormondville School.

When a school reaches such an age, there is every reason to assume that among its past pupils, there will be some who have particularly excelled as outstanding citizens. Whether in sport, in scholarly pursuits, or in the field of commerce, or agriculture – these are outstanding.

Yet, no lesser attention should be paid to the closely-knit community of teachers and pupils of the past and present, who as a whole contribute so much of value.

A return to the school, and the atmosphere of our training, renews ties and friendships that may have suffered through the passing of time. These reunions re-embellish us with a simplicity that is essential towards balanced outlook as we enjoy the warm feeling of old friendships renewed.

School-training is instilled in us, and consciously or unconsciously our lives are patterned on this, and the training we receive from our parents. It is good to remind ourselves of these basic human values at a time such as this.

I extend a warm greeting to all who attend this mature jubilee celebration,

KEITH HOLYOAKE.

EIGHTY-SECOND JUBILEE   9

Editorial

The production of a magazine of this type is often an onerous and difficult task, as records covering period of 82 years are often vague, and inaccurate, or have even been destroyed by catastrophes such as fire and earthquakes. The fires following the disastrous Napier earthquakes, have caused a great gap in records of Ormondville School and if we have been unable to trace many past pupils, committee – men or teachers – or omitted to mention names and incidents which may have seemed important to you, we can but tender our humble apologies.

The purpose of this magazine is to remind you of incidents of your era, and if these brief accounts of first occurrences, photographs of old school comrades and accounts of early Ormondville days, create a more vivid and happy recollection in the minds of its readers, then this publication has succeeded in its task.

A School Jubilee gives those who attend it a new vision of their school – not as an old and dingy wooden building – but a school whose character has been developed and moulded by the pupils and teachers who have worked together in it.

Often functions of this nature have a tinge of sadness for those who have returned to the school desiring to meet old friends, for many of the teachers and school-mates of their time have passed on, or have been unable to attend. Many, too, have paid the supreme sacrifice in World Wars and as local Rolls of Honour have been found to be inaccurate we have decided not to publish lists of names as inadvertent omissions here tend to wound sacred memories.

Though this celebration is in the nature of a swan song for grand old building, which has outlived its usefulness and is in the process of being replaced, it is to be hoped that all attending will enjoy renewing old acquaintances and forming new friendships. The success of this Jubilee depends largely on the manner in which those taking part celebrate the occasion. Though the burden of adult life may be heavy on many of you, to recapture but for one day, the spirit of your school days will endow you with pleasant memories for later years and impart to the teachers and present-day pupils a spirit which will serve them well to mould and determine the character of the new Ormondville School.

10   ORMONDVILLE SCHOOL

ORMONDVILLE SCHOOL

Examined, 28th, August 1878

1 – Teacher:
Mrs. Gundrie who is temporarily appointed as Mistress.

2 – Schoolroom, etc.:
The school is held in a room hired at a rental of €20 per annum.

3 – Number Present, etc.
These were present at the examination 17 children, viz.: 11 boys and 6 girls.

4 – General Remarks:
The school was only opened on July 8th of the present year, and it cannot be expected that much progress has been made in so short a time. Mrs. Gundrie is doing her best to advance the children but as yet the attainments are very low.

The great drawback has been the want of apparatus. An old table and a few plank boards form the only school material. It is indispensable that the school should be better supplied or else the time of both children and teacher will be wasted. A timetable should be prepared for the school in which each subject taught and the duration of each lesson should be clearly shown. Singing, sewing and elementary drawing might be introduced into the school routine with great advantage. It will be necessary however to give for the present much time to the subjects reading, writing, arithmetic, spelling and Dictation and for the girls sewing, as these are the most important acquirements in a child’s life. When these are well known an advance might be made into the higher standard subjects.

October 15th, 1878.

H. HILL, B.A.,
Inspector of Schools.

EIGHTY-SECOND JUBILEE   11

Foundation Pupils

BOYS

CHARLES BAINES.
THOMAS FOTHERGILL.
GEORGE FOTHERGILL.
JAMES PACKER.
GEORGE PLANK.
ALLEN PLANK.
WILLIAM BARNES.
DANIEL BARNES.
JOSEPH HOWES.
WALTER GUNDRIE.
TOM PACKER.

GIRLS
HARRIET BAINES.
JULIEN PACKER.
ANGELA PLANK.
FLORENCE GUNDRIE.
BEATRICE GUNDRIE.
ELIZABETH HERBERT.

The early trains from Kopua to Napier were noted for their lateness in arriving as the crews often engaged in pig – shooting en route. One day the train was greeted by a cheering crowd at Napier. When asked for a reason for the cheering. the crowd informed the driver he’d made history by arriving on time. “On time, be blowed!” he snorted. “We had such a good shoot, that I’m a day late!”

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Extracts from the School Log

28th Mar., 1886 –
Received from Education Board one Log Book for the use of the Ormondville School.

1st Apl., 1886 –
Pupil – teacher A. Jarman to-day severed his connection with the Ormondville School without giving the Board one month’s notice, having received a more lucrative appointment in the Railways Dept.

1st Feb., 1887 –
Roll – Boys 44; Girls 38. Total, 82.

9th Feb., 1887 –
For some days past the teachers have instituted a working bee among the children for the purpose of clearing the land opposite the school.

23rd Mar., 1887 –
The committee granted a holiday in honour of completion of railway to Woodville and to allow children to go to Woodville with their parents.

6th May, 1887 –
I flogged three boys for using obscene language. The punishment was two strokes on each hand and stripes over the breach.

3rd Oct., 1887 –
Raining in torrents all day. No pupils attended. The pupil – teacher Miss Kuhtze, however, braved the elements and received instruction.

16th Mar., 1888
Obliged to dismiss the school early in the afternoon on account of the dense volumes of smoke blowing in from Norsewood rendering it impossible to work. All the week have been working under difficulties, the violent gales all the week rendering the voice inaudible in school.

EIGHTY-SECOND JUBILEE   13

26th Mar., 1888 –
Children contributed £2 8s. 0d. in aid of the children of Norsewood who have lost their books in the recent destructive fire which demolished the school building and a great many others.

10th July, 1899 –
Weather being violent with snow, I postponed the opening till to – morrow.

7th Dec., 1899 –
The School Committee passed a hearty vote of praise to the Staff for the very high state of efficiency of the School as shown by the Inspector’s Report.

18th July, 1900 –
Abor Day. Girls sent to decorate the walls of the school. Boys to plant trees and tidy up the play ground.

2nd Aug., 1902 –
Obtained trees and shrubs from Horton’s and will have them put in before Coronation Day.

14th Oct., 1907 –
Influenza epidemic. Every day very wet this month.

26th Oct., 1914 –
Elizabeth and Johannes Thomasen met with an accident on their road to school and will be absent for a few days.

7th Oct., 1918 –
School closed by Minister of Education to celebrate Allied victories, particularly the surrender of Bulgaria.

12th Nov., 1918 –
News received of signing of Armistice. Govt. Health Officer closed all schools in district on account of influenza.

19th Nov., 1918 –
Secretary of Board notified me that school to remain closed until Jan. 21st, 1919,

4th Feb., 1919 –
School re-opened after being closed for 12 weeks.

1st Feb., 1922 –
Dulcie Nicholaisen [Nikolaison] gained Junior National Scholarship.

14   ORMONDVILLE SCHOOL

17th July, 1922 –
Miss Ferguson absent – accident to teeth.

25th Sept., 1926 –
To-day the school football fifteen visited Dannevirke to play Convent for the final of the Friendly Societies’ Shield and gained a narrow victory by 7 points to 6. During the season the team has played 6 competition matches: won 5, lost 1. Points for: 104; against 29.

14th July, 1927 –
Have to-day received from the Education Board 20 dual desks to replace old long desks in P. – S.2 room.

27th Dec., 1927 –
School Cricket XI defeated Dannevirke North XI by 8 wickets, thus retaining Sinclair Cricket Cup for 2nd successive year.

1st Feb., 1928 –
School opened to-day after Midsummer Vacation. Roll 76.

4th June, 1928 –
School football team won the Tutere Cup in the annual seven aside tournament at Dannevirke.

16th Aug., 1928 –
The school XV played Dannevirke North in the final game for the Friendly Societies Shield winning 6 – 0.

29th Nov., 1928 –
Fifty-six pupils examined for Proficiency Certificates. All passed successfully.

17th Feb., 1930 –
Ed. Board carpenters commenced erection of Dental Clinic in S.W. corner of the playground.

21st Feb. 1930
Annual Railway excursion to Napier.

3rd Feb., 1931 –
Violent earthquake about 11.50 a.m., brought down chimney in Headmaster’s room and cracked chimney in spare room. Owing to shock to children and parents it was decided by the Committee not to resume school until debris had been cleared, and things made safe, as there were likely to be other shocks.

EIGHTY-SECOND JUBILEE   15

13th Feb., 1931 –
Another violent shock at 1.35 p.m. Dismissed school for the day at 2 p.m.

12th May, 1937 –
Mr. Nicholaison [Nikolaison] (sen.) planted a commemorative oak on occasion of Coronation Ceremony.

1st Feb., 1938 –
Opened school with a roll of 62.

2nd Feb., 1942 –
School reopened with a roll of 58.

5th June, 1945 –
School bus 30 mins. Late – frostbound.

15th Aug., 1945 –
News received of cessation of hostilities. School dismissed at 2 p.m. being earliest time the school bus available.

9th Aug., 1950 –
Road to Whetukura blocked. Bus did not run.

23rd May, 1951 –
Trimming of macrocarpa hedge was commenced.

16th July, 1952 –
Received from 2 boys 10/ – towards cost of window they broke.

1st Feb., 1955 –
School Roll: 100.

10th July, 1957 –
Iron tank at corner of the school was blown down.

17th Dec, 1959 –
School closed for the year. Roll, 105.

The Township, 1906.

EIGHTY-SECOND JUBILEE   17

“History of Ormondville”

According to the Lands and Survey records at Napier, Ormondville township special settlement was opened in 1875. It consisted of two Blocks Nos. 120 and 121 of a total area of 112 acres 1 rod. No. 120 of 51 1/2 acres was purchased by one Alf Lysman Levy on 23/12/1878 for £51/10/- and 121 of 60 3/4 acres by Robert McKnight on 10/4/1879 for £60/15/- . In 1876 a special settlement comprising 2600 acres was made, and later on other similar Government Sub-divisions were effected. Ormondville was named after the Hon. J. D. Ormond, M.L.C., who at one time owned large estates in the district. In his book ‘The Story of Hawke’s Bay,” Mr. A. Reed writes –

“Ormondville in 1876 was in the process of being settled. A few of the pioneers were living in weatherboard houses, but the majority, including many with large families, were still in tents. The price of the land had been twenty shilling per acre, but the dauntless settlers were paying twenty one shillings, the extra shilling to be used to augment a fund for the building of a school.’’

Road Board

From 1878 until 1886 the roads in the Ormondville District were under the control of a Road Board, its first chairman being Mr. A. Levy. 1886 saw the formation of the Ormondville Town Board. Its first chairman was Mr. Robert Read Groom, J.P. who continued in that capacity until 1898. Other members of the first Board were: – Mr. Job Packer, Mr. Matthias Joseph Skinner, Mr. John Charles Dairs, Mr. William Shuker and Mr. Charles Richard Baines.

A coach service to Norsewood was established and later, operated by Mr. T. Smith, ran twice daily until as late as 1925,

18   ORMONDVILLE SCHOOL

The School

First school was held in a room across the road from the hotel, on the corner section. Foundation scholars under Mrs. Gundrie numbered 17. Six girls and 11 boys. In 1880 the present school was built on the edge of an area considered too swampy for grazing. The school roll increased rapidly and access to the school across the swamp was gained by a raised causeway which lasted for many years.

Name of some of the original owners of sections in the Ormondville Township were: –  F. W. Hollins, G. Satchwell, J. J. Browne, J. Leslie, S. M. Groom, A. R. Groom, A. S. Webb, E. Lyndon, J. F. Carlson, Mrs. Beale, J. Brabazon, Geo. May, Emil Skog, H. S. Ruddock, W. Stock, Dan Cotton, Wm. Prebble, G. Farrell, Geo. Scarfe, J. Wishart, R. Moynihan, J. Cronin, Jas. Purdie, Alf Jarman, H. J. Hallett, S. H. Tuck, Michael Brown, D. J. Joll, J. Grubb, Wm. Laing, Alex Grant.

Names of storekeepers and tradesmen of the town – early days : –
W. Beale   Carpenter – 1878.
J.T. Blackmore   Engineer 1878.
C. Bolton   Sawmiller 1878.
J. Cox   Labourer 1878.
J. Grant   Storeman 1878.
B. Harding   Blacksmith 1878.,
G. Henson   Settler 1878.
J. Herbert   Cook 1878.
T. Nicholls   Carrier 1878.
J. J. Browns   Storekeeper. 1880.
R. R. Groom   Storekeeper
F. W. Hedward [Redward]   Butcher.
Codlin   Blacksmith.
G. D. May   Saddler, etc.
Sugden & Sons   General Store.
J. Skinner   Baker Confectioner.
Forbes   Draper.
Wiseman   Draper.
Martin   Fruiterer.
Mrs. Beale   Confectionery and Aerated Waters.
McFarlane   Blacksmith.
Dave Moody   Cabinet-maker.
G. Hussey   Ranger – (fish).

EIGHTY-SECOND JUBILEE   19

From the History of Hawkes-Bay

BY J. G. WILSON

With the passing of the Education Act of 1877 following the abolition of the Provincial Government (1876) things changed for the better and the main principles of the Education Policy embodied in the Act, as firmly established as ever – free, secular, compulsory.

School Committees – On 10th January, 1878 school districts and boundaries were defined and School Committees were elected at meetings of householders on 19th Feb., 1878 at the following places: – Port Ahuriri, Napier Suburban, Napier, Taradale, Meanee [Meeanee], Puketapu, Clive, Hastings, Havelock, Patangata, Waipawa, Waipukurau, Norsewood and Ormondville.

Sawmills and 70 mile Bush

When the first settlers arrived in the 70 mile (and 40 mile) bush the whole country side was clothed in virgin forest. This mostly was looked upon by the section holders as a liability because it all had to be felled, burnt and the ground broken up and sown in crops and grass. This, no doubt, was correct from one point of view, but at the same time it was a blessing in disguise, for the labour required to dispose of this forest made work for hundreds of settlers. Revenue came from house blocks, shingles for roofs, slabs tor sidings of buildings, posts, rails and battens for fences and last but not least thousands of railway sleepers for the new railway being laid from Napier to Palmerston North. Prices received for these products were approximately : –

Shingles    14/-  to 25/-  per 1000.
House Blocks   6d. to 16d. each.
Fence Posts   £3 to £4/10/-  per 100.
Strainers, 9 ft.    6/6 to 10/- .
Railway Sleepers   1/3 each.

20   ORMONDVILLE SCHOOL

From J. G. Wilson’s History of Hawke’s Bay Note I. The term seventy mile bush now usually considered as referring to the area of forest extending from Kereru to the Gorge, but formerly used very loosely in reference to the bush from Takapau to the Gorge which was even in official letters sometimes called 40 mile and 70 mile in the same paragraph. At times the bush between Takapau and Masterton was called the 90 mile bush.

Railways

The railway from Napier reached Takapau by March 12th, 1877. (The first Stationmaster was Mr. John Wood, whose two sons had taken up a bush section under the Ruahine Ranges at Umataroa in 1905. Sometime in 1878 the railway reached Kopua – 64 miles from Napier. It was quite sometime before it reached Ormondville, as two major viaducts had to be built across fairly deep ravines, especially the Ormondville one which was said to be one of the largest trestle bridges in existence at the time. It was replaced in 1907/8 by a modern steel viaduct the highest part being 145 feet above the river bed.

Fires in the Bush and Ormondville

From the History of Hawke’s Bay – In 1872, Scandinavian immigrants were brought expressly to clear the great 40 mile bush, cutting and then burning to win growing patches from the “wilderness”  while sawmills worked steadily. Fires in standing bush became more and more important, and from the late 80’s to the 1900’s, we might call the era of fire, including the great Norsewood fire of 1888 which destroyed part of the village, and the fires of the early 1900’s which destroyed much of the forest toward and in the Wairarapa.

The Old Wooden Viaduct.

22   ORMONDVILLE SCHOOL

One of the Early Fires which Destroyed most of the Township.

Past Teachers

HEAD TEACHERS

Miss Gundrie   R. H. Bond
Mr. C. Rogers   K. Creagh
Mr. J. Westall   P. Smalley
J. D. Watson  A. Duff
Mr. Curd   C. Leggat
A. Wharburton [Warburton]  T. W. Hume
W. Avery   A. Dewar
Mrs. W. Davidson   Mr. Wolstenholme
W. Renton   Mr. Webber
A. A. Hintz   Mr. A. Sim
B. M. Kibble White [Kibblewhite] G. W. Napier
C. W. Pearce   E. G. Sutherland
W. H. Smith   Miss J. Wharmby
M. H. Beuth   Mr. F. Hoskings
G. McLellan

EIGHTY-SECOND JUBILEE    23

ASSISTANTS

Miss Khutze [Kuhtze]  Miss Higgins
Miss Palmer   Miss L. Campbell
Miss Gundrie   Mrs. Johnstone
Miss M. Nult   Miss E. Coleman
Miss Allen   Miss S. Rogers
Miss Grant   Miss M. Crawford
Miss Brabazon   Miss Freeman
Miss Fothergill   Mr. A. Hosking
Mrs. Westall   Miss J. Russell
Miss I. Robinson   Miss Nelson
Miss E. Cooke   Miss Burton
Miss Paton   Miss Gilmore
Miss Frude   Miss B. Clifford
Miss Tuerman   Miss L. Kendon
Miss Tuohy   Miss L. Williams
Miss C. Smith   Mr. Cain
Miss J. Ellingham   Mr. Jonasen
Miss Priestley   Mr. B. Pedersen
Miss A. Ferguson   Mrs. Sim
Miss Wilson   Miss Cormack
Miss Watson   Miss Cammock
Miss F. Black   Miss Symmons
Miss F. N. Nelson   Mrs. M. Sail
Miss D. Hosking   Mr. J. McAleese
Miss E. Halls   Miss B McDonald
Miss A. Jarman   Miss Saville
Miss Rosie   Miss Hooper
Miss Webb   Mr. Nichol
Miss Scheer   Mr. P. Knox
Miss Green   Miss W. Thomsen
Miss Craig   Mrs. Knox
Miss M. Walters   Miss J. Anderson
iss [Miss] Boyle   Mrs. N. Robinson

“What made you late this morning, Frank?”
“Please, sir, my Auntie had a baby last night and we are all late this morning.” (Babies were born in the houses in those day.)
“Was it a girl or a boy, Frank?”
I don’t know, sir, I only saw its face!”

24    ORMONDVILLE SCHOOL

Ormondville School Dux Board

1900 – Olaf Nikolaison, also £50 H.B. Scholarship.

1901 – Susan West, also £50 H.B. Scholarship.

1902 – James Russell, also £50 H.B. Scholarship and Victoria Scholarship.

1903 – Louise Wilson, also 2nd in Schol. list. Wm Grant Scholarship.

1904 – Annie West.   H.B. S’ship.
1905 – John Adamson.
1906 – Albert A. Price.
1907 – Violet Benbow.
1908 – Doris Vigers.
1909 – Alan Wilson.
1910 – Winifred Groon [Groom].
A. Wilson, J.N. S’ship.
C. Nikolaison, H.B. S’ship.
1911 – Ivan Pederson.
1912 – Elsie Thomasen.
1913 – C. Thomasen.
1914 – Dorothy Price.
1915 – K. Thomasen.
1916 – G. Nikolaison.
1917 – F. Hosking.
1918 – Arthur Bayliss.
1919 – Nancy Wilson, J.N. S’ship.
1920 – Ethel Glover.
1920 – Ken Bayliss.
Norris Turley, JN. S’ship.
Nancy Wilson, J.N. S’ship.
1921 – D. Nikolaison, also Sn. S’ship.
1922 – Weston Morrah.
1923 – Cecil C. Newling.
1924 – Miriam Redward.

1925 – Hector MacKenzie.
1926 – Trevor Baylis [Bayliss]
1927 – S. F. Lorrigan.
1928 – Laura Fountain.
1929 – A. B. Hosking & S’ship.
1830 – C. N. Fountain.
1931 – Ruth Howes.
1932 – D. L. McLellen.
1933 – Rona Harvey.
1945 – Mary Castles.
1946 – Carol Williams.
1947 – Maurice Olsen.
1948 – Merle Christie.
1949 – Rodney Seymour.
1950 – Valerie Taylor.
1951 – Nancy Howes and Keri Ellingham.
1952 – Chris. Olsen.
1953 – Patricia Benbow.
1954 – Aileen Mahoney.
1955 – Joanne Mitchell.
1934 – L. Mitchell.
1935 – L. Howes.
1936 – Miriam Howes.
1937 – Zeta B. Smalley.
1938 – D. H. Andersen.
1939 – W. M. Andersen.
1940 – Ngaire Williams.
1941 – Marg Benbow.
1942 – Pamela Howes
1943 – Donald Rieslerer
1944 – Ngaire Genaschaw

School Group, 1925.

26   ORMONDVILLE SCHOOL

Ormondville in the Twenties

By an OLD RESIDENT

When very few of us had cars, and there was no electric power with its many aids to easier living, work was done the hard way then, but what did we care! The war was over, and we faced the future with glad hearts and optimism – our men home again, if we’d been lucky (here a thought of sorrowful sympathy for those who were not). We were ready to work hard and make good, we made our own amusement in our own village and enjoyed life to the full. In those days our community was self contained – we had three stores, as well as a bakery and butcher’s shop, to say nothing of our expert shoe cobbler, all as good as the best. As though to prove that cars were not necessary, there was the dashing and romantic figure of Charlie Palmer, with his big sombrero and stock-whip, driving his team of six or eight bullocks and wagon into “town” from the back country.

Another thing good to see was the children riding to school on their ponies, often two or three children to one pony. There was a special pony paddock adjoining the school -no school bus then! One thing the people did decide was lacking – a public hall. Up to then a rather small place which had been the Rechabite Hall, was used for entertainments, which were many and well-attended, and the accommodation was totally in-adequate, so a committee was formed which got to work with a will and raised – by subscriptions, entertainment, loans and any other available means, enough money to get the hall built. Mr. Hugh Saunders gave the ground and was generous in other ways too. Incidentally, the hall was not built as a war or peace memorial, in spite of the name. A lady who was paid the compliment of being asked to suggest a name chose ‘‘Peace Memorial Hall” because peace had recently been proclaimed.

It was also decided at that time that a tennis club would be an advantage, and a piece of rather rough ground on Mrs. Bouvaird’s [Bovaird] property was made available, and got into something approaching order, After a season or so of somewhat wild and hilarious tennis, the need was felt for a bigger and better court. Again a committee came into being. with the result that a play ‘‘Tilda’s New Hat” was rehearsed and staged with vast enjoyment by all concerned, and with a concert party of local talent, toured all the surrounding country halls, raising

EIGHTY-SECOND JUBILEE   27

sufficient money for an asphalt court in a corner of the Domain. That play and concert party, by the way, had numerous fans who attended every performance! What fun we had with these activities! And the people! Delightful people to live amongst, each with marked individuality and no two alike, so that looking back upon them, they seem like a collection of gems in a cabinet, precious and rare!

First must be placed our beloved vicar of those days, the Rev. Fred Whibley – as near to being a saint as a human being could be. He and his brother Mr. Robert (Batty Bachelors!) occupied the Vicarage, and made it a centre of generous hospitality to all and sundry. The vicar could never resist our appeal for help and poor Mr. Robert, upon changing for a village function one evening, was dismayed to find that the trousers belonging to his best suit had been given that day to a swagger. The Rev. Mr. Fred would doubtless have given his own trousers, only he had none at the moment, they had already been bestowed and he was reduced to making do with Mr. Robert’s oldest pair. Mr. Robert was an English gentleman of the old school, punctiliously courteous, always tactful, and genuinely kind and sympathetic. He was the possessor of a very tuneful baritone voice, and residents of those days will remember his items at our concerts and how he was never allowed to leave the platform until he had given ‘‘The Powder Monkey’’ when the chorus ‘‘soon we’ll be in London Town” sung by all the audience, and the applause that followed, were a tribute of which any ‘‘star’’ could be proud. Then there was our dear Mrs. Bouvaird, whose home was the rendezvous for delightful afternoon tea parties – not just now and then – but as often as you liked to go. Her sparkling Irish wit and warm hearted hospitality cheered everyone who came within her orbit. Her garden was her chief joy, and she simply loved pilfering choice little bits and pieces from the gardens of her friends – unbeknown to them – except that stalks and leaves of the purloined plants would be dangling from her pocket! Mrs Bouvaird’s sense of humour could at times be a bit disconcerting, as on the occasion when she introduced a newcomer to Ormondville to a very deaf lady. As they politely shook hands, Mrs. Bouvaird nearly wrecked the scene by asking in her richest brogue ‘‘An’ phwat d’ye think of the hat trimming?” The rest of the party were no help with their more or less suppressed giggles, especially as the trimming was certainly original, being of pine cones!

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Another notable citizen at that time, was Mr. H. J. Newling – ‘‘H.J.’’ or ‘‘Harrie’’ to his contemporaries and friends. He was the most public spirited of all our folk, and nothing concerning the welfare of our district was too much trouble for him. He loved Ormondville. For many years he was Chairman of the Ormondville Town Board, acting in the capacity right up to the time when Ormondville came under the jurisdiction of the Dannevirke County Council. Under his bluff and hearty manner ‘‘H.J.’’ hid a very sensitive and sympathetic heart. When the slump was badly felt in our Village, he was running a butchery business, and many a family has cause to bless his generosity in still supplying meat for which they could no longer pay.

He gave freely of his time and substance to any project for the benefit of his township or humanity in general.

No appreciation of our friends of those days would be complete without our village ‘‘Mrs. Malaprop,’’ whose unconscious humour in using beautiful words, but often in the wrong place, made her about our best entertainer. No party was complete without her. To quote only a few of her malapropisms – upon the appointment of a new vicar, she said ‘‘she must be in Church to see him innundated!” Later, when that same vicar rather upset her. she made what was perhaps her best effort. She was on the committee for some Church function, ‘but the vicar never insulted her about anything, although he insulted others right and left, so she was going to recline at the next meeting, as she had always been a strong pillow of the Church, and she did not see why she should he completely deplored.” On another occasion her lady help was absent from a party, but “she would be back presently, she had slipped over to the Post Office to fetch the co-respondents.’? Could it have been that she was not quite so unconsciously humorous as we thought, and that she was pulling our collective leg?

Among others of those times who remain in memory although they are no longer in this world, are Mrs. Dick Chapman whose help was always ready for anyone in sickness or sorrow, and whose outstanding characteristic was her great love for children, Mr. David Wilson, who served his township as Clerk to the Town Board for many years and whose fortitude and unwavering faith in God under the stress of tragic misfortune and painful illness, was an example to all.

Mr. Neils Nikolaison, who ran a dairy factory. one of a first, if not THE first in the district, and was thus of great

Nikolaison’s Dairy Factory.

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practical help to farmers in disposing of their produce.

Miss Annie Webb, who originated the Boy Scout troup [troop] in Ormondville and by her kindness and devotion to them, earned their deep affection. It was her great moment when a company of her Boys went off to a Jamboree in Dunedin.

Those two old pioneers, Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Baines must not be forgotten, who together with Mrs. Herbert were three of the few remaining earliest settlers of Ormondville still living in the 20’s. Mr. Baines, so far as is known, was one of the first members of the Ormondville Town Board, upon which he served for many years.

Miss Ella Brabazon (who kept house for her aunt, Mrs. Bouvaird) who pulled her weight nobly and followed any lead to entertainment and fun for her village, as well as helping in all Church matters. With friends and neighbours such as these and many more, too numerous to mention individually, is it any wonder that when the slump came, our close-knit community weathered it – perhaps not always very cheerfully – but without too many complaints and came out at the end with spirits, still unbroken and again ready to face the future with confidence.

It is well to hold in memory those dear friends of the past, not sorrowfully, but with joy, that we were privileged to know them.

Sporting Activities

Ormondville School has a great history of sporting activities. Many of its ex-pupils have become outstanding in the field of athletics, football, basketball and cricket – and the school has good reason to be proud of the sporting achievements of those who have attended it.

Early records mention very little of school games, but one of the greatest eras in this history is the period of 1925-1928 when Mr. W. H. Smith was headmaster. Though he had only sixteen boys in the standards to pick from, the Rugby XV and the cricket XI were defeated only once in the three years of his service here. The school teams travelled widely, won many Shields and Cups, and met strong opposition and their successes here were outstanding. Mr.

Mr. W. Smith’s First XV.

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C. Baines presented boys in the seven-aside teams of this period with medals and presented the school with a set of blue and white striped football jerseys in recognition of their attainments. Many inter-school games have been played on the local recreation ground, and because of the interest shown, one of the earliest pioneers, Mr. Job Packer, constructed a donated the present grandstand to the Domain Board.

Summer sports have unfortunately not been keenly encouraged in recent years, and though cricket and softball have been played by present and past pupils, no real enthusiasm or outstanding successes have been apparent. The Tennis Club has been very poorly supported and the courts little used over recent years. Recently, swimming instruction has received considerable attention and good progress is noted. Due to lack of adequate swimming facilities, a pool was built by straightening and damming a section of the creek flowing through Mr. Selby’s property.

Even winter sports have suffered a temporary lull, but there has recently been a very noticeable revival of interest, Fixtures have been arranged, teams organised and trained, and due to the heartening support of many parents, transport has been generously offered. In 1959 school teams again excelled themselves, and though results have not been as outstanding as the 1925 era, football and basketball teams have played weekly inter-school games and acquitted themselves really well.

Last year four boys – Tom Rawle, Graeme Robinson, Tony Castles and Tom Love – won the distinction of being selected for the Southern Hawkes Bay teams in the Ross Shield games. This is a very meritorious achievement for such a relatively small school, and it is to be hoped that it will be only the beginning of great Rugby careers for these boys and others in the school who attempt to emulate their feats.

Last year the school Rugby XV played 15 inter-school games, won 10, drew 1 and this enthusiasm continues and is extended to all types of sports and fields of school work. Ormondville will be the very formidable opponent it has been in past years, and should produce future citizens who will remember with pride the beginnings of sound careers.

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“I Remember”

REMINISCENCES OF PAST PUPILS

– You block-headed ass!
– Selling butter at 6d. a lb. and eggs at 6d. a dozen.
– The Scandiniwaggons and the one whose wooden axle started to smoulder with the friction!
– Chief Peni (Papatu Pa) and his horse and dray.
– ‘The bush track to Golan’s Clearing.
– Mr. Westall’s supplejack.
– Holly leaves on the teacher’s chair.
– Electric power in 1929,
– Timber from McLeod’s Mill being used for building hotels, Post Offices and houses.
– ‘Parson parson takes advice,
Fill your pockets up with rice.
When the rice begins to sprall,
Pepper old J. C. Westall.”
– Planting the trees in the front of the school.
– Mr. Roger’s painting.
– Smoking tobacco (6d. lb. per month in clay pipes) and the debate on tobacco being dangerous to health,
– Mr. Barne’s first Sunday School.
– Walking along the railway lines to school.
– The old court-house (now Mr. A. Burling’s residence),
– The fires which destroyed the township.
– Breaking the window with a cricket ball.
– Splitting firewood and selling it at Napier for 10/- a cord.
– The train trip to Dannevirke in 1926 to see the Prince
– Some of the 19 fires in the history of Ormondville.
– The water round the school and in the grounds,
– An assistant teacher’s bamboo stick.
– A chalk fight.
– Peter’s singing.

School Group, 1932.