Twyford History
The Originals…
1 7-10-12 Innes Isabella Chalmers 14-7-1899
2 7-10-12 List Gladys May 13-6-1900
3 7-10-12 Bennett Ruth Elizabeth 15-3-1898
4 7-10-12 Innes Janet 11-2-1901
5 7-10-12 Wilson Amy Amelia 11-2-1902
6 7-10-12 Thompson Doris Marion 8-5-1902
6 7-10-12 Young Duncan 24-4-1902
7 7-10-12 McNab Mabel Bertha 20-5-1902
8 7-10-12 Tait Eddie Henry 29-11-1900
9 7-10-12 List Mildred Mary 9-11-1903
10 7-10-12 Heard Joyce Charlotte 3-7-1903
11 7-10-12 List Harold 31-8-1905
12 7-10-12 Evans Eric 18-12-1905
13 7-10-12 Evans Angus 25-12-1900
14 7-10-12 Heard Gordon 8-7-1904
15 7-10-12 McNab Thomas David 12-2-1906
16 7-10-12 Heard Gladys 12-10-1905
17 7-10-12 Heard Hazel 13-1-1907
18 7-10-12 Wharton Ada 11-3-1906
19 7-10-12 Wharton John 26-7-1907
20- 9-10-12 Riddell Catherine 15-10-1904
21 9-10-12 Riddell Effie Marion 13-5-1906
Extracted from the original Attendance and Enrolment Register
The Inspectors Visit
This school was opened on October 7th of the present year.
This in charge of Mr Thomas Stagpoole
The roll numbers 37, of whom 29 were present at the time of my visit.
Of the total roll, twenty-one of the pupils had attended either Hastings D H Sch, Hastings Catholic, Paki-Paki or Omahu. The non-attending are quite young.
The excerpt from the very first Inspector’s Report – 5 December 1912 – Henry Hill
II – Report of work done in subjects not specified in the individual class lists, including the general arrangements therefor and the choice made where an option is permitted:-
Nature Study – observation of clouds, rain etc, study of birds and trees.
Physical Exercises – No apparatus – taken at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m for 5 or 6 minutes.
Dairy Work – Milk testing by Babcock tester – properties of milk – dairy cows – Individual work and arithmetic on?
Health – General ideas of care of body – introduced as occasion offers.
Forwarded 21st Dec 1912 Thom. Stagpoole. Head Teacher. In Order: H Hill, Inspector.
The excerpt from the very first Inspector’s Report- 5 December 1912 – Henry Hill
The visits continue…”
Letter of support from John Russell to the Education Board.
“Telephone
Okawa 702
TUNA NUI
HASTINGS
HAWKES BAY.
27 August 1989
Twyford School Trust Board
Dear Sir
It has been bought to my attention that a portion of the land set aside for a school at Twyford by my Grandfather the late Sir Andrew Russell, is to be sold by Land Corp. I believe that this land was given to the community at Twyford to ensure that the intended school had adequate ground.
I find it hard to believe that, now 75 years later, when the school and community have both grown considerably in number that the need for ground space is less, not more. Therefore I question the wisdom of Land Corp, in selling this land.
As the present head of the Russell family I register strong protest against the possible sale of any part of the land occupied by the Twyford School. In fact I would also question land Corps right to settlement.
Yours faithfully
John R. Russell
An old-timer recalls …
This handwritten note was found in the archives at the back of some shelves. Unfortunately it is not dated, not able to be attributed to anybody but it deserves to be published. It comes from the memories of the early 1920’s due to its reference to Mr Nicoll, the head teacher appointed in 1919.
I suspect that it was developed from personal memories of past pupils for the 1962 Twyford School Reunion.
Statements taken from the Log Book
1914 … 4 August … War declared … school closed for 1/2 day to allow all to attend “Declaration” ceremony in Hastings. Flagpole erected and ‘saluting the flag’ commenced.
1916 … Dominion Day – school assembled 9 o’clock and after address on “New Zealand and it[s]’ importance during present war” saluted the flag and sang “God Save the King”. School then resumed work as usual.
1925 … Owing to Infantile Paralysis the school did not open for 1925 until April 20. During a part of their Term Assignment of work was set by the Education Board and the work was well responded to by the pupils.
Major Events
1945 … The capitulation of the German armies in Italy and West Austria has taken place and the Minister of Education has granted a school holiday on Friday 4 March.
Definite news of the cessation of hostilities was received late this morning and in accordance with instructions, the school was closed and will reopen on Friday August 17. The children were advised that a parade of children will be held in Hastings at 9am tomorrow.
Heavy rain interfered with Peace Celebrations set down for the morning and these will be held tomorrow.
1968 … Most severe storm in ‘living memory’. Lifted the new bike shed off its foundations and throwing it against the boundary fence. Forced to cancel field trip to South Island. In order to overcome children’s disappointment at the cancellation I may organise an alternative trip.
Statements taken from the Log Book
Concern for Children
1913 … Whooping Cough prevalent in surrounding district – attendance suffering considerably.
1919 … School closed by order of Chairman on account of severe weather – no attendance.
1933 … This winter the children were provided with cocoa as usual but as the entertainments organised by the Committee to raise funds for “Cocoa” were not well supported the children were asked to pay 3d per head per week. The cocoa was very popular with all concerned, only 1 or 2 pupils not taking it.
1948 … Held annual school picnic in Windsor Park. Swimming and running events for which money prizes were given. Senior boy 1st won 5/6, 2nd nothing; Junior boy 1st 3/6, 2nd 1d; Primer 1st 1/-, 2nd nothing.
Concern for Children
1966 … Doctor commented on condition of hair on one of the children. Nurse is to call to leave the washing solution.
Approval to send … to Health Camp has been given providing the necessary clothing could be found. I contacted several parents with regards to this requesting any clothing of suitable size that their children had outgrown.
Received excellent response from the parents for clothing.
Apparently nothing can be done by us about housing conditions.
1969 … Slot car reported missing by David Osborne.
Investigations brought no information.
Public Health Nurse on request investigated the children infected with ringworm.
1978 … Discussion by local people on dangers in the environment – sprays, machinery, firearms and explosives.
1998 … Fans installed in Rooms 5 & 6 and soon to be installed in Rooms 1, 2, 3 and 7
Statements taken from the Log Book
Trouble at Mill …
1943 … As a result of the long dry spell of weather it has been impossible to fill the school baths this month. The water will rise to about 18 inches above the bottom and as a result the swimming instruction has suffered.
1967 … The state of water lying around the classroom entrances is making it virtually impossible to keep the floors clean.
1969 … The lack of cleanliness in the school was so appalling and he was making no effort to bring it back up to standard that the Chairman of the School Committee visited to inspect the cleaning standard – the cleaner tendered his resignation.
The children used to assist in a thorough cleanup before new appointment.
$1 reported missing from Room 1. All teachers instructed that money is not to be left in classrooms but left for safety in the Office.
Trouble at Mill …
1970 … Plumbers called to clear blocked stormwater drain – could not find outlet. Job unfinished.
Plumbers discovered that the stormwater drain from the playground and the Junior Block ran under the ‘gate’ end of the woodshed and ended in solid earth – no wonder it was blocked.
1971 … School Cleaner, Mr R Smith, handed in his resignation for health reasons. (1st June)
Eight applicants for the position of cleaner were interviewed.
Little choice on grounds of suitability.
Mr R Smith died today in hospital (6th June). A wreath was sent by the Committee. The new cleaner will finish his duties at the end of the week. He is unable to cope with the job satisfactorily.
(30th June). The cleaner has not done his work – no contact from him at all. The staff have done the cleaning.
The previous cleaner died this morning. He collapsed at the wheel of his car. (4th July).
Intercepted an unsuitable article being handed between the children. Action taken over the ‘yellow’ article.
Trouble at Mill …
1979 … Very wet and blustery day. Rain water running down inside walls – Building Supervisor checked and nailed down roofing iron.
New septic tank and sewage system installed during May school holidays.
Checked sewage system and found it blocked at inspection point.
New sewage system back flooding because of much rain and high groundwater level.
1995 … Major burglary within the school.
After remedial action was taken the following costs were involved – $6582 on the installation of an infra-red security system; $480 on the daily monitoring of the system; $1090 on the maintenance of the system; $764 on the installation of new door locks; $613 on the installation of window locks; $420 on the upgrading of security lights. A budget of $100 was allowed for. We overspent by 2184%.
Statements taken from the Log Book
Humour …
1976 … Swimming Sports held at Aquatic Centre. A child from R2 got into slight difficulties and Mrs Cresswell had to enter the water.
Mrs Cresswell ceased teaching duties to take maternity leave.
1989 … Received 7 new staffroom chairs – colour doesn’t match but they are soft – hope to get the staff off them and back to their classes.
2001 … “Wacky Wet Sports Day” held – a wide range of saturated activities but watch out for the clown – he is dangerous.
Original digital file
HantzEM857_TwyfordHistory.pdf
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[List of names in this title still to be added – HBKB]
Format of the original
Powerpoint PresentationDate published
2012Accession number
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