FROM A HUMBLE BEGINNING

Chronicle (Levin), 1 November 1946, Page 3

FROM A HUMBLE BEGINNING

TE HORO SCHOOL'S HISTORY A wealtli of information -in regard to the early history of Te Horo, and with partipular reference to the school, is contained in an excellent souvenir booklet issued at the school's jubilee celebrations last weekend. The sub-committee responsible for it comprised Mesdames E. Faith and C. D. Sutton and Messrs. V. E. Morgan and J. A. Duncan. Extraets from it are given below. The history of Te Horo virtually began with the advent of the railway in 1886, which brought the first move towards settlement of the land. The provision of educational facilities was the natural outcome of settlement, and a school was built on a site presented by Mr. James Gear. It was opened early in 1893 and was a one-roomed building. About 11 p.m. on June 27, 1923, the original building, which had been added to, was destroyed by fire and also the records of the school's early history. School work proceeded in the settlers' hall un'til February 29, 1924, when a new building of two rooms was opened. A third room was added to it in 1930. The first teacher was Mr. Drummond. Although only oceupying | the position for two years, he started the school on solid foundations. Mr. McBain was appointed to the school in 1895, continuing until 1904 and proving to be one of the most popular and efficient teachers the school has known. He did a great deal towards fostering .school sport, and took a keen interest in district affairs. Mr. McBain was succeeded by Mr. G. W. Kirk, who soon made himself at home with the children under his care and the settlers of the district. The school residence : was built in 1907 and he made the 1 garden of it a show place. Mr. Kirk ' was the first teacher to take school j gardening. Mr. W. White Scott was I appointed head teacher in 1926, j terminating his teaching career by I retiring in May, 1944. He was a ■ highly efficient and popular teacher. During his term a drainage system was installed, tennis court laid down and concrete assembly gromids and paths. The : highest roll average was 111. The present headmaster is Mr. J. A. Duncan and his assistants are , Misses E. L. Hooper and M. Brook. ; The school committee first met : on May 13, 1893, those present being .Messrs. Bowler fchairman), Snow, , Richards, Mickell and Waugh. The ! quarterly capitation grant at that ; t i ino was £2 10s on an average attondance of 28. Tho present committee consists of Messrs. V. J. ■ Cottle fchairman), T. L. Mansell ; (hon. secretary), K. F. Spiers, C. i Mills and R. D. Johnson.