Manakau School 90th Jubilee 1888-1978

PRESIDENT'S WELCOME

On the 23rd of November 1976 a public meeting convened by Johnny Bryant unanimously decided to hold a 90th Jubilee Celebration of the Manakau School.

The 32 present formed themselves into the various committees for the task and agreed to hold the celebration on the 4th, 5th and 6th of February, 1978.

Those who will be attending the Jubilee in Manakau after an absence of years will notice many changes in the township and countryside.

Gone are the grocery stores as such.

Gone also are the railway houses and their occupants — a severe blow to a town of Manakau's size.

Gone also are the Form 1 and 2 pupils from Manakau to Otaki College.

Instead we find an expansion in the vegetable growing area, a con­centration of large and efficient dairy herds providing town milk and an extensive berry fruit enterprise; not to mention a revival in the manufac­turing field.

Sub-division is providing a growing number of building sections in both the township and at Waikawa Beach; both very desirable places to build a home and settle.

It will be the pleasure of the Jubilee Committee to welcome all who have had any association with the Manakau School in February 1978.

MARSDEN STAPLES

JUBILEE PROGRAMME

SATURDAY, 4th FEBRUARY

12.30 p.m. Reception and Speeches at School. 1.00 p.m. Roll Call and Group Photographs. 3.30 p.m. Afternoon Tea. 7.00 p.m. Refreshments — Buffet Meal. Cabaret, Manakau Hall.

SUNDAY, 5th FEBRUARY

11 a.m. Interdenominational Church Service, Manakau Hall.

Luncheon to follow.

MONDAY, 6th FEBRUARY

10.00 a.m. Family Sports and Social Day.

12 Noon Hangi Lunch.

Manakau School Jubilee Committees

Chairman:Mr J. M. Staples (Marsden)

Vice-chairman: R. G. Williams (Robin)

Secretary: Mrs J. N. Bryant QBE (Bridie)

Minute Secretary: Mr I. Holford (Ian), Glenys Blenkhorn.

Executive Committee: Chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, minute sec­retary, treasurer, convenor of sub committees and Messrs H. Cook, W. Miles, Mesdames M. Barbery, L. Rangiuia, L. McLeavey.

Catering: Mesdames Mavis Robinson, and Penny Bertelsen, Priscilla Haigh and Malcolm Phillips.

Cabaret: Mesdames Lorraine McLeavey, Nan Sterne, Messrs Neville Haigh, Max Haigh and John Blenkhorn.

Publicity: Mrs Glenys Blenkhorn.

Family Sports Day: Horace Cook, J. A. L. (Buster) Atkins, L. J. Staples, Mesdames B. McGowan, M. Campbell.

Booklet: Mr Ray Robinson.

Treasurer Mr. H. Benning.

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THE SCHOOL TODAY

CLIVE NEVILL

( Chairman of the School Committee)

There have been a number of changes around the School, the most obviously being the new extensions to the building now providing up-to-date facilities for both staff and pupils. On completion of this building the responsibility of the old Block was relinquished by the Education Board and passed over to the School Committee. Part of the old Block is now used as a film room for the School with the old Staff facilities being made available as a first aid/sick room. The Committee has also made this Block available for the recently formed Plunket/Pre-school Group and more recently has granted its use on Sundays for the local Sunday School.

Following the completion of the extensions, the Education Board pro­vided vinyl flooring for the classrooms which meant we were left with an oiled floor area in the passage way and Principal's Office. It was necessary for the Committee to negotiate with the Board and eventually we were successful which resulted in this complete Block now being covered with vinyl flooring. We then encountered the problem that the School was not big enough to be supplied with a polisher. The maintaining of the flooring proved to be a headache for the Committee for some months until we finally negotiated with the Board and were provided with a satisfactory polisher.

There have also been a number of changes around the School grounds. This Committee inherited the old concrete tank and after trying a number of ways to remove it, the situation was starting to look as though it would be

4

a permanent part of the surroundings. At last, however, the Catchment Board "came to the rescue" with satisfactory equipment, removing and disposing of it.

With the completion of the new building, as arranged with the Educa­tion Board, the building contractors removed the old boy’s toilets and the Committee sold the old girls toilet block.

With the removal of these items and the very pleasing support we have received at a number of working bees, many improvements have been achieved such as re-fencing around the School House and adjacent trees, removal of many years of rubbish from under the trees, repainting of the baths, improvement of the ground where the old toilet blocks were and more recently commencement of improving the gardens and removal of dangerous and rotting trees.

Income over the past two years has been obtained from the annual bottle drive, fund raising at Agriculture Day and family days plus the sale of the girls toilet block, totaling approximately $1800. This money has been spent on the further stocking and completion of the library which has proved very successful, furnishing of the new extensions including cur­tains for toilets, crockery, tables, etc. for the new staff room, school play equipment and contributions to new fencing and maintenance of play equipment plus fees for the 1975 Camp.

It has been pleasing the way in which the School Committee and PTA Committee have worked in together with items such as the subsidy for Camp, which proved to be a slight embarrassment due to the full subsidy provided in 1975. Our Committee certainly appreciates the work done by the PTA and I must congratulate them on the increased activity and fund raising ideas which have been put into action in recent times.

An innovation which has been brought in by this Committee is the appointment of one member as a "transport officer" who is responsible for obtaining necessary car transportation from parents for school outings, with the object of trying to spread the workload over all parents who can assist rather than have it carried by the same few. This has proved suc­cessful to a certain degree and I hope the incoming Committee will en­deavour to continue this.

The Committee also felt that a highly organized Gala Day in conjunc­tion with Agriculture Day was proving to be a burden for certain families and so looked at alternative means of spreading the burden for raising funds and involving all family and friends of the School. The result was having simple fund raising at the Agriculture Day, running a Family Day where money was raised from the many enjoyable activities centred around a hangi lunch and the Family Dances being operated two or three times a year.

As you can see, the accent of our Committee has been to involve the families of the community in an enjoyable form, which we feel has been very successful.

As you can see from this report, the Committee has been very pleased with the assistance by parents and friends of the school and I wish to convey the Committee's thanks for this very generous support.

I feel special thanks is due to Ian Holford in the way in which he controls the school programme and his never-ceasing new ideas which have "kept the committee on their toes". An example of this being the re-introduction of a combined Christmas Party/School Closing at the end of the last two years which have been financed by a raffle and proved very successful.
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Roll of Honour

To the Greater Glory of God and in thankful remembrance of the ex-pupils of Manakau School who gave their services for Empire, Commonwealth, Home and Duty.

1914- 18

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

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HISTORY OF MANAKAU SCHOOL
1888 - 1978

The first known references to the Manakau School are short entries in the Wellington Education Board Minute Books for the years 1887 and 1888. "Wednesday 28th September, 1887.

Applications were received for new schools at Manakau and (word not legible). The Board could not in its present state of finance deal with the application." (Well! the last phrase sounds familiar.) "Wednesday 26th October, 1887.

Manakau. The Board decided that as the school site at Manakau was not yet vested in the Board, no action could be taken on the application of J. Houghton—re clearing the land." "Wednesday, 25th April, 1888.

The petitions for schools at Haywards and at Manakau were referred to the respective school committees. The Board decided to allow the capitation grant of £3/15/0 to schools, if opened at Te Horo, Manakau, Waikanae and (word not-legible) con­ducted in accordance with the Board's regulations." "Wednesday, July 26th, 1888.

A special grant of £50 was made towards the cost of erection of a school-house at Manakau."

The first entry in the "log book," or diary of the Manakau School, reads as follows:—"July llth, 1888: This School was opened on 21st June in Mr. Whiley's residence at Manakau."

This is the house now occupied by Mrs Cudby Snr. on the North Manakau Road. The first teacher was Mr. Donnelly, about whom not a great deal is known, save that he had a long white beard. His last entry in the log refers to the visit of Mr. Lee, School Inspector, who passed Julia Whiley in S.4, and Elizabeth Whiley and John Rickard in S.2.

The pupils who attended the School in Mr. Whiley's resi­dence were:—Robert Whiley, Fred Whiley, Richard Bevan, William Bevan, John Rickard, Charles Rickard, Fred Rickard, William Rickard, Edward Bevan, John Moses, William King, Peter Blackfern, Tom Currinam, Sam Whiti, Isaac Palliver, Julia Whiley, Eliza Whiley, Edith Bartlett, Georgina Bartlett, Anne Bevan, Mary Corville, Mabel Corville, Margaret Bevan, Ellen Bevan, Matakina Perarnara, Mary Rike, Louisa Pratt and Robert Ransfield.

On 22nd October of 1888, the first permanent teacher com­menced duty. He was the late Mr. Firidlay Bethune. His first entry in the log was:—

"The Manakau School was reopened by me today in the building which has just been completed. The attendance was twenty-eight. It was a very disagreeable day."

Those pupils who trudged through the rain and mud were: —William Bartlett, Daisy Houghton, George Houghton, Ernest Saint, Louis Hedley, and in addition twenty-three others from among those whose names appear in the first list.

The next entry of interest states:—Dec. 17th, 1888: "A num­ber of settlers wishing to provide the children with a proper

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playground has subscribed sufficient money to clear and level about an acre. The work was taken in hand today."

Miss Howan, the first Assistant Mistress, arrived on 1st April, 1889. I wonder if she had the same tricks played on her as the present pupils still try to perpetrate on April Fool's Day.

As with the first teacher, so with the first committee, for there is no record of who were the members. Nevertheless there was one functioning, for on March 18th, 1889, we read that, with the consent of the committee, the Head Teacher closed the School to enable the children to attend the annual sports at Otaki. On April 24th of that year there was a meeting of house­holders when the following committee was elected:—

Messrs. C. S. Houghton (chairman), Sherratt, H. Bevan, T. Bevan, Snr., Wilson, Bartlett and Whiley.

The first visit of an inspector in the new School took place on June 13th, 1889, when Mr. Lee passed the following pupils:—

Standard 1.—Edward Bevan, Richard Bevan, Isaac ------- ,

Peter------ , Ernest Saint, William Jukes, Frederick Rickard,

Charles Rickard, Hannah Ransfield, Sophia Fowler, Elizabeth Akenson, Edith Bartlett, Georgina Bartlett, Clara Tantrum.

Standard 2.—Edward Wilson, Hugh Dunlop, Elizabeth Wil­son, Annie Jukes.

Standard 3.—David Dunlop, Elizabeth Whiley.

Standard 4.—Walter Tantrum, Frank Houghton, James Fraser, Mysie Fraser, Susan Tantrum, Mary Houghton, Emma Bartlett.

Standard 5.—George Houghton, Ernest Houghton, Stephen Carkeek, Julia Whiley.

Standard 6.—Annie Dunlop.

Messrs. Houghton, Whiley and Beyan, of the School Com­mittee, were present during the examination. Poor children!

Another "first," probably of interest to present-day pupils, was, "Caned William Robinson today—four strokes." I wonder where he got them.

By Sept. 4th of 1889, the roll had reached 70 and Mr. Lee recommended to the Education Board that "an addition to the building is now urgently needed. On Oct. 21st of the same year work was commenced on the new room. While the alterations were being carried out, the pupils were transferred to the meet­ing house which, by the generosity, and interest of the Maori people, was placed at their disposal.

SCHOOL AT THE PA

During the year 1899 when a new room was being built, the School was held at the Pa, since demolished. There were quite a few Maoris living around the Pa area and the older Maori women used to wander in and out at will among the pupils. Great interest was taken by those women in one boy who had very prominent buck teeth and they could be seen watching him and talking together. At last curiosity could not be withheld and one old woman came up to him and peering at his teeth from one side and the other put her fingers to her mouth letting the fingers extend out in front and asked thirsting for knowledge "How e kom?" ("How e come?") Just im­agine the uproar from all the pupils in the room.

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By Dec. 10 the additions were completed and the pupils and teachers returned to occupy the two new rooms. The first room was that now occupied by Stds. 3-6, while the second was built on the north, though when the present infant room building was erected, it was pulled down. The contractor for the original building and the second room was the late Mr. C. Nees and the fine condition of the oldest part of our School as it is today, is a splendid and fitting tribute to his character and workmanship.

By 1893 the roll had reached 96 and on Sept. 4th "Master" William Bennett was appointed as a pupil teacher. Another interesting entry in the log that year was, "Received notice from Mr. Hurley (chairman of the School Committee) that the com­mittee had resigned in a body owing to the Board having deci­ded that the teacher had control of school grounds." However next month the annual meeting of householders took place and the committee was elected again. An alarming entry on Dec. 13th, 1894, states that the Head Teacher's residence was broken into and the proceeds of the annual School Concert were stolen.

During the next two years the School continued to make steady progress and on Aug. 28th, 1896, Mr. Bethune completed his term as Head Teacher and left on promotion to Johnsonville. Mr. Fleming, Inspector of Schools, pays a fitting tribute to our first Head Teacher in his remarks in the log. "Mr. Bethune has been in charge of this school since its opening. His record has been that of a good teacher, earnest in his work and most at­tentive to his duties. The condition of the School property has improved very much under his charge and everything has been well looked after. On his promotion to Johnsonville he will hand over to his successor a School in good working order."

The foundations laid by Mr. Bethune are a tribute to his sterling character, and his qualities as a teacher. Under trying conditions, which we of today cannot conceive, he built in the hearts of the pupils an affection for the School, which has borne fruit in the glad reunions of our two Jubilees.

On Nov. 2nd, 1896, the second head teacher, Mr. William Foster, arrived, his assistants at that time being Miss Farmar and Mr. W. Bennett. By this year the roll had dropped to 72, owing to the opening of a school at Ohau. Under Mr. Foster's guidance the School continued to make steady progress and in 1898 he was succeeded by by Mr. Everton. During the next few years was fought the Boer War and it is worthwhile quoting the following entries:—

Feb. 28th, 1900.—Today was observed as a holiday in honour of Lord Robert's victory in the Transvaal.

Mar. 2nd.—School was closed for the afternoon to celebrate the Relief of Ladysmith.

May 28th.—Holiday for the Relief of Mafeking.

June 28th. 1901—The children assembled in front of Milne's Store to hear the King's Proclamation read and were dismissed for the rest of the day.

The first scholarship winner whose name is recorded was Reginald Verry, in November, 1900, and Mr. Everton records that he was "first on the Scholarship List for schools."

"On June 18th, 1902, the School flag was unfurled and it was decided to celebrate Peace and the Coronation at the same time; nearly the whole of the residents of the district turned out for it. The flagstaff was the gift of Mr. T. Bevan."

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Mr. Mickle's last entry in 1923 was:—"I regret leaving this School where I have enjoyed the confidence of parents and pupils for seven and a-half years. I regret very much to part with the children." The School owes much to Mr. Mickle for the high standard of work which he maintained and for the splen­did improvements he made to the grounds.

The next head teacher was Mr. W. Anderson, who carried on the high level of work attained by his predecessor. Entries worthy of mention during Mr. Anderson's term were: —

April 20th, 1925.—Owing to outbreak of infantile paralysis in January work was not resumed till this morning. Correspond­ence work has been carried en for some weeks.

May 13th, 1925.—"The School will be closed tomorrow on account of the funeral of the late Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey.

March 3rd, 1927.—A holiday will be observed tomorrow in honour of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York. Standards 3—6 will proceed to Palmerston North by special train in order to take part in the children's gathering.

Greater interest in singing was featured at this time and a School Choir was formed. The choir gave items at various func­tions and won first place at the Otaki competitions.

Mr. Anderson made his final entry in the log on Dec. 19th, 1930:—"I wish to record my appreciation of loyal assistance re­ceived from the staff, and also kind assistance at all time from the School Committee."

The late Mr. Green, followed Mr. Anderson as head of the School. During Mr. Green's term, great interest was taken in the Calf Club activities and in football. Entries from Manakau gained the championship on several occasions at the final judg­ing in Levin, and for two years the School fifteen remained un­beaten in the Horowhenua Primary Schools' Competition. At the end of the first term in 1937, Mr. Green resigned and was followed by Mr. C. R. French.

Shortly after Mr. French's appointment preparations were made for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee, a most success­ful function, details of which appear in a later part of this booklet. In the following year work was commenced on the remodelling of the old School buildings, and the erection of a modern open-air infant room. This was followed by the building of a new residence for the head teacher, so that by the time Mr. French departed, Manakau possessed one of the best equipped and most modern schools in the Wellington Education Board. Another notable effort during this period^was the large amount of money raised for patriotic purposes by pupils and staff.

When Mr. French, after a most successful and eventful term as head teacher, left on promotion, he was followed in 1944 by Mr. F. H. Mayman, whose term ended with the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee.

I hope that this short account of the history of the School will bring back pleasant memories to those ex-pupils who have gathered together in this month of May, 1948; that they will recall the happy times they spent with their fellows in the "good old days," and will remember, with pride and affection, the part that the School has played in the welfare and promotion of the township.

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THE ERA 1948-1963

During Mr. Mayman's period at the School, noteworthy events were:—"May 4th, 1945—Capitulation of German Forces in Italy,—Schools closed by direction of the Minister of Educa­tion."

"August 15th—School closed at 11.45. Peace Declared—defeat of Japan."

"August 17th—Committee holiday—local function celebrating Victory."

"May 7th, 1948—School closed for Diamond Jubilee."

Mr. Mayman's final words from the log-book were:—"After four years at Manakau, I have left for Porirua! They have been very pleasant years and I owe much to the Staff and the Com­mittee."

I know that his pupils will remember his quiet determina­tion and understanding and that all those who lived in Mana­kau will remember Mr. and Mrs. Mayman's outstanding flower and vegetable garden at the new school-house which was erec­ted during Mr. French's term as Headmaster.

Mr. Thomas Taylor was relieving headmaster for a term before Mr. J. J. McDonald arrived on the 6th September, 1948. Two well-known school incidents occurred, for on 14th Septem­ber, Mr. Thompson late of Crown Studios arrived to take the School photographs. I wonder how many hundreds of thou­sands of New Zealand School children remember the man who had a limp and who took those photographs at such speed. The other entry in the log is as brief as the event:—

"30th September—Henry Eru bitten by dog." During Mr. McDonald's headmastership the school attained its greatest roll of pupils, which reached 149 on 1st October, 1951, but dropped to under 100 by February, 1952, when the bus commsnced carry­ing pupils to the Otaki Convent. At this time a pre-fabricated classroom was built, but this was replaced by a very modern Infant Room in 1962. On 8th February, 1951, Manakau pupils enjoyed their first swim in the new school baths which in 1962 had a nitration plant added, while two distinguished visitors to the school were Mr. R. Verry, who was a pupil at School in 1900 and Mrs. McBain wife of the late Mr. A. McBain—mentioned earlier. Mr. Ray White must have been very popular on the 29th May, 1953, Coronation Day of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II for he donated red, white and blue ice-creams for all pupils.

Mr. McDonald's farewell note reads as follows:—"Good-bye Manakau, a very pleasant and enjoyable five years. I must place on record the wonderful support of the School Committee and Staff, and the pleasant attitude of the Children," and then he asked no doubt with that well-known twinkle in his eye, "Will Waiouru be cold?"

Mr. Patchett's term of office commenced on 7th September, 1953. He was responsible for many additions in school equip­ment and was very keen on sport and athletics. Due to his initiative the Parent-Teachers' Association commenced with the Inaugural Meeting on 15th September, 1955, but less fortunate was the commencement of the teacher shortage which has so adversely affected many New Zealand Schools.
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"26th September, 1955—Miss--------- commenced duties as

relieving teacher today. This is the fifth teacher the primer classes have had this year."

A further name which is repeatedly found in the school log­book is that of Colonel E. R. Winkler.

"April 24th, 1956—School Anzac Service. Mr. L. Barkla and Mr. Robinson (School Committee) were present. The address was given by Colonel E. R. Winkler." Although he is not men­tioned on this occasion, I have no doubt that Mr. C. O'Sullivan also helped with arrangements. School visits and trips, sport­ing fixtures, visits by the Board and Board Officials account for many of the day to day entries.

In 1958 Mr. Patchett was succeeded by Mr. F. Armour who was responsible for a very energetic Hydatids Prevention Com­mittee and who helped finally convince the Education Board that a new classroom was necessary. A noteworthy log entry on, "16th June, 1959. Polio immunisation injections administered by Health Department Team." Thus commenced the attack on poliomyelitis which had closed schools regularly throughout New Zealand and which had caused misery to many young children.

"June 27th (Saturday) we record with profound regret the loss of Miss Adsett, who died following a motor accident on 26th June. She will be remembered for her fine contribution to the life of the School."

"November llth, 1959. Horowhenua Primary Schools' Music Festival held in Regent Theatre, Levin." by September 5th, 1960, the roll had again risen to 125 and the pre-fabricated room having been removed pupils already being taught in the small Church of England Hall, but "July 28th, 1961, Mr. Maberley of Otaki began construction of the fourth classroom."

"August 18th, 1961. This terminates my (Mr. Armour's) stay of three years. I leave for Titahi Bay North following my pre­decessor in Manakau." The coincidence of following Mr. Patchett is even wider than a single instance for the Head­masters of Manakau School ever since 1948 have eventually either gone to or come from Titahi Bay, while associations with Porirua School extend back even further.

Mr. K. J. Prankerd followed Mr. Armour in August, 1961. Manakau's generosity over the years had in no way diminished.

"24th February, 1962. Installation commenced of the new filtration plant. Parents donated £186 in five weeks." Also of interest to ex-pupils and staff, "12th April, 1962. Visit from F. H. Mayman—Inspector of Schools," and finally of course "14th May, 1962. Inaugural meeting of Committee for the 75th Jubilee of the School, called by Mr. Ralph Sevan."

Unfortunately log-books do not contain enough references to children and to children's activities and incidents. Hence they tend to be "the dull stuff of history" but behind the steady material growth of the School, you will have to continually imagine the sounds of .high laughter, childish quarrels, excite­ment and noise which abates only with the ringing of the school bell.

-K.J.P.Page 12

THE ERA 1963 - 1978

During the years 1963 -1970 the roll had remained around the 110 mark and the school was staffed with four to six teachers during those years. The school still enjoyed the good relationships that existed between the dis­trict, teachers and committee that it enjoys today. At times use had to be made of the Anglican Hall and Plunket Rooms for accommodation as the school roll rose above 110.

During the early sixties a change in education was suggested that was to change the life and character of the school. A Form 1 - 7 college was proposed at Otaki and it was the intention to bus Forms 1 and 2 pupils from neighbouring country schools to Otaki. Manakau was to be one of these.

The Fl - 7 college opened in February 1971 and Manakau School be­came a contributing school with a roll of 72 pupils. Mr Stanley was the relieving principal then until Mr Hennessey took up the appointment in May that year.

The roll of the school gradually declined and in 1974 it was down graded to a Grade 3 school staffed with a principal and two assistant teachers. It was during that year that Mr Holford was appointed as principal. The main changes that have taken place since then have been the extension of the newer classroom block with new toilets, staffroom and storage facilities. With a roll of 50 there was only a need now for two classrooms so the Education Board improved the facilities in the newer block and handed the responsibility of maintaining the old block over to the School Committee rather than demolishing it, as good use could still be made of the old buildings by the school and community.

The school is now contained in the newer two classroom block and has improved facilities with a library established in 1975 and vinyl flooring laid throughout the building.

The future of the school looks bright. The district is starting to grow and attract people to live here and in time the school will gradually grow in size once again. The school fulfils a very important part in the education of the children of the district and will continue to with the help and support of the local people as they have done so proudly in the past.

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HEAD TEACHERS

ASSISTANTS

Misses Howan, Cundy, Farmar, Banks, Dynan, Rolls, Fellingham, Lee, Bevan, Jensen, Mrs Balding, Misses Piggott, Simons, Cheek, Greig, Windley, Burnell, Malcolm, Gunn, Dyer, Wadsworth, Grenside, Hearle, Collier, Waller, French, Richell, Green, Stewart, Anderson, Mrs Shanly, Misses Roy, Witta, Ankar, Maxwell, Smith, Langtry, Black, Denton, Ryder, Lumsden, Mr Adams, Miss Hooper, Miss L. Barkla, Mrs Empson, Miss Grice, Miss V. Barkla, Mrs V. Webster, Mr I. W. Tollan, Misses B. Grice, Murray, Beasley, M. McLeod, B. A. Giles, S. Crawford, McAdam, Mr D. F. Yeates, Miss J. M. Lette, Mr Thomas Taylor (relieving head teacher), Miss R. Campbell, Miss D. Adsett, Mrs B. Stanley, Mrs A. Day, Mr T. Campbell, Miss Billey, Mrs E. Theobold, Mr R. M. Silver, Miss R. Smith, Miss J. Congalton, Miss J. Burns, Mr D.Jeffries, Miss B. Cameron, Miss S. Fowke, Miss A. Galpin, Miss R. Clifton, Miss P. Rogers, Mrs M. Atkins, Mrs R. Button, Miss G. Lowe, Mrs S. Taylor, Misses B. Leighton, Sommerville, Shoebridge, MacLachlan, Patterson, Watts, Mr Jacobson, Mr Pratt, Mr J. Meyer, Mrs Meyer, Misses E. Davies, P. Wright, Mrs L. Rangiuia, Miss P. Weldon, Mrs B. Vincent.

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MANAKAU SCHOOL & ITS MAORI PEOPLE

Haere mai, tikina mai te mea nei, kua mututakururikite whenua, kua ruri ahau ki te rangi. Hangaia he wharekarakia mo tatou.

Come, take possession of this sword, I no longer seek honour on earth, I seek honour in heaven. Go to and build us a church.

From the day that the above words were uttered in challenge, to the Wehi Wehi chief Paora Pohotiraha, by that renowned and awesome leader, Te Rauparaha, so began the integration of Christian harmony and European influence among our people, throughout the Otaki, Manakau and surrounding districts. Through this harmony and influence, Maori and Pakeha were to live and work as one, thus beginning a new era. Over the years, education became a force among the people, and schools were established throughout the area, Manakau being one of these. Since its inception in the year 1888 to the present day, many Maoris have passed through the humble walls of learning at Manakau school. Through the early guidance and Primary teaching there, many were motivated into seeking higher education, thus gaining greater opportunities for job satis­faction, family providence, and future retirement. There are also those who have achieved much by other means, sheer guts and determination among these. Since inception to the present day, we have also seen the sad passing on of several ex Maori pupils. Contemporaries of today salute them in memory and honour them in passing.

Many families have built their homes in the confines of the Manakau County and from the bottom of the overhead ramp, our resident Mayor, Horace Cook, keeps a vigilant eye on things and is Liaison Officer between our local Pakeha community and Maori people. So competent is he in his job, there are whispers from reliable sources that indicate a seat in Parli­ament will soon be his.

Modern economics and other trends have seen the younger Maori move to an urban environment, where jobs and perhaps the attraction of city entertainment is more prevalent. However, none forget the important role that our relatively new Marae and Pa complex play, with the dining room being completed in the early fifties, the cook-house around I960, the present Meeting House in October 1972, plus washing and toilet facilities and later some carvings. The transition from the post war years to today have been substantial, and for these we pay tribute to those committees and willing hands of yore, who were instrumental in bringing about what we are all proudof today. Indeed, our pride is reflected through the sterling efforts of Boy Cook and his mower, plus the efforts of the locals.

The Marae has played an integral part in the lives of our Maori Com­munity. It is not only a ceremonial centre, dedicated to the gatherings of the people and to the practice of traditional rituals, but it bears for each of its members "A PLACE TO STAND", or Turangawaewae. The Marae symbolises group unity and acts as a bridge to the past as well as a useful community centre in the present. Group unity has been initiated in a new and hopefully lasting way, in that Maori Culture and all that involved with it has been started in 1977, with Primary School children and some pre­schoolers of both races, congregating weekly at the Pa dining rooms.

Children come from Ohau and Levin, as well as locally to participate, and let's hope that at the schools One Hundredth Jubilee these kids can make some contribution to it through some of what they are learning now.

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The younger Maori youth of Manakau today has a lot to be thankful for in that there is still a school available.

Education is therefore the tool of success. Our children of today must be encouraged to seek and follow all paths of opportunities in order to gain success, not only in the Pakeha World but their own world of Maoridom.

No reira, ki a koutou, ki a tatou katoa, kia kaha, ki mau ki te matauranga'.

So on this our 90th Jubilee, we, the Maori people of Manakau, look back and offer thanks for the benefits gained through attendance at Manakau School. We salute our "ALMA MATER" of yesterday, and join with our Pakeha brothers in wishing the school great accomplishments for the next 90 years.

In closing, we offer to the youth of tomorrow, the frequently quoted advice of that great and revered gentleman, Sir Apirana Ngata.

"E tipu, e rea, mo nga ra o tou ao,
Ko to ringa ki nga rakau a te pakeha
hei ara mo to tinana
ko to ngakau ki nga taonga a o tipuna Maori
hei tikitiki mo to mahuna
a ko to wairua ki to atua
nana nei nga mea katoa."
"Grow up oh tender plant
to fulfill the needs of your generation
your hands clasping the weapons of the pakeha
as a means for your physical progress
your heart centred on the treasures of your Maori ancestors
as a plume upon your head
your soul given to God
the author of all things."

To our Pakeha brothers and sisters of Manakau celebrating this his­torical event today, on behalf of the Maori people, we say,

"Heoi ra, Kia Ora Koutou Katoa
May all that is Good in Life be Yours."

NAN GRAY, TE UMU MIRATANA. JOHN MATEHAERE.

"Application for a post office was made 22 July 1887 and on 1 August
1887 Manukau post office was opened with William Tompsitt as postmas­ter. His appointment was without salary but on 14 September 1888 heapplied for a salary and was granted eight pounds a year from 1 October
1888 — this rate being the usual rate for agency postmasters in those times.

J. D. Hill was appointed postmaster 1 July 1892 and William Noden 1
Sepgember 1893 — I do not have a record of subsequent appointments.

Telephone office facilities were added to the post office 1 March 1894 with call sign MNK. At this stage the name was ManUkau but from 1 October 1899 it was corrected to ManAkau. I understand that the post office was operated from a general store but in 1900 this burnt down and re­placed. The present building was opened 1907 when the office could have been upgraded to permanent status — being reduced to non-classified about August 1964."

Page 17

HISTORICAL

A SURVEY OF THE SETTLEMENT OF MANAKAU

(By the late A. M. ATKINS)

The settlement of Manakau commenced in the year 1885. Prior to that year the district was in its virgin state, clothed in heavy bush. The only inhabitants were the Bevan family and the Maori people who lived nearer the coast, the beaches of which were the main highway of those days.

On the completion of the Manawatu Railway in 1886, the district was quickly opened up and the township of Manakau came into existence. With the sale of land by the Railway Company, bush sections were acquired, both from a speculative point of view, and for genuine settlement. Previous to the sale, Messrs. Bevan, Atkins and Staples had purchased native land, which today is still being farmed by descendants of those fami­lies. Other than the above mentioned settlers who acquired land at that time, only three other properties remain in posses­sion of the original families who purchased them, namely Carkeek, Bird and Eglinton.

The successful purchases of the 3750 acres of agricultural land were as follows:—W. McLintock, G. Boothby, Anne Whiley, Anne Coleridge, S. Hanson, J. Morris, E. Wilson, T. Robb, R. Coneys, L. A. Abraham, T. Bevan, Jnr., A. Leech, H. Saint, J. Henson, H. Henson, N. A. Anderson, E. Sherratt, A. Carkeek, A. Houghton, G. Powell, J. Rickard, Ah Gee Kin, J. Staples, J. D'Ath, J. S. Bruces, W. H. Bennett, F. Bright.

The forty-two sections realised £9879 16s. 4d. or an average of £2 12s 8d per acre. Those who purchased the town allotments were:— W. Smith, W. McFarlane, J. Morris, W. Bell, R. Coneys, H. Sullivan, F. Meenkin, J. F. Anderson, Palmerston and Scotty, T. Walsh, T. Stratton, J. Meyers, C. Sweeny, H. Freeman and C. Nees.

In all there were thirty-eight sections, ranging in area from a quarter to one acre, the average price being £14 per section.

Of the suuburban sections, there were twelve, varying in area from one and a quarter acres to ten and three-quarter acres, and these sold at an average price of £6 11s 7d an acre. The successful purchasers were:—A. Coleridge, A. Luff, B. A. Greenless, W. Smith, F. Meenkin, J. Plimmer, T. Gilmour, and W. Eglinton.

As previously stated the district in those days was in a primitive state and a tremendous amount of hard work was necessary before the settlers obtained any reward for their labour. Looking back over the years and visualising the district as it was then, and what it is today, one appreciates and pays tribute to those grand old pioneers, who toiled and slaved from early morn till late at night, with little financial reward. What wonderful courage and tenacity they had, and what sacrifices they made to carve out a home for themselves and their famil­ies. The great majority of these grand old folk have crossed the Great Divide, so let us see to it that we pay homage to them

Page 18

by endeavouring to retain those wonderful characteristics they possessed.

With the destruction of the native bush by axe and fire, most of our beautiful native birds have disappeared—pigeons, kakas, tuis, bellbirds, robins, tomtits, fantails, grey warblers, wrens, wekas, moreporks, and white-eyes. To hear these beauti­ful forest choristers when the first faint rosy tint in the east proclaimed the advent of dawn, was to hear a chorus of praise burst as with one accord from thousands of throats, their com­bined song, to the lover of nature, being simply beautiful; the coo of the native pigeon, the scream of the garrulous kaka, the resonant note of the bell-bird, the inimitable gurgling of the tui, the plaintive melody of the little wren, the chirping of the fan-tail and the weird call of the weka in the evening, and with it all the fragrance of the native bush, all of which made a real paradise. And so with settlements has passed from our midst never to return, many of the Creator's most beautiful gifts.

Much more could be written of the settlement of Manakau, but suffice it to say, it has been one of progress and achieve­ment down through the years. With the land nicely terraced on either side of the main highway, the township lends itself as ideal for closer settlement from a residential point of view.

WITH DEEP REGRET

(July 1967) The morning after the fire, the old hall on the main road, Manakau.

Left to Right. Don Tate, John Bryant,(Jnr), Bridie Bryant, Judith Tate, Bill Gordon.

Page 19

A SURVEY OF THE SETTLEMENT OF MANAKAU

1900-1940

(By M. F. MILES)

With the settlement of land in and around Manakau, it was obvious that dairying would become an important factor in the District.

There was a Creamery situated on the banks of the Mana­kau Stream, where Mr. Tub Mudgway lives today. This was a branch or receiving depot for the Otaki Dairy Co., the cream going to Otaki for manufacture and Mr. J. Rollo being Manager.

In 1916 several farmers combined, and took over the Creamery operated by the N.Z. Dairy Union, and so the Mana­kau Co-operative Dairv Company came into being, situated on the property, alongside the Methodist Church, now occupied by Mr. Bert. McCown.

This factory developed very quickly, and made both butter and cheese—about 350-400 tons of butter and 150-200 tons of cheese.

The first Manager was Mr. T. D. Bathgate and the last Mr. F. Brown.

About 1920 the first few suppliers started supplying Welling­ton Milk to the Milk Department of the City Council, the Chair­man then being Mr., now Sir Charles Norwood.

Few who supplied then are still alive, but the few who remain, I am sure, could never visualise, from the very small beginning, the thousands of pounds that Wellington Milk would bring to the District annually. In 1935 the Dairy Commission Chairman, Sir Francis Fraser, set about the task of reducing dairy costs, and decided that two factories operating within a couple of miles of each other was uneconomical, and closed up several factories. Among these was Manakau.

He put forward terms of amalgamation satisfactory to both sides, and in 1936 the Kuku-Manakau Dairy Co., was born.

Wellington Winter Milk has grown since then in such huge proportions that to-day some 6,500 gallons of milk, representing about £650 per day comes from Manakau suppliers alone, repre­senting a large sum annually.

Consequently, land values have risen to undreamed of heights, and rates, of course, in proportion, or a little more.

Much of the development of this District must be credited to the enterprise of Mr. Thos. Bevan, Jr., who in the early 1900's maintained a small village on his property, on the corner of North Manakau Road, employing 40 to 50 men. Reading, haulage, land clearing, a flax mill and carriage building were all under his hand—and a blacksmith and carpenter shop kept the gear in order.

A dozen teams of horses and two traction engines were almost daily to be seen working somewhere about.

Page 20

It is remarkable how the name of Bevan crops up in connection with early Manakau.

During the influenza epidemic toward the end of 1918, the School was used as a hospital, and for some time was a very busy place. The Matron, Mrs. W. Miles, still lives in Levin, and many families have much to thank her and her band of willing helrjers for, among whom the late Mr. Howard Andrew played a big part. His store and cart were available, as well as himself, at all hours, and there were plenty of others be­sides, who stinted nothing in funds, goods" and work.

Electricity lines began to appear on most of the main roads in 1923-24, and by the end of 1924 most of the houses in the district were served with light and put an end to the kerosene lamp and candle era. Power was then derived from Mangahao— the dam being built by Pulley, a large Contractor at that time.

The Main Road was sealed in 1926, and was, together with electricity for power and heating, the greatest boon Manakau experienced—long live progress.

Manakau always fielded a good Football Team, and most years were either very near the top, if not the actual cham­pions. The games may not have been up to All Black stand­ards, but the players got a lot of encouragement from surely New Zealand's most enthusiastic and vociferous spectators— Harry O'Donnell and "Squiffy" Mason—which made all the difference. To see "Squiffy" with his well-patched trousers, usually a patch about two feet square across the seat, that may have been pink, brown or grey on original blue, but there were usually so many patches one was hard put to it to know the original colour—tearing up the line yelling and haka-ing, was a sight never seen elsewhere. Couldn't be. We also had a few female barrackers who were not far behind, and you only had a difference of opinion, when you were well away from them, or you felt the weight of "Old Kate's" umbrella.

It is not generally known that Manakau had the first talking Pictures before anywhere else in the world, in fact there were never silent pictures here. The Hall would be crowded, and those Maoris who couldn't read or read fast enough, brought a cobber or one of the kids to read for them, which they proceeded to do from all parts of the Hall. The more exciting the picture, the louder they talked. It had to be heard to be believed, and the pronunciation of some words was incredible. A stranger in the Hall in those days certainly got his money's worth.

The remarks and warnings shouted to the characters on the screen, and the poor musician, who usually had her boy friend to turn over the music for her, were all little extras thrown in, and I am sure appreciated by her, as all in the evening's fun. Mrs. Doug Robinson of Levin, then Miss Bramley, was the pianiste for a long time.

The pictures were originally run by Mr. Dick Bevan, and later by Mr. Stuckey, Roland Drake, W. Dalzell and Mr. Banks. Later, the buses took the picture public to Levin, and Manakau pictures closed down.

Page 21

Manakau, in those days, was a self contained little place, where everyone joined in to create their own fun, which is not possible to-day in the more intense way of life.

Passenger trains, of which there were two a day to Welling­ton and Palmerston North, ensured that there was always someone on the station, to get parcels and evening papers, and the station was never the dead place it is now.

The mails were better too, and it didn't take a couple of days to get a letter from Ohau or Otaki as to-day.

There were not ten subscribers on the Telephone Exchange, so that may account for it.

The Ramp over the railway at Waikawa River was com­pleted, and the rattling old bridge was replaced about 1939.

We cannot close this brief survey of Manakau without a thought for those tough old citizens, the old timers, hard workers, hard drinkers, the last of whom disappeared about 1925-30.

Among them the pick and shovel men and station workers, who would come into Manakau once or twice a year, and blow all their wages on clothes and a glorious spree, until the "kitty" was empty, then back again to work for another twelve months. Aimless, yes, but who among us can value the work they did in logging, stumping and fencing, and helping in no small way to make this District the place it is to-day.

Manakau has had its ups and downs, its tragedies and jubilations, but many will look back to their sojourn here, as some of the happiest days of their lives, and Manakau was a happy place—may it long continue to be.

WAIKAWA BEACH

Howard Hurn Chairman Waikawa Ratepayers Association

The history of Waikawa Beach Settlement dates back to the early twenties and before, when a few hardy souls erected temporary shelters alongside the river and camped during weekends and holidays. They fished, whitebaited and hunted the elusive toheroa. Also the wild life of­fered good shooting both in and out of season and the few who knew and liked the place kept coming back year after year. The road leading to the beach was not much more than a track and was subjected to intermittent flooding but the few kept coming back and enjoying their stay in isolation. However it wasn't until the early fifties that the first developed block of some 30 sections was offered for general sale. These sold slowly at first but by 1960 all were sold and most section holders had erected quite substantial weekend baches and the first real community was formed.

When the brush and lupin was cleared the grass came away and owners found good water practically anywhere on their sections at a depth of from 13 to 15 feet. Before this, water was to be had in plenty from a strong flowing artesian well sunk some years before in the centre of the now public area at the end of the road. Unfortunately this well ceased to flow

Page 22

some time ago but with each section having its own underground supply there is little necessity to restore it.

Another street was formed about this time releasing another 20 odd sections for sale which were quickly taken up. This gave a well knitted community of some 50 section holders most of whom spent practically all their spare time levelling, building and generally developing their plot so as to make themselves and their families comfortable for holidays and weekends. The development was naturally slow. Most people liked doing much of the work themselves. Builders were commissioned to erect frames and roofs and the owners filled in the rest as energy, time and money became available. The pace was slow and orderly. People now had a place to get away to and they mostly came from Palmerston North, Wellington and the Hutt Valley. They liked the freedom, the quietness and the sense of achievement in building and developing something they could handle on their own. The beach area was not well known by outsiders and few visitors made their way there unaided. Even whitebaiters and fisher­men were few in numbers and the section owners quietly went about their business developing and improving their properties themselves.

Approximately six years ago the Drake Estate sold off 50 odd acres to land developers, just south of the beach road and fairly large scale de­velopment took place. From 1972 to the present time a further 100 sections were developed, or are in the process, with most of them already sold.

The prices were high compared with the early lots and building costs skyrocketed. The new owners are finding it difficult to build permanent beach houses, as a consequence, many are erecting large garages and using these for accommodation in the interim until more substantial and permanent premises can be erected. However, the same conditions apply as did for the earlier settlement. The land will grow good grass, trees and shrubs. Good underground water is to be had and excellent gardens can be made up given suitable protection from the prevailing winds.

People still like to come here from the cities. They still like to do their own thing — build, plant, improve or just sit in the sun. A few have small boats, some surfcast, many whitebait, most wander along the beach with their families during the summer. All really enjoy themselves. The area will develop slowly, this is the way most people want it.

The community has an active association and get-togethers are ar­ranged once or twice a year. People get to know one another on these occasions but are busy on their own plots most of the time.

What of the future?

At present there are about 160 section owners. 60-70 per cent have buildings of some description on their land. The standard is reasonably high, made so by stringent building regulations. All have some plans for building more permanently in the future, no matter how far that is away. There are eight permanents living at the beach with another five or six semi-permanent. All like what they have. All are enjoying the climate, partial isolation and freedom from the rat race of the cities. None want to leave.

But is it really isolation? There is a good daily mail, milk and super­market delivery to the gate. A good sealed road out to the Main Highway, well formed and not now subjected to flooding. Levin is 20 minutes away. Otaki, Wellington and Palmerston North less than an hour. Rates are low and sunshine high. Come live at Waikawa. It makes for good living and it's fun.

Manakau School has been very fortunate in its committees. Too often the parents do not realise the work that their repre­sentatives do, often giving time and labour for the bettering of the School. It had been truly said that the only time there is a large attendance at the biennial election of the committee, is when something is wrong. At one election at this School in past years there was not even a quorum and members of the local Home Guard had to be called in before the election could proceed. The work of a committee member is not a thankless one (though the parents are not always vocative in their appre­ciation), for he has the inward satisfaction of knowing that he is working, not only for his own children, if he has any at school, but for the betterment of the children of our country. To the many committeemen of the past and to our committtee of today, this reunion of past and present pupils owes a deep debt of gratitude.

Unfortunately the list of committeemen of the past is in­complete, but the names of the first committee were recorded in the log by Mr. Bethune. They were:—C. S. Houghton (chair­man), J. Sherratt, H. Bevan, T. Bevan, Snr., E. Wilson, G. Bartlett and R. Whylie (secretary).

Ex-committeemen whose names have been located were: — A. Carkeek, J. Carroll, J. Atkins, W. A. Milne, H. Fraser, H. Saint, D. Nees, G. Smith, J. Bolton, J. George, E. Rainbow, G. Newsom, C. Eden, S. Norrish, A. Winge, J. Cameron, G. Hanlon, J. H. Andrew, T. Reidy, S. Morgan, T. Clifford, A. Hurley, A. M. Atkins, A. Scholes, G. Phillips (25 years' service), F. Burnell, R. Bryant, J. Blair, A. Hornig, "R. Eagle, C. P. Cotter, M. B. Anderson, C. R. Cottle, J. Leen, D. W. Robinson, F. M. Marshall, M. F. Miles, R. L. Robinson, R. Evans, W. I. Hazlitt.

Committee Members during the period 1923-1931 and not included above were:—Mr. Bowling, Mr~. Thompson, Mr. C. Evans, Mr. H. O'Donnell, Mr. Latham, Mrs. E. Willis, Mrs. Cowen, Mr. T. D. Bathgate, Mrs. B. Sheargold, Mr. D. Ransfield, Mrs. E. B. Clifford, Mr W. J. Willis, Mr George, Les Atkins.

The following list is of the Committeemen from 1946-1962: — Mr. R. L. Robinson, Snr., Mr. L. Jensen, Mr. L. Barkla, Mr. R. White, Mr. G. Martin, Mr. R. L. Robinson, Jnr., Mr. C. Williams, Mr. H. Piper, Mr. C. N. Nielsen, Mr. V. Bregmen, Mr. R. George, Mr A. Corbett, Mr W. H. Swainson, Mr A. Keeling, I. Campbell.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS

1963-1975: G. Fairley, B. Cudby, W. Gordon, P. Judd, T. Smith, A. Hazlitt, L. Staples, C. Jensen, B. Miles, G. Snowden, A. Fogden, D. Tate, W. Van der Veen, S. Ransfield, H. Cook, R. Williams, G. Newcombe, C. Murray, R. Clarke, Margaret Keeling, C. Nevill.

1977-1979: C. Nevill, R. Williams, F. Hamlin, M. Black, R. Clark.

Page 24

The Bevan Family

Back Row: Beryl Bevan, Constance Bevan, Ralph Bevan, Lawrence Bevan, Malcolm Bevan, George Bevan, Hartland Bull, Norman Bevan,

Third Row: Elaine Miles, Joan Scott, Pamela Scott, Rita Nees,Ruby Bevan, Elva Bevan, Myra Bevan.

2nd Row: Valentine Bevan, Una Bull, Florence Bevan, Maureen Bevan, Lincoln Bevan, Evelyn Bevan, Julia Bevan, Ellen Bevan, Reginald Nees.

Front: Hartland Bull (Jnr), Enid Bevan, Alison Miles, Patricia Bevan, Beth Miles.

THE BEVAN FAMILY
(Contributed by V. H. Bevan, grandson of Mr Thomas Bevan,Senior)

Before trying to compile a brief outline of the Bevan history, I would like to say it is true that my great-great-grandfather was the first Euro­pean in Manakau.

But the main feature of this episode is the families that followed — the Ransfields, the Drakes, the Atkins, the Staples, the Phillips, the Burnells, the Bryants, the Robinsons and the various other families too numerous to mention.

To my knowledge there is no complete record of all the settlers, so if any family feels they have been neglected I will apologise to them person­ally. The main reason would be the limitation of my knowledge.

I must not forget all the Maori families of Ngati Wehi Wehi and Ngati Tukorehe — the true settlers as far as we are concerned.

The original Tangawhenua would throw a different light on this fact again.

Page 25

An early pupil, Mr George Hanlon, now of Levin, remembers being taken for a day at Manakau School by his two elder sisters.
What happened is only conjecture.
George enjoyed the experience, but apparently the infant teacher did not. Her farewell admonition to the Hanlon sisters was: "Take your brother home and don't bring him back!"
The teacher could have had a premonition of what was to come.
George had always been fascinated by the sound of the school bell and he longed to ring it. So when he eventually did attend school he wasted no time in going along and giving the bell rope a mighty tug.
This swung the bell into action...and just as swiftly as the headmaster's cane.
George was mystified by this course of events — the bell was there for ringing, not to mark the hours of the day. A clock could do that!
Page 26

North Road Sawmills

The first sawmill appeared in North Road around 1900.Mark Bird married Miss F. Gosling and with the help of their sons, William, Frederick, Henry, Albert, Walter and Charlie they began milling an area of some 4000-5000 acres, which was only part of a much larger area owned by Manawatu Railway.

Two mill sites were used, both near the end of North Road.

From these mills, train lines made of wood were laid for up to four miles into the hills.

Few old pupils will fail to remember the bullock wagon from Bird's Mill pulling into the railway station, loaded with some of the finest timber ever. Timber of a quality which would make a builder's eyes bulge.

"Whip behind" was popular on this wagon.
Baxter, Redpath and Adams continued milling from one of the old
Bird mills that was burnt down.

Merediths also operated a mill from about 1926-30.
The population of North Road in those days was 43.

William Bird later went to Mangahao and milled timber that was used to build the dam there. It was in 1923 that the main power line was erected. running along the North Road Valley towards Wellington.

Even now the hills at the end of North Road are known as "The Syndicate" because farmers in 1913 formed one for the purpose of regras-sing hills that had been cleared of bush.

To the early settlers, the singing noise of the circular saw in the sawmills as it cut its way through a log. and the pleasant sound of the strippers in the flaxrnills, all made sweet music. Even the smell of the bush fires had a fragrance.

What Does Manakau Mean?

Mr V. H. Bevan has answered an old pupil's question about the mean­ing of Manakau.
"Manakau came into existence when Te Rauparaha migrated from Kawhia to occupy this part of the country.
"To get the true meaning of Manakau, let's break it up into syllables.
"Mana means power. Kau means a crossing or ford.
"This name was given because the original inhabitants fled before Te Rauparaha arrived and crossed over the Waikawa River. Hence the name Manakau which Te Rauparaha gave to mark this occasion.
"It is the only place on record that he named personally on this coast.

"Manakau is often confused with Manukau, Auckland and Mamaku, Rotorua.

"Over the years my mail just addressed to me at Manakau has gone to these places. Manawatu Line became the original address and then came Horowhenua, the proper name of this locality." NOTE:

In 1840 the Waikawa andOhau Rivers were joined and flowed over the Manakau beach as a common mouth. They became separated by a terrific earthquake and the Manga Pirau Lake disappeared.

"Reminiscences of an Old Colonist", by Thos Bevan Snr.

Page 27

Tatum Park

Tatum Park, the Scout Association's National training headquarters on the main highway north of Manakau was formerly owned by Major Charles Tatum who bequeathed the property to the Scout movement.

Major Tatum bought the land from Henry Bevan, eldest son of Mr Thomas Bevan Senior, of Manakau.

Behind Mr Sevan's home, the site on which Major Tatum's residence still stands, was the railway line put through by the Manawatu Railway Company.

One winter's night, early in the century, a severe storm caused the Waikawa River on the south side of the farm to overflow its banks and the sudden force of water washed away part of the railway bridge spanning the river

Page 28

Awakened by the noise of the wind and rain and the sound of crashing timber, Mr Bevan went out and soon found what had happened.

He knew a train was due so hurried down the line with a lantern and was able to signal the engine driver to stop before reaching the danger point.

In appreciation of his action the Manawatu Railway Company gave him a free pass for life on all their trains.

In the course of his travels "Little John" called on Major C.T. Tatum, who had established his home at Manakau, some eighty-two kilometres north of Wellington and who was, for many years, a member of the Execu­tive Committee and until his death a member of the National Scout Coun­cil, to see if he could recommend a suitable area in the vicinity.

Major Tatum indicated on this occasion that his property would be left, after the death of himself and his wife, to the Church.

On a later visit when "Little John" called on Major Tatum, he learned from him that the Church thought the estate, which had suffered during the latter years of Major Tatum's life, from lack of attention and had become very overgrown and neglected, would prove too expensive for them to restore. Major Tatum accordingly offered the property to the Scout Movement and two Training Courses were in fact run on the estate during his lifetime.

Major Tatum died in 1943, after assigning the property in his Will to The Scout Association of New Zealand. Before his death it had been de­cided to name the estate Tatum Park. This gave him great pleasure and he produced a paper giving the derivation of his name. It came from the Saxon word "Tatem" meaning "Happy Home."

After the death of Major Tatum, a tremendous amount of work upon the estate was necessary to meet even the simplest requirements of train­ing courses. Nature had taken charge and the place was a tangle of creepers and weeds and every day new paths and old buildings which were completely covered over with growth, came to light. The majority of buildings were rotten and had to be demolished.

Gradually, with more finance forthcoming and with the help of such generous donors as Miss Nancy Wilson, Sir James Grose, LordNewall and the Sargood Trust, the necessary facilities began to take shape. Shelter belts were planted, fences repaired and the battle against the decay con­tinued.

In 1967 an experiment was run. Business firms and Government De­partments were invited to use the facilities for their Staff Training.

This proved so successful that it was decided in 1970, to proceed with a major development project increasing the facilities to a full Training and Conference Centre, In 1973, still further development was completed com­prising a new Conference Hall.

As a result of these developments, Tatum Park is in constant use and not only meets the needs of the Scout Association Leadership Training Courses but is also used extensively by the New Zealand Administrative Staff College, Government Departments and Business Firms for their Leadership Training.

Tatum Park comprises 43 acres and it is well worth while having a walk round to see the many facilities which are available.

Page 29

Manakau 1890-97

(From the Encyclopedia of New Zealand)

Population: 336 as under Village 149 Main Road 101 North Road 43 South Road 43

School Roll: 83. Average attendance 59. Headmaster Mr W. Foster. — O —

Arthur W. Carkeek VC

Civil engineer and surveyor Manakau. Awarded VC in Maori
Wars.

Neil Andrew Anderson:

Coach builder, blacksmith and wheelwright.
Well found factory with all the necessary machinery for the business including one 8hp engine.

— O —

William Tompritt:

Very popular proprietor of the Manakau Hotel, a handsome two storey wooden building with 29 bedrooms upstairs and stabling at the rear of the main building.
-O-

George Smith: Bootmaker

Charles Gardener and Co.

Sawmillers, Manakau Mill cutting 4000ft per day.

Albert Adams:

General storekeeper, Post Office store 1895.

— O —

R. P. Hough ton:

Storekeeper 1888.

— 0 —

Joseph Morris:

Storekeeper, cash store 1894.

— 0 —

Christopher Richard Smith: General store 1894.

— O —

School was built by Charles Nees.

Page 30

THE GOLDEN JUBILEE

The following are extracts from the account of the celebra­tions as published in the "Otaki Mail" March 8th, 1939.

Probably never in the history of Manakau has such jubila­tion existed as prevailed on Saturday, when the 50th year of the opening of the school was celebrated. The day broke beautifully fine and there were scholars from far and near in attendance, while Mr. P. A. D. Mickle, a former teacher, made the trip from Australia, to attend. The town was gay and at the school grounds bunting was greatly in evidence, while crowds assem­bled early in the morning to participate in the Jubilee celebra­tions. The pupils of the school divided themselves in decades and the oldest scholars led the procession which started from the post office and marched to the grounds. In the 1888-98 decade (first) there were some 100 old scholars, over fifty in the second decade, 120 in the third, and about 160 in the fourth, followed by a large number of present-day pupils. Each decade was headed by banner-bearers with the year of attendance, and on arrival at the school grounds assembled in front of a dais set apart for teachers of the school and officials. At the gates Natives met the procession and welcomed them.

Mr. Alf. Atkins, Chairman of Committee, extended a very warm welcome to all, making special mention of the past scholars. Among those present he was pleased to see ex-teachers, ex-scholars, and others keenly interested, and he re­garded it as wonderful to be able to meet and renew acquain­tance. Mr. Atkins regretted that there were many unable to attend and made feeling reference to those who had passed away. However, their memories were ever dear. Mr. Atkins trusted that all who had assembled to take part in the celebra­tions would have a most enjoyable day, and that old friendships would be renewed.

THE DIAMOND JUBILEE, 1948.

"Over 400 past pupils of Manakau School were present, at the School's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, which began in perfect weather, with a get-together and roll call after the march to the school led by the Otaki Brass Band. The Parade was welcomed at the bedecked entrance to the School by a party of Maori women, and then commenced those joyous scenes of re-union as old class-mates met for the first time for many years. Mr. Alf. Atkins who opened the proceedings wel­comed the large gathering of old pupils, teachers and committee men. He was particularly pleased to welcome Mrs. Bethune, wife of the School's first headmaster.

Mr. "Bunny" Carkeek spoke on behalf of the Maori race, and congratulated the Jubilee Committee for their excellent arrangements, while Mr. French spoke on behalf of ex-teachers, and Mr. R. L. Robinson spoke for the Manakau School Commit­tee. Mrs. Bethune after having been presented with a beauti­ful bouquet of flowers, spoke of the early days, and recalled how they had to use a lantern to walk at nights in the mud and slush that constituted the roads of those days.

Page 31

Teachers had a tremendous responsibility in training their pupils in early days, commented Mr. French when speaking to the toast "Old Pupils."

The greatest tribute which could be paid to the School was the huge gathering of old pupils at the celebrations.

Mr. Maher paid tribute to the "Educational Authorities" in his toast, for their provision of amenities in the District, and referred to the work done for education by the early pioneers— in reply Mr. D. K. Guy spoke of the high standard of the Manakau School pupils, the beautiful setting of the grounds and the foresight and patience of the teaching staffs.

He appealed to all present to get behind the school com­mittees and give them their full backing.

JUBILEE WEEKEND WAS HAPPY AND MEMORABLE

"School's in, children", the celebrations committee chairman, Mr J. N. Bryant, proclaimed in Manakau on Saturday afternoon as he placed at his feet a bell he had just tolled — and hundreds of pupils who had been taught at the Manakau School during three-quarters of a century were reunited under a common bond.

Drawn from many parts of the Dominion they had reassembled to live again in the past when renewing childhood friendships, making and ce­menting new ones, and to pay tribute to administrators, past and present.

March To Grounds

The attendance was swelled on Saturday when ex-pupils formed them­selves into decade groups, and led by the Levin Municipal Band and preceded by bearers carrying banners, marched from the post office to the school grounds. Here seating was provided in front of a dais on which the official party, comprising the following, were seated:

The Member of Parliament for Otaki, Mr A. McCready, and Mrs McCready; the ward member for Horowhenua on the Wellington Educa­tion Board, Mr V. J. Cottle, and Mrs Cottle; the No. 1 on the school roll, Mr Robert Whiley (from Christchurch), the celebrations committee chair­man, Mr J. N. Bryant, and Mrs Bryant; the Maori people's representative, Mr Taha Gray, and Mrs Gray, and the chairman of the Manakau School Committee, Mr G. Fairley, and Mrs Fairley.

Tendering best wishes for a successful jubilee from the Manakau School Committee, Mr Fairley said he felt the jubilee celebrations were not only for ex-pupils but for the present day pupils because as the citizens of tomorrow they would be arranging the next jubilee. "This then is their challenge — to carry on what you have started."

Page 32

After reading a message from the Minister of Education, Mr McCready said: "We remember, today, and pay our tribute to the drive and initiative put in by those early settlers who started schools in the back country areas

"At jubilee functions such as this when people come from one end of the country to the other we cannot help but be reminded that we owe a lot to the early Manakau settlers for their fine contribution to the welfare of their town and district."

=======================

School Bus

School buses have played an important part in school activities over the years.

The first privately owned bus started in 1935 driven by Jack Blackburn on the Waikawa Beach Road, beginning at Peka Peka.

Mrs Roland Drake (nee Evan Atkins) continued for a period from further out towards the beach, Mrs R.L. Robinson carried on for some years followed by Ian Robinson who operated for some 6 years then by Mavis Robinson (nee Hazlitt) for 10 years, before a department bus was provided.

This was driven by Mr and Mrs Pat Judd for 10 years, Jill White for three years and Nan Stern (nee Swainson) for 18 months.

The bus first started with only a few pupils on one road and grew to the stage where every road was serviced.

Drivers over the years acquired knowledge of the district and the par­ents that would surely make fine reading.

Activities in Manakau

County Women's Institute

Monthly meetings for 46 years.
Women's Division Federated Farmers.
Monthly meetings since May 1939.
Wool Spinning
Operating for 8 years with meetings every two weeks.
Indoor Bowls
Began in 1954 and held weekly throughout winter months. Outdoor Bowls
Established 1948. Evergreen greenkeeper Fred Abernethy. Weekends in summer months.
Plunket
Boxing.
Hall society.

The late Mr Les Atkins was to the fore with education in Manakau, being a committee member, and also representing the whole area on the Wel­lington Education Board for ten years. His name can be linked with others, who also have given their time and energy for the benefit of our school.

Page33

"BROWN ACRES"

MANAKAU

The Home of Quality Berryfruits, Tree

Ripe Apples and a Wide Variety of

Vegetables

Open October to May

Produce Available from our Stall or Pick-Your-

Own

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THIS UNIQUE PROPERTY

Some sixty years ago the property, a 72-acre dairy farm running around 20 cows, was owned by Mrs Hammond, who sold it to Mr Richard Robinson who some years earlier had driven his herd from Makara to Levin where he had purchased land. The Robinson family owned the property for some 40 years during which period the advent of super-phosphate and later potash saw a tremendous increase in production. It was during this period that the original homestead of sixteen rooms was re-built using the original materials and this dwelling still stands on part of the original farm.

Successive owners have been Mr Bert Robinson, Mr King and Mr Jack Andrews and it was in 1969 that Brown Acres purchased 54 acres of the farm from Mr Andrews.

The concept of Brown Acres was to provide the district and Wellington consumers with a wide variety of "Garden Fresh" produce.

Today, "Brown Acres" is a household name amongst the many thousands of people who visit us each year, and a trip to Brown Acres to pick-your-own midst well grown crops in our park like surroundings is a family outing keenly anticipated.

The property also attracts many overseas tourists who find the quality and flavour of our produce and the diversity of our production a unique experience and a highlight of their travels.

Apart from providing employment opportunities for many women and children of the district, it is our hope that "Brown Acres" will continue as one means of bringing this lovely district to the attention of visitors and play its part in bringing prosperity and pride to Manakau, the true jewel of the Horo-whenua.

Page 34

Finding Moa bones at Manakau

FINDING MOA BONES TAKAPU RD 1962

Photo from left: Mr W. I. Hazlitt, Dr McCann, Richard Robinson, Mr Abernethy.

9 large species.
20 small species.

Dominion Museum have appreciated work done by Mr Abernethy and have decided to work the site further at later date.

Page 35

As the years go by it becomes evident that mention should be made and history written of the Plunket Rooms situated in the Manakau School grounds, and to be very mindful of the many good people of the district who worked so hard to erect and complete the building free of debt, some thirty years ago on the site where it now stands. In fact, the nice little building seems to have become an integral part of the school and indeed the district, being used by many and varied organised groups, dental clinic, meetings, etc. It would be safe to say that many babies who received care and attention from the nurse at the time, "Nurse Hight", went through their primary education in the Manakau school in more recent years as good healthy children. In browsing through the early minute books one cannot help but realise the forethought and extreme effort that was put into the project and confidence in their ability to finish the work they so energeti­cally set out to do.

Originally the rooms were in a building leased from Mr Lew Bevan. This building was quite old and in need of repair, and was situated on the western side of the main highway in the centre of the little township. It is significant that there is a minute at that time asking Mr Gordon Scott if he had any bits and pieces of timber about that he would let the Society have to repair the outer walls of the building. Because this building was unsuita­ble, and there was a certain amount of danger from the main highway traffic these were the principal factors of the Branch seeking ways and means of owning a building of their own. There was a very good enthusias­tic committee in the Manakau Branch at the time — 1947 — headed by the Hon. Robert Semple as Patron, Mrs R. L. Robinson, president, Mrs N. Bennell, secretary and treasurer, and S. Jensen. Both croquet and tennis clubs and the hall committee were approached for use of their respective grounds for a site, to no avail. Finally the School Committee agreed to help, provided permission was forthcoming from the Wellington Education Board and the Education Department. So the committee decided to enlist the help of the Hon. Robert Semple who had a holiday home at Waikawa Beach at the time, and he proved to be very sympathetic and helpful. In a very short time the appropriate permission was given in the form of a letter from the Education Department granting the right to build on the present site and the building was erected on skids to conform with legal procedure enabling it to be moved if at any time it became necessary. So everything was right to go ahead.

While this was all going on the district was canvassed for financial support which was quickly gained. Also substantial donations were re­ceived from Wellington commercial firms after being written to by the very energetic and capable secretary, Mrs Bennell.

The Plunket rooms were erected by Messrs A. Sheppard and Sons for the sum of 575 pounds, and free of debt.

Page 36

TO THE EDITOR:

DEDICATION

Sir, — With the 90th jubilee of the Manakau School looming on the not-too-distant horizon, past pupils from far and near will converge on the local scene to take part in the three days of celebrations being planned by an active and enthusiastic committee.

They will renew acquaintance with the district and friends and play­mates of days gone by. And no doubt, there will be those among them who will have nostalgic memories of high days and holidays spent at the Waikawa Beach.

The beach was the popular venue for the school picnics; camping holidays or family outings, when they would enjoy swimming, boating, fishing or exploring the sandhills, dotted with many Maori middens.

To those ex-pupils (members of my own family included) I dedicate the following verses:

THE WAIKAWA SANDS

Levin. A.R.B.

Page 37

SPONSORS

FRANK CORBETT, Levin Auctioneering Co., Levin.

IAN ROBINSON, Sales Manager, Director Great Lake Motor Co., Taupo.

ROBIN COLLIER AUTOMOTIVE LTD., 311 Oxford St., Levin.

JOHN PAGE, Public Valuer, Levin.

ERROL COLLIER, Classic Pennants, Levin.

RAY & PENNY BERTLESON (BREGMAN), Penray Gardens, Otaki.

KEITH & LORRAINE McLEAVEY (WILLIAMS), Cooksley Transport, Otaki.

BRIAN & VENNA SE YMORE (WILLIAMS), Milk Vendor, Paraparaumu.

BRIAN BREGMAN, Coastal Freighters, Otaki.

HANK & NGAIRE ARTZ (BARKLA), Hank Artz, Painter & Paperhanger, Levin.

MONTY MEREDITH, Phone 86-325. Meredith Electrical, Box 431, Levin.

HENRY PHILLIPS, Electrician & Motor Repair Service, Queen St, Levin. Phone 87-511.

PAUL McCOWAN, Drainage Contractor, Otaki.

TATUM PARK

The National Training and Conference Centre of the Scout Association of New Zealand congratulate Manakau School on their 90th Jubilee.

Tatum Park is proud of the close association they have had with the Manakau School and the people of Manakau for over 30 years. Tatum Park comprises 16 hectares and is the National Headquar­ters for the Scout Association of New Zealand. In recent years it has been developed as a Conference Centre and besides the boys camping fie Ids, where many hundreds of boys camp throughout the year, fully equipped Conference facilities have been developed. These facilities include a high standard of indoor accommodation and modern dining room.

Page 38

Do You Remember?

Cr. G.A. Martin and R.L. Robinson arranging to purchase the hall from Mr Webster of Otaki for $1500. This hall, on the main road, was destroyed by fire in July 1967.
— 0 —
The opening of the existing hall on May 25,1968 by Cr. G.A. Martin with Mrs Colin Williams uncovering the plaque.
— O —
The new post office, 1906, Mr T. Rose, chief inspector of post offices came to Manakau to inspect three sites available. The post office, as it is now, was built in 1906. Mr G.A. Martin is the grandson of Mr Rose and was on hand at the opening of the automatic exchange in ???????
— O —
The farm union meeting to protest against the Government intention of taking over Titirangi (Bevan estate) for market gardening purposes.
— O —
The uproar in class while Mr French and Mr Scott were talking politics.
— O —
Mr George Phillips boiling the copper for school picnics.
— O —
That on May 6, 1964 it cost 1/lOVz for a card to be sent from the PTA to a mother who had just given birth to a daughter.
— O —
From the PTA balance sheet 1960: 12 loaves of bread for 7/6. 51b butter 10/-.
— O —
Land values: 87 acres 1951 $8360.1976 $76,000. A section at the beach 1951 $2400 UIV $100. 1976 $14,OOOLV $5000. Sections at Manakau 32 perch: 1951 $1920. 1976 $7000. 1951 $140. 1976 $5700.
— O —

Club Day 1959...40 animals.

Page 39

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank the people who have helped me to revise and rewrite this booklet.

Mrs Nan Gray, Manakau School and Its Maori People;

Mr Howard Hum, Waikawa Beach;

Ralph Bevan, Miss Bevan, Mrs Sellers, and Val Bevan for their con­tributions, Robin Williams and Ian Holford for their guidance and Bridie Bryant for her enthusiasm

-------------------

Our secretary for the celebrations, Mrs J. N. Bryant (nee Bridie Cor-bett) has been awarded the QBE. We all feel that the award was well merited and congratulate Bridie on receiving such recognition.

Page 40

For all your Bulk Fertilizer Lime requirements.

Stocks available ex Bulk Store

===================================================

Manakau School 90th Jubilee booklet back cover

Manakau School 90th Jubilee 1978
1948 School committee

henryphillips
Back Row : 1 Horace Cook, 2 Ray Robinson, 3 Brian Bregman, 4 Ian Holford, 4A Robin Williams, 5 Bill Miles, 6 David Gregory, 7 Lawence Staples.
Front Row : 8 Lettie Rangiuru, 9 Glennis Blenkhorn, 10 Mavis Robinson ( Hazlitt) 11 Marsden Staples, 12 Bridie Bryant ( Corbett)
13 Lorraine McLeavey (Williams)

Manakau School 90th Jubilee 1978
Ex pupils 1928 - 1938 era

henryphillips
Back Row : 1 Hec Bryant, 2 Niel Bryant, 3 Betty Morton, 4 Bryson Horn, 5 Ken Dalzell, 6 Horace Cook, 7 Josephine D'Arth, 8 Ian Robinson, 9 Lawence Staples, 10 Marsden Staples, 11 Lloyd Robinson, 12 Trix Hazlitt, 13 June Dimock, 14 Frances McKay, 15 Marie Bryant, 16 Tita Robinson, 17 Willie Cook, 18 Norma Gray, 19 Rebecca King, 20 Sally O'Rourke, 21 Frank Corbett, 22 Bill Miles, 23 Sam Wallis, 24 Alec King,

Manakau School 90th Jubilee 1978
Ex Pupils 1948 - 1958 era

henryphillips
Back Row : 1 Neville Rough,2 Paul McCown, 3 Terry Phillips,
3A Charles Haigh, 4 Malcom Piper, 5 ...... 6 Dick Ransfield, 7 Leslie Bryant, 8 Mary McLeod, 9 Bobby Miritana, 10 (Teachers) Jean Campbell, 11 Nola Corbett, 12 Neil McDonald, 13 Pauline Bryant,
14 ....; 15 John Bryant, 20 ......, 21 ........, 22 Helen Staples,
23 ..... 24 Richard Robinson, 25 Warren Robinson, 26 Ian Tollan,
27 (Teacher) Miss Hooper, 28 Audrey Swainson, 29 Piki Ransfield, 30 Inez Jensen, 31 Beth miles, 32 Loma Phillips, 33 Venna Williams, 34 Lorraine williams, 35 Nan Swainson, 36 (Teacher) Mr. Patchett.

Manakau School 90th Jubilee 1978
Waikawa Beach Road & Takapu Road ex residents

henryphillips
Back Row : 1 Malcom piper, 2 Lindsay Robinson, 3 Hugh Campbell,
4 Graham Piper, 5 Bruce McGown, 6 Peter McGowan. 7 Olive Piper, 8 Patricia Piper, 9 Della Mather, 10 Neil Bryant, 11 Vi Piper,
12 Trix Robinson, 13 Judy Nielsen, 14 Carol Robinson, 15 Tony Drake, 16 Ann Robinson, 17 Mike Candy, 18 Mavis Robinson,
19 Ray Robinson, 20 Val Barkla, 21 Bid Nielsen, 22 Agnes ( Daisy) Bryant, 23 Leonie Bryant, 24 Joyce Drake, 25 Diane Morris,
26 Rae Robinson, 27 Gary Drake.