(Notes gleaned from Committee Records).
25th July, 1891. A meeting of residents was held at the School House, Ohau, to elect a provisional School Committee. Proposed by Mr. Hurley and seconded by Mr. D. Brown and carried that Mr. Kebble take the chair.
After the letter from the Secretary of Education authorising the election of a provisional Committee had been read the following were duly elected. Messrs. D. Brown, T. Jukes, J. Giles, W. Gorrie, Thomas Mudgway, J. Kebble and J. Hurley.
Mr. J. Kebble was elected Chairman of the Committee and Secretary combined and Mr. J. Hurley be Treasurer.
19th September. The appointment of Miss Brown as School Teacher was recorded by the Committee.
The first expenses for the school are recorded and passed for payment were Bucket 2/6, 3 Pannikins 1/-, 2 cords Firewood 10/-, total 13/6. How would that compare with today, 1968?
20th September. An application by Capt. Wills for the use of the School Room for a Magic Lantern Entertainment was agreed to by the Committee.
18th October. At this time the attendance of children at the school was unsatisfactory, and it was decided that members of the Committee to see the parents and ask them to see that the children attend more regularly. It should be remembered that school attendance at this time was not compulsory.
1895:
7th February. A letter was received by the Committee from Miss Brrown stating that she had tendered her resignation to the Education Board as Teacher of the school. The Committee also agreed with the appointment by the Education Board of Mr. Robert Collie as Head Teacher of the Ohau School.
6th May. The cleaning of the Hall was let out to Mr. Gregory at £8.10.0 per annum and for cleaning out after concerts and dances 4/-, tea meetings 2/- and religious services 6d.
1896:
22nd April. As the minutes of the previous Committee meeting were read, and there being no further business members had a social chat until 8 p.m.
1897:
14th June. The School Committee received a circular from the Education Board stating that they had decided to give all the school children an extra weeks holiday in commemoration of the Queen’s (Victoria) record reign.
Were the children pleased? I wonder.
The Committee decided to give prizes to children who attend school over 400 half days during the year. Four pupils qualified.
20th August. Miss Jillet sent in her resignation as Pupil Teacher.
1898:
24th March. The Committee resolved to ask the Education Board to appoint Miss Glasgow as Assistant Teacher.
26th November. Mr. Collie’s resignation was received with regret.
28th December. Mr. A.M. Feist was appointed as Head Teacher of the school.
1900:
12th April. (Recorded) Mr. Rolston interviewed the School Committee re new school at Muhunoa East; after discussion the Committee agreed that the Chairman draft a letter expressing its views on the application for a new school at Muhunoa East.
1902:
12th February. The Education Board’s action in appointing Miss Newton as Assistant Teacher had the approval of the Committee, also that a present be presented to Miss Glasgow on her retirement from the school.
1905:
4th March. The Committee decided to award a book to S. (Samuel) Rolston as he was unable to be at the picnic. Note – (Samuel was in the Otaki Hospital, having undergone a number of serious operations from which he eventually recovered). A very thoughtful gesture on the part of the Committee.
25th March. The Committee resolved that for the side school (Muhunoa East) be paid direct and not through the Committee.
3rd July. Miss Bright was appointed as Assistant Teacher to the school.
1906:
6th February. The resignation of Miss Newton was received with regret.
5th March. The selection of Miss Houden as Assistant Teacher was confirmed by the Committee.
(Notes taken from Ohau Log Book from 1907 - ).
Ohau School burnt down on Wednesday, April 15th, 1907, at about 6.40 p.m. The school records and furniture were destroyed.
22nd April. Began school in the Institute (Public Hall) 84 pupils present. Teachers Mr. Feist and Miss Tew.
3rd July, 1907. Plans and specifications for new schools sent to Ohau by the Education Board.
12th July, 1907. Side School (Muhunoa East) Teacher Miss Atkinson.
3rd February, 1908. New School at Ohau opened; 60 pupils.
Report – 13 July, 1908. It is to be regretted that owing to the opening of the New School at Muhunoa East the upper classes in the school (Ohau) have been almost depleted.
15th December, 1908. Harry Saint obtained proficiency.
1st November. Mr. Feist left the district for Bay of Plenty.
1909:
6th December. Mr. Henderson took charge of the school.
1910:
10th May. Death of King Edward VII.
15th December. Passed Std. V, William Royal, May Saint, Gwen Saint, Eileen Smith, Winifred Rawiri.
1911:
10th December. Proficiency gained by Claud McLeavey, Norman Retter, William Royal, Winifred Rawiri, Gwen Saint.
5th December. Passed Std. V, Horatio Baylis, Laurence Butter, Gerald Retter, Alfred Wilson, Richard Winterburn, Valentine Whiley, Flora Richards, Hazel Smith, Nora Wilson.
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