More Info →Levin School Centennial 1890-1990

FOREWORD FOR LEVIN SCHOOL

CENTENNIAL BOOKLET

On behalf of the councillors of the Horowhenua District Council, I would like to take this opportunity of congratulating the Levin School on its centenary.

This book will be a worthwhile souvenir of the occasion, recording events and episodes of the many past Pupils, teachers and former committee members of the school.

We all know how hard the organising committee have worked to make this historic occasion so pleasant and successful.

It is appropriate that with New Zealand celebrating 150 years, your school, along with others in our community, are completing 100 years of education. Along with Shannon, Foxton, Manakau, Ohau and Koputaroa, our pioneers would be very proud of these schools today, which all reflect the dedication and work succeeding generations have contributed to education in our areas.

The Levin School has contributed in many ways to the prosperity of the former Levin Borough and surrounding County District, with many former pupils now outstanding leaders in our wider community.

We all wish your school and future trustees every success in the future and look forward to a continuing excellent relationship with your pupils and staff.

Malcolm Guy,

MAYOR,

HOROWHENUA DISTRICT COUNCIL.

The first day of the Levin School and the Century to follow

In a little, unlined, one roomed school, a teacher waited for the first intake of pupils. Three children came along on that day and the teacher, Mr Robert Pope, duly recorded their names and some other brief items in the log-book. Those words have been repeated in recording history in various Jubilee booklets celeb­rating the school's founding.

There have been five Jubilees in the century since Mr Pope's first inscription in the log-book on February 24, 1890.

For many years the histories of the town and school were closely interwoven. Descendants of early settlers through successive generations have been pupils. Thousands of pupils, hundreds of staff members, have been associated with the Levin School. Stories have been told, of sporting victories, of teachers, of school­boy pranks, of times of tragic loss.

My time at Levin District High School was brief as compared to others, but it has always been with some pleasure that I reflect on my days there.

This booklet records moments and memories in the passing years and may it help recall friendships made in happy childhood days.

Molly Dome

[picture of Levin School in 1980]

Levin School in 1980.

LEVIN SCHOOL 1990

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JUBILEE COMMITTEE

Many congratulatory messages were received on the Centennial occasion in­cluding those of the Governor General,. His Excellency Sir Paul Reeves; Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Geoffrey Palmer; Minister of Education, The Honourable Phil Goff; Minister of Employment, The Honourable Annette King, MP for Horowhenua.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE

WELLINGTON NEW ZEALAND

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

School Centennials are important events in New Zealand life for two reasons.

First, they provide a valuable mechanism for the recording and recounting of New Zealand history, because withthe introduction of free, compulsory and secular education from 1877, most New Zealanders have passed through our local schools.

Centennials which gather people together to recount forgotten stories, and booklets like this which record the attendances, achievements and times of local people form an important source for future reference.

The second reason they are important is that they afford a wonderful opportunity for people of a district, long scattered by generations and distance, to reassemble and enjoy themselves.

With this in mind, I send my warm good wishes to everyone associated with Levin School in your 1990 Centennial year.

Paul Reeves Governor-General

\PRIME MINISTER

14 November 1989

I am delighted to offer to everyone associated with the Levin School, past and present, my warmest congratulations on the school's centennial.

One hundred years of service to education is a great deal to reflect on!

A centennial is a time to look back on our past and reflect on what our parents, grandparents and great grandparents thought and did.

But it is also a time to look forward at what the future might hold.

For all New Zealanders, 1990 has a special significance.

It is the year in which we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and reflect seriously on our partnership obligations.

It is also the first year of operation of the reformed education system. A year which I believe is one of the most important in the history of New Zealand's education system.

I hope everyone associated with the Levin School will take this opportunity to look back at the past and forward to the future with optimism.

I believe New Zealanders have a great future. The Levin School's centennial comes at the right moment to celebrate it!

I extend my warmest best wishes to all the pupils, staff, parents and trustees of the school.

Geoffrey Palmer

MESSAGE FROM MINISTER OF EDUCATION

On the occasion of the Levin School Centennial, I am pleased to have the opportunity to greet nll those who have been associated with the school and to acknowledge the role that it has played in the life of the Levin community over the years.

The centennial of your school falls at an auspicious time in the history of New Zealand education.

Your second century begins as New Zealand begins a new era in education administration.

The new structures being introduced provide for close cooperation between school, parents and community to enable the most effective and appropriate use of resources for the benefit of the students.

I am sure that the Levin School community will accept the opportunities which the new system brings to build on and extend the fine educational tradition established over the last 100 years.

I extend my very best wishes for the future to the pupils, staff, trustees and parents of the school.

Phil Goff
Minister of Education

MESSAGE FROM ANNETTE KING, MINISTER OF EMPLOYMENT & YOUTH

AFFAIRS & MP FOR HOROWHENUA. FOR THE LEVIN SCHOOL CUTENNIAL

BOOKLET.

I feel privileged to be able to send everyone associated with the Levin School's centennial my sincerest congratulations and my warmest wishes for another successful 100 years.

Levin School has made an outstanding contribution to the region reflecting the dedication and hard work of generations of teachers, parents and those who have taken a deep interest in education.

I hope everyone involved in these centennial celebrations will find fun & joy in meeting again with former friends & associates, remembering good times together, reminiscing & recounting long forgotten tales and experiences..

I wish all who are associated with the school, now and in the future every success,

[picture of Peter Bartholomew]

PETER BLAND BARTHOLOMEW came to Levin in 1888, to explore milling possibilities and opened a sawmill about a mile and a half north of Levin, at the southern end of the Avenue, near the Roslyn Road crossing.

In 1857 he left Scotland as a lad of eighteen years, with two brothers to go to Australia. Peter began sawmilling in Queensland before moving to New Zealand to go sawmilling out of Nelson. His next move was to Feilding, where he established a large mill. The mill had been shifted from Nelson by boat to Foxton, then by bullock wagons to Feilding. In coming to Levin the mill was again moved by bullock wagons.

When Mrs Bartholomew arrived with her fainily, a large house was built. This is the home which the Morgan sisters, Mrs Mavis Whiley and Mrs Davena Murdoch live in just over the railway crossing in Roslyn Road. The mill became something of a store and a post office as well. Mr F.G. Roe, brother-in-law of Peter Bartholomew, began distributing mail which^. was sent for the settlers to collect at the mill. The postal arrangements to the other side of the lake, which was operated with the coach service along the coast, was difficult for the settlers.

When the timber was mostly cut out in that area, the mill was moved to Weraroa and was enlarged, while smaller mills were set up at Ohau. The mill stood in an area bounded by Oxford Street, Hokio Beach Road and Mabel Street.

After the mill was dismantled, the land was divided into building sections.

In the publication of the first School Committee of 1890, the name Barth­olomew appears but does not give the initials. This was possibly Peter Bland Bartholomew, but it is his daughter-in-law Mrs Maxwell Stewart Bartholomew, who was to become closely associated with the school in later years.

Early Days

The stories of Mr Frederick George Roe and Mr Robert James Pope ably describe times of the early days of Levin.

Mr Roe wrote his memoirs when he was over 80 years of age and they bring a special description of a place which was later to become a progressive and properous provincial town. When he arrived in Levin from Feilding in March 1888, he came to take up a position as a quantity surveyor at Dunn and Bartholomew's sawmill. At that time the erection of the mill had just been completed. Mr Roe spoke of that time when he was at the mill.

"There was no-one living permanently in the area which would become the township areas of Levin and Weraroa, but some Maori lived across Lake Horo­whenua. The bush was so dense that the only way to go to the lake was by a narrow track. The surveyors, Messrs Ashcroft and Humphries were just completing their work of cutting up the 4000 acres purchased by the Government, from the Maori for the township of Levin's rural and suburban sections. Survey plans were put out by the Government and the township sections were put on the market in 1888, and suburban and rural land in 1889 Suburban sections were priced at three to four pounds an acre — cash price or on deferred payment five pounds an acre; in perpetual lease three shillings and sixpence to four shillings an acre.

We all lived in tents on the west side of the railway somewhere near the area leading to what would be Kawiu Road. There was thick bush on either side of the railway line and on many occasions the southerly winds and rain came through there like a funnel, making things very uncomfortable. On one occasion the tents were blown down and the tent fly a man was cooking under, blew away so there were short rations that night. Fortunately the little railway station was nearby and the roof was on the mill so the men with their wet blankets had cover to go to. It was a happy time for all when the mill began cutting timber for cottages for the men so they could get their wives to come and live here.

A cookhouse was built and a living-room in which to have our meals, and an office was erected at the mill. All our supplies came from Manakau where Mr Tompsitt had a store. As time progressed, the men built a hall where they used to have dances and concerts now and then. A few settlers, who had taken up sections, used to attend and later a service was held on Sundays by different denominations, it being the only hall between Shannon and Manakau.

The mill was considered a Half Way House between Shannon and Manakau, and accommodation had to be found for many visitors in those days. Swaggers were numerous and were given a bed and breakfast free and the men let them bunk down in their cottages. The men had to start work at 7.30am, leaving the swaggers to roll up their blankets and go. This was not entirely satisfactory as some of the swaggers took off with the men's clothes and boots and from then on there was a certain selection as to who was given accommodation. It was hard to discriminate but bills for the goods in the kitchen had begun to total up.

One fine, sunny afternoon in summer, five men came walking down the railway line from Heatherlea to the timber yards. It was an unusual occurence and they approached to see if they could get a cup of tea and something to eat. One of the men was a Mr Skeret, who later became Chief Justice.

They had been attending a Native Land Court sitting at Foxton, over the Horowhenua Block and while driving over to catch a train at Kereru (Koputaroa) in Mr Stansell's bus they had a mishap. The ferry across the Manawatu River had broken down and they got wet. They did not catch the train and decided to walk to Levin.

Fortunately it was a Monday and the cook Louie Poison, always prepared a large camp oven loaf, a good sized roast of beef and a huge currant pudding to last a few days. The guests were left to help themselves with a family sized tea-pot and a good supply of tea and condensed milk. The visitors enjoyed the repast and stayed on to catch the evening train to Wellington.

In the shooting season people came up from Wellington for duck and pigeon shooting, and the Manawatu Railway Company allowed them to have a van to camp in. Pigeons were plentiful in those days and it seemed that in the trips into the bush you had travelled a long way if you went as far as the place where the Levin Dairy Company's buildings now stand. Sometimes people got lost in the bush and the bushmen at the mill who knew the bush, were asked to assist in finding them. Often the bushmen went out at night with lanterns in search of the lost people and if they were unsuccessful they would go out again in daylight. At limes when the bush was so dense, one of the party would have to climb a big tree to get the sun's direction.

A brother of Peter Bartholomew brought a pregnant kangaroo over from Australia. From this one kangaroo a family eventuated. Unfortunately, they hop­ped over fences and frightened the settlers cattle and sheep. That was the reason they had to be destroyed.

The bush was truly beautiful, tall timber growing straight and close, and ferns everywhere.

That was the way it was back in 1888 and then when the settlers came, they had to clear their sections and in the time to follow there was smoke of burning timber hanging in the air."

[photo from Adkin??]

Winter about 1912. From Queen Street East, the snow-covered Tararuas make a majestic backdrop for the desolate foreground of burnt-over forest and the cleared Arapaepae ridge on the left.

ROBERT J. POPE

Mr R.J. Pope, Levin's first teacher returned at the 50th Anniversary celebration and in his speech on that occasion recalled his time in Levin in 1890. Here are excerpts from his speech.

"It was a hot day in February, 1890, when I arrived and for miles on the journey the sound of thousands of cicadas in the bush, had almost drowned the sound of the train. The train pulled up at the station which was up at Barth­olomew's Mill, about a mile north of where the schoolhouse stood. The Chairman of the School Committee, Mr Fred Stuckey, sent a bullock dray with his son Walter, as driver to meet me. In many places the bush had recently been burned on both sides of the road and here and there half burnt trees were still standing and smoking, making eyes smart painfully. Where there had not been "a bum" giant trees towered up on both sides of the road. There was a large natural clearing where the school and the schoolhouse stood and nearby was the only real house in Levin at the time. It was the home of Mr Fred Stuckey.

Oxford Street was impossible to walk through as the bush was much too dense and lawyers and supplejacks abounded. Had it not been for the foresight of a wise surveyor who had painted on a rough board the name "Oxford Street", and nailed it to a large and flourishing tree no-one would have know it for any street.

Queen Street was not a paved street; there were numerous big stumps in it, probably half a dozen to a chain where the street-line had been felled. There were thistles up to horses' withers with a mere winding bridle track between them. It was the substitute for paving."

What was possibly the first religious service in Levin was held in the school in 1890. It was to be strictly undenominational in character. Unfortunately an un­pleasant incident occurred during the service, but as the occurrence did not last long and left no abiding ill feeling behind it, there was no reason to regret it.

There was neither Church nor clergyman located in Levin then and a Church of England Clergyman from Otaki, Reverend Mr McWilliams, was asked to conduct an evening service.

There was a large section it seemed, opposed to the idea of holding a service of any kind. This particular section raised no initial objection — just laid low and bided time. When Sunday evening came, the devout made their way to the schoolroom. Several maidens, under true scriptural injunction took their lamps ready trimmed and filled with oil though not yet burning.

The service and the familiar words "Dearly beloved brethren" strike the ear. At the same moment the parson strikes his ear — a good resounding slap, "the scripture moveth us" — another audible slap, this time on his forehead. Though quite out of place, several of the congregation made a like response; "in sundry places" adds the parson, accompanying the words with a pronounced whack with each hand. The congregation is equally assiduous in its slapping exertions. So it went on — the frequency and intensity of the slaps constantly increasing, till, at. the beginning of the Second Lesson, the clergyman declared the opposition too strong; he and his flock retreat, taking their lamps with them. Here endeth the first service.

Mosquitoes in battalions had brought their protest to a successful conclusion.

* * * * *

Mr Pope about clearing the school of mosquitoes:—

Religious instruction formed no part of the curriculum. The nearest approach to it was a kind of burnt offering, performed from time to time, before school opened.

A nailcan, filled with dried leaves from the bush, was placed on two bricks in the middle of the floor, and set alight. When the room was densely filled with smoke, the windows were opened, and the mosquitoes passed out — in more ways than one — with the smoke.

ABOUT INSOMNIA

It is a distressing thing not to be able to sleep. When I first came to Levin it was difficult to sleep. The greater part of the surrounding country was unfenced and mobs of wild horses roamed over the plain, secreting themselves in the bush by day, and coming out to feed on the clearings at night. Granted the horse is a noble animal and it is a pleasant thing to spend a day among them. However, it is not so pleasant when the horses arrange to spend their nights among men, as the Levin wild horses used to do. They used to wander around the house, munching and stamping, snorting and then for a change scratching themselves against the corners of the house. It was useless to get up and drive them off as they would be back again almost before I returned to bed.

My brother, who had come up for a fortnight's holiday %aching' with me managed to put up a rough fence around the house with materials procured from the bush. A fencer would not have been proud of the job but it kept the horses off quite efecitveiy.

MR R.J. POPE

First teacher — arrived at the little bush village of Levin to teach at its unlined one-roomed school. The first intake of three pupils were enrolled on February 24, 1890. Mr Pope was soon to encounter difficulties with a growing roll and insuffi­cient equipment. Heat in summer and extreme cold in winter in the little room created problems. The inspectors report received in August, stated "Mr Pope is gentle and painstaking. Reading and writing are well taught and the groundwork of his new school is fairly laid". On November 30, 1890, Mr Pope resigned after 10 months at the school.

* * *

On occasions being absent from school seemed to be the accepted thing in the earlier days. Entries in the log book mention days when the attendance fell, due to an event of local importance, such as November 2, 1902 -- "Less than half present this afternoon Horowhenua Boating Club sports." Sunday School picnics held during the week and birthday parties plus the opening of the Levin Courthouse and the Horowhenua horse races down by the lake were also mentioned as the reasons for a drop in attendance.

THE PROUSE BROTHERS

In 1891 James Prouse arrived in Levin to take up sawmilling with his brother, Richard James' sons James and Bert arrived with their father by train from Hutt Valley, stopping at Ohau for the night. The boys were ten and six respectively and completed their journey to Levin by walking along the railway line, as the road from Ohau was difficult to negotiate.

The Prouse sawmill was on the Eastern side of the railway line where the Horowhenua Electric Power Board works department stands.

Richard Prouse built a house near the mill, while James Prouse lived in the schoolteacher's cottage until his residence was built in Queen Street East.

When the first sale of rural sections was held, members of the Prouse family had drawn 100 acre block sections, standing in native bush. James Prouse entitled his house and property in Queen Street as "Ashleigh".

Both Richard Prouse and James Prouse, were elected to the Levin School Committee in 1892, with Richard giving eight years sevice and James five. They were both elected to the first Levin Borough Council in 1906.

As a part of the school's history it was written that in 1893, Percy Prouse was the first pupil to pass the exams at the top level of Standard 6.

The Prouse family were involved in the progress of the town. James Prouse Senior was interested in the establishment of various varieties of trees at his property in Queen Street East. His son James had the same interest and donated trees for planting at the school.

Prouse Bush

At the end of Prouse Street there is a section of native bush of 12 acres, given to the Borough as a memorial to the family.

[photo of Prouse house Cambridge Street]

Richard Prouse's homestead, near the railway line, off Cambridge Street. The home was built before the Prouses started sawmilling in the early 1890s. On the right of the house are the cookhouse, the shed where the trap was kept, and the grapehouse.

The Headmasters

The creative mind is an imaginative one.

Good school standards are challenging, not threatening.

THE HISTORY

In the excellently compiled booklets by Howard Jones, 50th Jubilee; Frank Carrington, 60th Jubilee; Charles Taylor, 75th Jubilee; the quality of research has resulted in a valuable historical record of the school for three quarters of a century. The town and the school had an interwoven history for fifty years, from a humble beginning through times of great growth. For the past fifty years the school role in the town has been of gradually decreasing importance. New schools and colleges have been filling their roles in the scheme of things but iris at the Levin School that the roots of local education began.

Children came from various ethnic backgrounds but in the first decade they were predominantly of European and Maori descent.

Frank Carrington acknowledges assistance from these various sources -to com­pile his history:— Horowhenua (Adkin); Te Hekenga (McDonald, chronicled by O'Donnell); Old Manawatu (Buick); Maori and Pakeha (Mulgan and Shrimpton); NZ Year Book; Young New Zealand (Butchers); and file of the. Levin Chronicle.

From Frank Carrington's booklet we take an abridged story of the pre-European era:

THE WAITAHA. It is believed that the first inhabitants of the Horowhenua were the Waitaha, or Moahunters, who presumably migrated here long before the coming of the fleet around 1350.

THE NGATI-MAMOE. The successors to the Waitaha were the Ngati-Mamoe, a section of the so-called tangata-whenua.

THE MUAUPOKO. Then came the Muaupoko, and despite the large numbers of Ngati-Mamoe they were defeated and driven out by the more aggressive Muaupoko. The Muaupoko was a tribe of mixed descent. They could be classed as the Maui-Maori rather than the Hawaiki-Maori, for their ancestors migrated to New Zealand long before the fleet. Their principal ancestors came with Whatonga (approximately 1150) in the Kurahaupo Canoe which made its landing at Nuku­taurua on Mahia Peninsula. The conquering newcomers took wives from the Ngati-Mamoe womenfolk, thus incorporating tangata-whenua blood into their tribal make-up.

Up to this time the conquerers had not adopted their tribal name of Muaupoko. They preferred to choose a name of geographical significance rather than adopt an ancestral one. Being well versed in legend and mythology they designated themselves as the Muaupoko "The Head of the Fish", actually "The Front of the Head". This corresponded with the Fish of Maui. The salt-water eye is Te Whanganui-a-Tara; fresh-water eye is Lake Wairarapa; upper jaw is Orongoronga (Baring Head); lower jaw is Te Rimurapa (Sinclair Head); head is Turakie; the belly is Tongariro; the back is the East Coast; and the southern part of the West Coast is Muaupoko. (References to actual incidents in this final tribal occupation will be found in the detailed sections on Place Names).

NGATI-TOA INVASION. Te Rauparaha, Tuwhare, Tamati Waka Nene and Patuone, raided the southern part of the North Island in 1819 with a combined

war party, a thousand strong. Armed with many muskets, they travelled south, ravaging the country from Patea down the West Coast to Wellington and then up the East Coast and over to Wairarapa. On the return journey, the idea was born that the whole tribe migrate and take possession of the territory they had recently raided.

When Te Rauparaha arrived south of the Manawatu, he began in ruthless fashion to overwhelm the long founded Muaupoko regime. This occurred in 1821-22. Ngati-Raukawa and Te Ati Awa decided to settle permanently in the Horowhenua.

Later the Te Ati Awa were in bitter conflict with Ngati Raukawa and Ngati Toa and ultimately occupied the southern area from Kukutauaki to Waikanae and beyond. Their principal settlements being at Waikanae and Heretaunga (Hutt Valley).

The Muaupoko were later re-instated on a portion of their one-time tribal lands at Lake Horowhenua under the protection of Te Whatanui. At the time of the incoming Ngati Raukawa, the greater part of the inland area was under heavy virgin bush.

Further opening up of the forest areas was almost wholly due to the influence of the early Europeans. Major Kemp, a friend and supporter of the Muaupoko, by bold determination, went so far as to personally over-rule a Native Land Court at Foxton in 1873. He thereby increased the Muaupoko holdings.

Before the completion of the Wellington-Manawatu railway, 1883-1886, and the consequent opening up of the inland tracts for settlement, the name Horo­whenua was used to describe only the block secured by Major Kemp. At that time the whole of the coastal lowland of Western Wellington from Waikanae to the Rangitikei was named Manawatu County.

The school's champion rugby football team 1928.

Left — Mr W. Proctor; centre — Mr R.J. Foss; right Mr MacDonald.

Excerpts from Mr Howard Jones's story of the Wellington­Manawatu Railway and of Levin.

The year 1886 is an important one in the history of the Manawatu district because the railway between Wellington and Longbum was completed. This railway was built by a joint stock company, registered in 1881 after Messrs John Plimmer and James Wallace had made a successful canvas for shareholders. The work of construction was vigorously pursued from both ends, and on November 3, 1886, at Otaihanga (Waikanae), the last spike was driven by the Governor, Lord Jervois.

On November 29, the first through train consisting of ten carriages ran from Wellington to the Manawatu. It might be noted that Linton, Shannon, Levin and Plimmerton derived their names from directors of the company.

Levin — came into existence practically with the construction of the Wellington and Manawatu railway and was named after W.H. Levin, one of the directors.

In its earliest days it was a bush milling centre and remained so until the two large mills operated by Messrs Bartholomew and Prouse Brothers, had cut out the standing timber. The fertility of the soil, the climate and its ample rainfall made it an admirable dairying district.

There was one great drawback however. There were no streams on the plain with the exception of the Koputaroa Brook, which runs across the north-eastern extremity into the Manawatu River. Then it was that far-sighted men brought into existence the irrigation system commonly known as water races, which tap the endless flow of the Ohau River at the top of Gladstone Road.

The Borough of Levin came into being on April 1, 1906.

Mr Jones with Standard 6 boys, 1927.

28

From Mr Charles Taylor's story "The Hundred Years War".

At school we all learnt that the name "Hundred Years War" merely indicated that off and on for a very long time Britain and France were at war. There is another struggle that has continued off and on for a very long time and still goes on. It began in 1888 when Messrs Stuckey (chairman), Retter, Staff, Smithson, Bartholomew and others requested the authorities to establish a school in Levin. Eventually they got it and there were 20 pupils "on the books" within a month, 30 by the end of the first year and 60 within two years.

Thereafter Mr Retter (chairman) carried on the struggle to get the one-roomed school lined and a second room added. Success came at the end of November, 1892, by which time the roll was 85, and Miss Dunlop, the pupil-teacher, had been helping for nearly three months. During Mr Richard Prouse's first chair­manship in 1893, trees were planted in the grounds and Miss McGowan arrived to take charge of the lower classes. The year 1894 saw the roll reach 134; 154 in 1895; 167 in 18% and still in only two rooms. After the usual bitter contest a third room was added in Mr 0. Walton's only year as chairman in 1896-97. Though the roll at Queen Street rose to 189 by 1901, the pupils remained until mid-1903, sardined into the three rooms under two teachers, Mr McIntyre and Miss Rennie or Miss Richardson or Miss Scott, and two pupil-teachers, Margaret Dunlop or Mary Dynan, and Charles Staff or Frederick Thompson or Dorothy Stuckey. Over the years more trees were planted, paths were formed and the floor of the shelter shed was improved "with stones from the paddock" which extended through from the back of the school in Queen Street to the back of the schoolhouse in Bath Street.

Mr Marco Fosella and Mr Ivor James led the prolonged skirmishing that resulted in the new six-roomed school in Oxford Street. It replaced the schools in Queen Street and Beach Road and was opened in 1903 during Mr W.C. Nation's only year as chairman, with a roll of 321 and a total staff of six. In two years the numbers exceeded 400 and the High School had been established. In 1906, in his only year as chairman, Mr F.O. Smith welcomed two secondary teachers to the school. After repeated applications, backed by the recommendations of the inspectors, a cooking room was provided in 1907 by having the old Horowhenua School dragged to the site by bullocks and suitably adapted. Mr C. Palmer was chairman at the time. At this stage the campaign quickened and in 1908 when the roll was 482 the need for an infant room was conceded and a three-roomed building was erected by Mr Arcus of Ohau during Mr J. Malcolm's first year as chairman. The school was then reasonably housed, with the primers in the new building, the standard and secondary in the main building and a laboratory and cooking room to hand. A period of quiet followed and the committee turned its attention to the painting of the buildings and to the grounds — to concreting the floors of sheds, to planting trees, to installing the septic tank system, to providing a bicycle shed, to linking to the Borough high pressure water system.

In a few years the roll number climbed again — to 600 in 1916 — and the struggle was renewed. By this time the secondary were back in the laboratory and the cooking room. Mr W. Thomson, chairman of the day, acted with vigour but it

took until 1918 to get additions made to the main building. Soon these new rooms were filled and by 1920 the secondary were again back to the laboratory and into the Presbyterian Schoolroom.

For many years there had been a call for a real home for the High School and this was loudly renewed when the secondary roll jumped from 47 in 1921 to 65 in 1922, to 102 in 1923 and 110 in 1924 and still higher in subsequent years. With strong public support, Mr F.G. Roe, chairman for years, carried on the war but it was only after the whole committee had resigned in 1920 that action followed. In 1921 two rooms were built. Two more had to be built in 1924.

Even before this, the objective of the district had changed. In the early twenties the committee and the Chamber of Commerce began the long campaign for the establishment of a separate High School, and as the secondary numbers approached 200 that campaign was waged more and more wordily. Ultimately, in 1940, Horowhenua College was won for the district, but while this 20-year campaign was being prosecuted the growing numbers had to be provided for. The primer roll so outgrew the infant building that the children were being taught in the corridors and elsewhere and so, after strenuous local pressure and the customary delays, a room was added in 1925-26. Even so the laboratory and a local hall were needed for the secondary in its last years.

It would be tiresome to carry the story of the struggle further. Once Horowhe­nua College was open and only the primary pupils had to be catered for, the urgency went out of the struggle for a time and the committees were free to pursue again matters like repairs to buildings and grounds, and to improvements. As was inevitable, the slack was taken up within a few years and another phase of the Hundred Years War began. It raged for many years, sometimes with extreme vigour, under Mr Kennerley, Mr 0. Malcolm, Reverend C.P. Lucas and not least under Mr Campion. The results of their forays have included prefabs and more prefabs, new toilet blocks, new roofs, new floors, new lighting and two new schools.

THE SNOWMAN

Charles Welby, the school's oldest surviving ex-pupil recalls a special day in winter of 1903. Levin experienced a very rare snowfall and the playground was covered in a white mantle. The children, all excited, tumbled out at playtime. Always a leader in ideas, Hector MacDonald inspired the group to build a snowman in a hurry. The result was a four foot high `being' which lacked one or two features common to the traditional snowman. Hector then dashed back into the corridor, grabbed the first piece of headgear he could find and returned to put it on the mound of snow. It immediately became recognisable as a snowman, dressed in the fashion of overseas models.

When the end of the school day came, the teacher asked the class if anyone had seen her hat. A little girl replied, 'Yes Miss Sage, the snowman's wearing it."

Miss Sage took it in good spirit and recalled the occasion with some humour years later.

THE PRIMARY DEPARTMENT TEACHERS

There were many teachers who came to Levin, remained on the teaching staff some years, then retired to live in the town. There were others who were ex-pupils who returned on the staff. It is not possible to mention all long serving staff members, but to skip through the years one remembers:

Miss M. Clarke 1926-1940 15 years.

Miss J.D. Brown 1927-1946 19 years.

Mrs J. McKeller-Smith 1916-1932 17 years. Senior woman teacher. Mrs A.G. McLeavey 1928-1939 12 years.

Miss F. Beverley a former High School pupil 13 years.

Miss J. Forsyth a former High School pupil 10 years.

Mrs A.G. Black approx. 12 years.

Mr T. Chipper 1929-1939 11 years.

Mr P.D. Chapman 1948-1955 8 years. First assistant.

Mrz K.Z. Lynch 1932-1945 13 years. Senior woman teacher.

Mrs V.M. Aim 1943-1958 16 years. Senior woman teacher former High

School student.

Mr H.J. Jones 1915-1937 22 years. First assistant for some years of the Primary Department. One of the longest serving teachers in the school's history.

MRS L. COOK ---- In 1966 she began a long service of teaching at Levin School, starting with a primer class which she held until 1969, a space of four years. Mrs Cook returned to teaching Standard 4 in 1975 and is the longest serving staff member at the Levin School in 1990 with 19 years of teaching.

MRS G. HARRIS — Began teaching at Levin School in 1975 with Standard 1 and 2. When the classrooms were altered to open plan, she began team teaching with Mrs M. Richardson, a combination which. was in operation for some years. Mrs Harris finished her teaching at Levin School in 1987. Her length of service was 13 years.

MR DON PARSONS — Started school in the primers as a six-year-old in 1934. Like a number of teachers before him who spent their young days at Levin School, Mr Parsons returned. as a second assistant on the teaching staff in 1970. In 1971 he became deputy, a position he occupied until his retirement in 1987. A long attachment to the school with 18 years of service as a teacher plus time as a pupil.

MRS M.H. RICHARDSON — 1970-1986. Came to Levin School in a relieving position in 1970, appointed to the permanent staff in 1971. Began teaching Standard 1, changed to Junior School and when the school was remodelled into open plan she was involved in team teaching. 17 years service at Levin School Mrs Richardson gained an appointment in the newly created position of Resource Teacher of Reading in the Horowhenua.

MRS J. PUGH — Assistant infant teacher, had the responsibility of introducing first time entrants to the routine of school life. In co-operation with Infant Mistress, Mrs J. Eagle, she was involved in individual and classroom reading programmes. Her term of service covered 15 years.

LEVIN DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT
TOP BOY AND GIRL

Standard 6
Boy Girl

1922 David A. Gardiner Annie C. Plaster

1923 Owen Raskin Ethel M. Gray

1924 Ralph L. Pettit L. Jean Retter

1925 Reginald Hosie Flora Malcolm

1926 Murray Fletcher, Margaret McArthur

Jack Heggie

1927 Kenneth Hammond Sonia Raskin

1928 John V. Smaill Grace T. Will

1929 William Lankshear May S. Will

1930 James Elsmore Leone Cameron

1931 Robert Meddings Margaret Hall

1932 Kenneth Burt Nancy Wheeler

1933 Edward Eeles Rae Wheeler

1934 Campbell Davie Millicent Ince

1935 William H. Port Margaret E. Whitaker

1936 Frank H. Childs Phyllis Hanson

1937 Brian N. Walker Kathleen M. Dennis

1938 James A. Casey Loma M. Whitaker

1939 Stephen Lancaster Nola Bassett

THE CHANGING POWER OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES

From the time Thomas Kendall, of the Church Missionary Society, opened his first Mission School in 1816, to the introduction of "Tomorrow's Schools" in 1989, New Zealand education has taken a long and tortuous route and has been a barometer of social change.

At times changes in education have been brought about through parliamentary or religious pressure, at other times by reactive conservative or liberal groups and in other times teaching or parental groups have been successful in effecting change.

Nevertheless a strong, centralised system of education was achieved and copied by many other countries.

Prior to the 1850's, most New Zealand schools were private and run by Churches, but Provincial Government saw a move to a secular system, exampled by the Wellington Education Act of 1855, which promoted secular education, solely, giving no money to church schools.

By 1871 the embyro of the public state school system was evolving, with the formation of Education Boards, in the major provinces — giving schools a capitation fee of 5/- per child, per annum, with an annual rate on all rateable property limited to I/2d in the pound. When Provincial Government, under Pro­vincial Councils, was abolished in 1876 education became a national concern culminating in the Education Act of 1877, making education free, secular and compulsory. This important act, set in train the system that was to last for 122 years, establishing the Department of Education, ten Education Boards and elected local School Committees. At this time in New Zealand there were 65,000 pupils in all at 748 public schools.

When Mr F.J. Stuckey became the inaugural chairman of the fledgling Levin School Committee, he may not have been aware of it, but he was taking on a very important job on a powerful body.

As an example of the School Committee's wide-reaching powers Mr McIntyre, the school's beloved Headmaster, wrote in the School Log in 1892, "The School Committee decided to move the school building 30 yards, back to higher ground, at a cost of 16 pounds." This was done. The committee was able to decide on holidays and were able to select their teachers, from a short list provided.

It is reported that the then Chairman and Secretary of the School Committee went down to Wellington to interview the applicants for the position of sole-charge teacher in 1892, they remarked on his unmarried state -- Mr McIntyre assured them that he could quickly remove this anomoly, and shortly. afterwards he married Sophie Fox of Petone.

However, this power was soon to be eroded. Teachers, through their union, the New Zealand Educational Institute, were agitating for a centralised system of grading, appointments and salary — emanating in the 1914 Education Act, which turned Education Boards into intermediaries, channelling government money into schools and depowerinq school committees, who could no longer appoint staff, decide on salaries and holidays.

It would take another 75 years for the system to change again, with "Tomor­row's Schools" — and time will tell, if this new system will be the answer — at least it is a sincere attempt to give parents, through their Boards of Trustees, control over the staffing and direction of their schools, while still leaving the job of teaching to the professionals.

Regardless of changes to the New Zealand Education system, successive Levin School Committees, through outstanding Chairmen like F.G. Roe, F.H. Hudson, A.C. Kennerley, D.P. Todd and J. Campion, and Secretaries like 0. Walton, H.G. Kerslake and G.P. Boggs, have all made their mark on the local and district communities and, at limes even the national sphere.

Probably the most famous and progressive scheme associated with Levin School, was Mr D.S. MacKenzie's Dental Health Scheme, which started in 1919, to provide dental care for pupils who were prepared to pay one pound a year for it. Under Fred Roe's leadership the School Committee formed a delegation to wait on the Ministers of Education and Health in 1923, and they found that the Ministers were prepared to recognise the scheme and to give it considerable financial backing, as well as full departmental co-operation and supervision. So successful was the scheme, that it was seriously considered by the Government when they adopted a national Dental Health Scheme for schools.

During a time of overcrowding at Levin School, some of the classes went to halls in the town.

Standard 3 and 4 girls of 1937 at St Mary's Church Hall. Back row from left: Dora Paterson, Mazy Hudson, Maire Ashley, Peggy Wills, Audrey Wright, Dorothy Cottle, Anett Inda, Audrey Rolston, Josephine Evans, Joyce Salmons.

Third row from left: Dorothy Hough, Bell Hadfield, Vena Paki, Marjorie Milne, Merle Harvey, Betty Martin, Beryl Dewis, Pat Cole, Dorothy Hassell, Nola Wright, Edith Easton.

Second row from left: Elaine Parrington, Ngaire Wise, Patsy McDonell, Shirley Treen, Melva Parsons, Ena Raymond, Noeline Teal, Peggy Stilwell, Dorothy Je Hyman, Joan Web­ber, Hilda Mangush, Loma Bacon.

Front row from left: Valerie Hinde, Nancy Wisnofski, Muriel Vincent, Margaret MacDo­nald, Piko Hughes, Yvonne Heremaia, Mona Hanata, Loma Welby, Pam Owen.

longer held at Levin School. The Finals are now held at the Horowhenua AP and I grounds. Eleven schools participate in the competitions and the Club continues to encourage rural children to demonstrate their love of animals and the land. A strength of the. group has been the continued support of farming families, now into the third generation, as well as the support of new corners to the Horowhe­nua. The Boys and Girls Agricultural Club will soon celebrate its 60th year.

Some interesting anecdotes from Calf Club days.

There have been many interesting anecdotes of the competitors.

On one occasion an entry in the pig rearing class arrived all shining and pinkly clean in a pink satin cover — it must have been a girl!

The Honore girls, so keen and eager to win, worked particularly hard with their calves. They polished the calves hooves with black nugget and painted them with nail polish. In addition to that, the calves arrived wearing socks to keep their feet clean in 'transit. Yes, they won!

Then there was the Granny who kindly made covers for her grandson's lambs. Came judging day and it rained so the lamb's wore their covers — bright blue. What happened next was time to parade and out came a couple of patchy blue lambs — the dye had run.

Eight of Levin School's senior dux award winners between the years 1922 and 1939 were in town for the school's centennial. They are from left: Hazel Blake (Moffatt), Nancy Dixon (Benge), Owen Raskin, Evelyn McRoberts (Hosie), Elizabeth Hooper, Betty Cottier (Box), Mona Frew (Bishop) and Mane Smith (Tait).

"A" NETBALL TEAM OF 1970

L to R: Rosita Nahona, Carolyn Paki, Phyllis Nahona, Michelle MacGregor, Ronnette Gurney, Deanna Paki, Tania Hamer, Mrs Grace Hamer (Coach).

MEMBERS OF THE LEVIN SCHOOL SENIOR A 1961

Back row: L to R — Donald Woollet, Allan Dempsey, Lindsay Price, Robert Ellis, Maurice Tattle, Brent Robinson, Dale Cooper, Brian Hudson.

Front row: L to R — Brian Drake, Robin Kora, Ken Reakes, Mario Hori, Robert Stewart, Michael Kelly, Graham Osborne, Robin Ericksen (from Juniors).

a

RUGBY FOOTBALL "A" TEAM - 1935

Back Row: K. Teny; D. McLaren; H. Hudson; K. Penny; J. Roydhouse; J. Box; P. Miles; G. Feigler.

Middle Row: J. Elsmore; A. Fowler; L. Mellor; S. Cotter (Capt); T. Roydhouse; J.D. Elsmore; Mr W. Thomas.

Front Row L. Winiata; B. Kuiti.

CRICKET - FIRST XI - 1931

Back Row: H. 01liver; J Bateman; 0. Wilson; K. Elliott; L. Royal.

Middle Row: M. Cotter; J. Box; K. Hammond; A. Sievers; A. Hudson; H. Earle.
Front Row: M Ralph; K. Lemmon; A. Galpin; P. Goldsmith; Mr Casey (Coach).

Here are four experiences from the many people who wrote in their 'Most Embarrassing Moments'.

When I was about eight or nine years old I picked a fight with a Maori girl at school because 1 thought I could win the fight. I not only came off "second best" by a great margin, I got "three of the best" for my trouble. The girl as far as I know got off scot free. It's funny now but at the time I could not understand why I was being punished for losing. The teacher who caught us fighting was most surprised to find a member of the weaker sex winning and let the fight continue in front of a gathering crowd of kids. It was not a good day.

— Keith Aitken 1954-61

The day the concrete mixer caught fire at Weraroa. All the children who came to school along Oxford Street that morning were late. We were all watching a concrete mixer and truck which was burning on the road just south of the dairy. I don't remember how it caught alight or the fate of the driver. What I do remember is that my Standard 4 teacher, Miss Sharpe, lined up all the children who were late and strapped our hands. I thought it was grossly unfair, concrete mixers on fire are one of the most exciting things a ten-year-old can watch and it was also the best excuse I ever had for being late for school.

— Janice Atkinson (Swanick) 1956-64

The following story has been related to me all through my life but I don't really remember the event in actual detail. In 1942 Sir Cyril and Lady Newell (the Governor-General and his wife), visited Levin School. I believe as the youngest girl pupil, I was chosen with the youngest boy, to present flowers to her Excellen­cy. Unfortunately, my speech was not very clear and I introduced my partner and I as duly rehearsed to their Excellencies in the following manner! "Dis is Dunie Middar and Tredor Baides". On being asked to repeat my little spiel, 1 stamped my foot and said in a louder voice, "Dis is Dunie Middar and Tredor Baides". Apparently the whole school stood and waited with bated breath, and then the late Dr Jim Thompson (Chairman of the School Committee), stepped forward and relieved the situation by informing their Excellencies that "This is June Miller and

Trevor Baylis". How I cringe at the thought of my indignation but I can laugh about it. A most embarrassing moment.

— June Close (Miller) 1942-49

Riding from Koputaroa to school one morning on my rather rotund pony, a Shetland pony joined us. through Oxford Street. Meeting the train pupils from Otaki and Manakau at the school gates, there was a shout of "Oh, you've brought along the foal today Phyl!"

— Phylis Bennett (Forsyth) 1923-26

*****

GOING TO SCHOOL

Hazel Moffatt (now Blake) who became Dux of the Levin District High School in 1923, remembers very clearly travelling from her parents farm in Otaki to Levin each schoolday. Along with her younger sister Myra who started at Levin School in Standard 5 in 1923, she would leave home to catch a ride with Mr Bill Taylor, who was to deliver milk to the Rahui Factory. From there they travelled on foot to the station to catch the train with other pupils from further south already on board. Including, among others were Peter Beckett from Paekakariki, Evelyn Fortune from Raumati Beach and Nancy Small from Waikanae. After a slow run, stopping at Manakau and Ohau to pick others up, the train arrived at Levin at 8.30am and then there was a hurried walk to school to arrive on time. To catch a train home in the afternoon, there was a real dash after dismissal to the station with the students clambering through a fence at the north end of the platform to jump on the last of the carriages of the Napier Express. The guard waited for them to board, before blowing his whistle and sending the train on its journey south again. If you missed that train, the next one came along about 4.00pm, a slow, mixed goods and passenger train. A very long day, especially for those who left to catch the train in the dark in the morning and returned in the dark at night.

In the early 1920's Levin District High was the only Secondary Department from Wellington to Palmerston North.

It was quite fun in the morning — there were interesting things happening. The loading of sheep, cattle, horses and pigs proved quite exciting at times!

The boys always travelled in a different carriage, even if there were only two on board. They were in the Smokers Compartment, and sometimes drilled holes in the partitions.

Lionel Sharman, who started school in 1904, had long walks to school and back from the river end of Kimberley Road. There was no transport in those days and it was not for some years later that the horse-drawn school buses were available for the Kimberley Road children. Down muddy roads and across the field to reach school. It took 1¹/2 hours on the long journey. It is surprising to find in memorabilia of the school, the Good Attendance Certificates of the First Class stating that Lionel Sharman was present every time the school was open during the period of twelve months ending December 13, 1911; December 19, 1912; December 18, 1913.

Lionel Sharman, was present at the Levin School's Centennial and thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.

Ivan Drake had three forms of transport to school. — He rode a horse about four miles from Waikawa Beach Road to catch the train at 8am at Manakau to go to the Levin District High School. After riding from the beach, he would put his horse in the Anglican Church paddock at Manakau, then walk to the station. This all happened in 1914 and once arriving in Levin there was the walk to school.

After school there was always a sprint to catch the Napier Expres at 3.15pm and on one occasion Ivan just managed to board the guardsvan as it was moving from the station.

To miss the train meant waiting till 7 pm to catch the next train which stopped at Manakau and then the long ride home.

It was very difficult to study during the train journeys in long, cold carriages with the seats along the length of the sides.

* * * * *

Charles Welby, aged 97, recalls those early roads with the stones and mud in winter. The best way to get along was to jump from one tree stump to another as it was difficult to walk along without boots The men building the roads were smashing rocks, (called napping) to form a firm base and the rock edges were sometimes sharp. Charles said his feet had become hardened and he was accus­tomed to that form of getting along.

He remembers Mr McIntyre as a fine gentleman, and looked forward keenly to the wonderful stories he used to tell on Friday afternoons.

There were difficulties with the transport of children to school, beginning with various horse drawn conveyances and later early motor buses. The photo shows the crowded Gladstone Road run.

OLD BUS — thought to be Hokio Bus.

PLAYING THE WAG

Long ago two young boys sometimes hired a horse and trap and drove out to Hokio Beach to spend a day, rather than go to school. Like free souls they played on the beach and gathered pipis. There were occasions when time drifted by too quickly and Pat and Romeo amved home late with the result they sometimes got a hiding for being late from school.

Pat was known for his absenteeism which outstripped his attendance, but on one particular occasion when he was present, Pat felt he was very unjustly treated. When sitting in the classroom, Pat was asked by Miss Stuckey what he was doing. Pat, because he had not been caught doing anything wrong, replied with confidence, "Nothing, Miss Stuckey!" He was promptly given five hits with the cane for doing nothing. Pat stayed away for a while after that!

* * * * *

NORMAN VICKERS wrote a warm, lovely story of the Vickers family entitled "My First 85 Years". He recorded his memories particularly for the benefit of the family and its younger generation.

He started school at Manakau but suffered a fall from a pony and the resulting injury meant a three year break from school. When Norman began school again, it was at the Levin District High School in 1915. He had missed some classes but was well able to manage Standard 2. After passing through the standards, he had three years secondary education at the school.

It was a privilege to read Norman's booklet, with its delightfully told stories of places, people, travels and family.

He was one of the ex-pupils who returned to Levin to take part in the centennial celebrations. Now 86, Norman Vickers lives in New Plymouth.

The Woodwork Room C1912

Some of the boys present were: Lionel Sharman; Les Allen; Ron Walton; Richardson; Rupert Burlington; }Many Rippon; Pompy Randal; Noel Chaplin; Bunny Parsons; Bruce Bell; John Gibson; other names forgotten.

AT WOODWORK

At the beginning of 1910, woodwork was added to the curriculum and taught apparently in the same building as is now used for that purpose. The first instructor was a Mr Howe. He was followed in 1912 by Mr Grant and ev­ery couple of years there was a further change, until 1923 when Mr A. Hinde was appointed. For the following 17 years until 1940, Mr Hinde remained in charge of the Manual Training. He taught the primary boys and he taught the High School boys until the District High School was disestablished. Hun­dreds of boys of those years retain pleasant memories of hours spent in his "tin shed" and many of them still use skills patiently developed under his expert tuition.

About 1945, itinerant manual instruc­tors were appointed to the Levin-Otaki circuit but in the early fifties Levin was made a full-time centre. Both during the itinerant period and for a time later the wood-work instructor was Mr M. Boyce. His record of over 20 years in one centre would be difficult to equal.

I COOKERY CLASSES were held as far back as 1900, and had changes of instructors frequently.

In the 1930's the boys were always anxious to try the results of the cookery class. After consuming the scones or rock cakes, the cooks were either slightly complimented or severely criti­cised.

Mr A. Hinde

MR W.J. La ROCHE — Caretaker

In 1923 Mr W.J. La Roche was appointed caretaker for one month, and if his work proved satisfactory, the position was to be made permanent. There were many favourable comments made in the headmasters' reports on the standard of his work as the years passed.

His duties had been widespread and demanding in the days of the open fires and large unsealed playground areas. When there was an increase in asphalting outside and a change to coke-fired boilers, there was always an increase in the roll and larger areas indoors to clean.

His wife or his daughter acted as part-time assistants in later years. His term of employment lasted for 21 years.

*****

Another caretaker to give long service was Mr J.P. Prebenser.. During his time he experienced a number of changes which would make the job of keeping the school rooms and grounds clean, easier. The school was always presented well and the grounds drew very favourable comment. His term lasted for more than 19

years. *****

THE OAK TREES

The oak trees along the front of the school may have been planted on Arbor Day of 1911. There is no definite record that the trees which were planted on that day were the oaks, but it was stated in the school committee minutes that a large number of trees were to be planted and gratitude was expressed to the donors who are not mentioned by name. Again in 1912, 1913 and 1914 there was mention of planting of trees. It is likely that the oaks were planted between 1907 and 1912. There is mention of the oak trees being trimmed in 1919.

Mr Ned Nicely, parks superintendent, estimated the trees to be about 75 years old, and the oaks planted near the Infant School, to be 80 years old.

At one stage when it appeared the oak trees may have to be removed as they were showing signs of disease, Mr Nicely was approached for recommendations and had given three options — total removal of the trees; remove half; remove a third.

It was decided that a third of the oaks were to be taken out and since then, the remainder have shown real improvement.

The oak trees have long enhanced the appearance of the school and lent an air of dignity to its surroundings.

THE ACORN

When she was a pupil of the primary department, Margaret Jenkins took some acorns home to grow in a honey pot. One grew and was put in the garden as a tiny plant. Although Margaret does not live at the same property, the tree was still growing three years ago and would be about 50 years old.

CONNECTIONS

Mr H. (Bert) Denton came to Levin in 1898 to work for his brother-in-law, Mr W.G. Adkin, on his farm in Queen Street East. He purchased some neighbouring hill-country land recently felled. He was involved in the life of early Levin and had a keen interest in sport, especially rugby, being a member about 1889, of the Levin Football Club, one of the earliest rugby clubs in the town.

Bert Denton was a member of a men's choir which gave popular renditions at concert parties at Foxton, Shannon and Levin for over five years.

Mr Denton married Jenny Wilson in 1904. He later had a family of three children, Enid, George and John, but his wife passed away at a relatively young age. After that he left for duty overseas in the First World War.

In 1920, he was elected to the Levin District High School Committee and served for four years.

Bert Denton met and married Levin school teacher, Shirley Beckett. The children of the second marriage were Lois, Ann, Paul and Dick, who also attended the Levin School. At the school's diamond jubilee, Mr Bert Denton proposed the toast to "The Early Settlers" and son Dick was toastmaster at the centennial celebrations.

Lois Denton won the Goldsmith Trophy at the Levin District High School in 1939. Both Lois and Ann followed teaching careers. All six of the Dentons attended Levin School. Some of the family went to boarding schools after leaving Levin. Of the younger family, Lois was the only one to complete her schooling

here. The three youngest members of the family attended Horowhenua College.
*****

MRS IRENE DALLENGER has connections in Levin going back to her grand-

father, William Henry Bignal, who worked at Bartholomew's mill. In the first year of the Levin School the name Ida Bignal, appeared on the roll. She was the first daughter of W.H. Bignal and was later followed by Edith, May, Albert, Ruby, William, Ivy, Madeleine and George, a total of nine children.

Ivy Bignal started school in Oxford Street in 1905. When she married she became Mrs John Rankin and her children were Irene, Jack, Roy and Ian. Irene married Jack Dallenger and her two children, Ben and Keith, also attended Levin School. Irene was a member of the PTA and served for two years on the school committee.

Irene is a well-known floral artiste, who designed some lovely floral arrange­ments for the 90th jubilee. She created an arrangement for the corridor of the

school at the centennial jubilee.

*****

MRS TIMA ALLEN (nee Hayfield) had a long association with the school. She

began in the primers in 1925 and went through the classes leaving in 1934.

Tima's children Bruce, Judith, Lynne, Colleen, Kenneth, Stuart, Lois, Sheryn, Paul, nine in all, attended the school. Tima's brothers and sisters, Richard, John, Dulcie and Lavinia, also went to the school and her mother, Mrs Millicent Hayfield (nee Russell), was one of the pupils who enrolled during the first decade.

Tima Allen was a keen worker on the organising committee of the 90th jubilee and her daughter Lois, was also a member.

FOND MEMORIES

A little girl in Standard 3 in 1915, was delighted when teacher Miss Gooder, presented her with an award at the end of the year. Engraved on the silver medal for merit work are the words "Best Girl". Seventy-five years later it is still a treasured possession of Venie Hender­son, now Mrs Doyle of Levin.

THE GOLDSMITHS

Ian, Mary, Phil, Alec, Ted, Jean, Betty and Margaret were all pupils of Levin School. They were the children of Rhys Wharton Goldsmith, who was the county engineer at one time. Grandfather of the children was Philip Wharton Goldsmith, who worked at the experimental farm when he first came to Levin. In 1906 he became the first town clerk, a position in which he served for some time before becoming Horowhenua County Council clerk. Mr Goldsmith was elected Mayor of Levin in 1932, a position he held until 1941. The Goldsmith Cup, which he presented in 1933 to the Levin District High School, was for special attainments in various fields of schooling by a senior student.

The grandchildren took an active part in the life of the school, Philip was a Kowhai House captain and captain of the first XV and a member of the first XI in 1931.

MR H.G. KERSLAKE had given service on a school committee in Palmerston North prior to coming to Levin. He was elected to the Levin School Committee in 1924 and retired in 1931, after serving as secretary for six of the seven years. During that time there was much activity and pleasure regarding the removal of the compulsory agricultural course, the rising secondary role and the need for more accommodation.

His son Tom, continued a great connection with the school, being a member of the Diamond Jubilee Committee, 1950; secretary of the 75th Jubilee, 1965; donor of the huge 90th Jubilee cake, 1980. He was the first to register for the Centennial, 1990 but unfortunately indifferent health prevented his attendance.

Tom gave much time to education in Levin, having served on the Horowhenua Board of Governors and the committee of the Levin North School.

I REMEMBER

(Norah C. Taylor)

Teaching can be an interesting and rewarding occupation. I am writing of conditions and experiences of 30 years and more ago, and wonder whether I would still find this to be true. Much depends upon one's dedication and inspira­tion and the support of the community.

Although I had taught at a sole charge school with children ranging in age from five years to 14 I was not particularly enthusiastic about becoming an Infant Mistress at Levin School. My work had been with Standard classes. However, I applied and was appointed.

The Infant Department consisted of five classes, three permanent teachers and two student teachers in their first positions of one year following training college. I was therefore acting in a position where I had no class but guided and supervised the work of the department. I found that I had a hardworking co-operative team and we enjoyed our work. At least that was my impression!

We had two new student teachers every year and their lessons were observed by me and discussed with them. They soon found that results could be achieved by getting to know each pupil and always finding something to praise. A positive approach worked. For a child to know that he or she was known and appreciated gave each a feeling of security.

It was interesting to assess each pair of new students. I remember two especial­ly. One was vivacious and talkative and recommended as the material for a perfect teacher. The other was quiet, reserved, and apparently not enthusiastic. Which would show the most promise? Their results soon answered that question. Quietness, reliability, and understanding proved to be the more valuable qualities.

We tried to make school a pleasant, happy place. I considered that discipline was essential to bring this about. Sometimes parents warned us of a new entrant who would be most difficult to manage. It was seldom the case — the atmosphere of the classroom had its effect! To be a nuisance just wasn't popular.

We were particular to check the reading progress of all the pupils in senior primer classes and tested each child every term, using accepted standard tests. This meant that a child not making progress could be given extra help each day. The aim was to make sure that each child had a reading age of seven years before being promoted to Standard 1, where reading was essential.

The methods used to bring out the artistic, musical and imaginative talents brought interesting results. Children were given materials for painting, modelling, and building using plenty of large sized wooden blocks of varying shapes. The children produced quite remarkable results, pictures, models and structures. Sing­ing was enjoyed daily and we used gramophone records to encourage free expression in dancing. The children showed something of their inner feelings and character. They "let go" and were a joy to watch.

It didn't take me long to find that an Infant Mistress's job was demanding and rewarding.

I have often wished that I had kept a record of the surprising remarks made by some of the children: the little boy who asked for help to "undo his hard boiled

egg": the small Maori girl who at the age of six-and-a-half confided in her teacher that "I've given up smoking. You don't grow if you smoke": during morning talks one little girl said "My grandmother died last night. Are there any questions?" I remember one small boy who always drew pictures of aeroplanes, until one afternoon after lunch he came in to the painting lesson, took a large sheet of paper, dipped the brush into the black paint — painted a round patch of black, outlined with a wide border of purple and completed it all with an outline of scarlet! What happened during the lunch hour to bring on this complete change of expression?

Once an art specilaist visited the school. He wanted the children to draw self portraits and endeavoured to stimulate their interest by asking them to feel their heads, their arms and legs, their clothes, their faces. They were then urged to draw themselves. Obviously they were mystified by all that stimulation. They all drew houses!

A treat enjoyed by all classes was to have a story read to them. It always brought silence and full attention and introduced children to wonderful new experiences. This is something that parents can share with their families. Perhaps this is an oldfashioned idea, perhaps TV is allowed to take its place, but in my opinion reading aloud is a real sharing process.

At one time we had five pairs of twins on the roll of the Infant Department. This was of sufficient interest to warrant an article and pictures in "The Chronicle". I wonder do those twins still live in Levin?

There ^were a number of school buses to bring children from outlying areas. In the afternoon they left after the main school children were dismissed. In a spare room in the Infant School we had a number of stretchers, light and covered in hessian. The waiting bus children rested on these for half an hour. This was a silent time after the day's activities.

Children often show while in the primer clases what they are likely to develop into as adults; the studious, the gossips, the happy-go-lucky, the sports, the plodders. Most interesting to see how they grow and fit into the community.

Teachers learn from their pupils. They develop tolerance, self-control, and understanding.

Looking back I remember my years as Infant Mistress with pleasure. I was truly sorry to retire.

All changes bring some sadness for the parts of ourselves we must leave behind.

*****

A sense of purpose propelled her to continued achievement in her chosen field of endeavour.

MRS N. HOSIE

Mrs Hosie began her association with the Levin District High School when elected in 1929. With Miss Bowen, she was instrumental in the promotion of a Home and School Association which became a great asset in fundraising for school facilities. Mrs Hosie gave long and distinguished service in 17 years on the committee. In 1930, after the establishment of the dental clinic, she was the secretary of the School Dental Committee until her retirement from the Levin School Committee in 1946.

MRS BARTHOLOMEW

Miss Maxwell Brown began teaching at the Levin District High School, June 30, 1913. That day was the beginning of the tremendous service she was to give to education in Levin and to the community in general. In 1915 Miss Brown married Cyril Bartholomew, son of Peter Bland Bartholomew, sawmiller and settler. Shortly afterwards Cyril Bartholomew left for service with the armed forces overseas.

Mrs Bartholomew continued her teaching career until March 31, 1919. In 1931, her name was on the school committee list, She was a constant attender and active member through the years till 1944, when she did not seek re-election. From 1940 till 1944, Mrs Bartholomew was on both the Levin School Committee and the Horowhenua College Board of Gov­ernors. She continued on the College Board for a further 11 years until her retirement in 1955. This was a total of 13 years on the Levin School Commit­tee, 15 years on the Horowhenua Col­lege Board of Governors, 6 years as a teacher, thus representing an unequal­led record in Levin.

For many years Mrs Bartholomew

was a member and a leader in other organisations, giving the same excellent quality of service. In the New Year Honours List of 1979, Mrs Barth­olomew was recognised for her service to the community with the award of the Queen's Service Medal.

MISS BOWEN

Miss Bowen was a remarkable little lady of great energy. She was notable for being the first woman in such an organisation as the Levin Borough Council. She shared the honour with Mrs N. Hosie in 1929 when for the first time two women were elected to the Levin District High School committee. Following Mr F.G. Roe's term in postal service while he was at Bartholomew's mill, Miss Bowen worked as a postmistress in a small wooden building in Queen Street, just a short distance from Oxford Street. When the Post Office was opened on the corner of Oxford and Queen Streets in 1906, Miss Bowen was postmistress. She took part in a number of budding organisations in the young town. Miss Bowen was elected to the school committee in 1929 and 1930 giving two years of good service.

MISS W. WHARTON

on her time at the school

I came to Levin School in 1940 and was Infant Mistress. there for fourteen years. Every one of which was a joy, working with a dedicated staff that made possible the creation of a happy atmosphere which is essential in an in­fant department.

The first objective was to create that confidence that made the children feel happy and secure in their first separa­tion from their home atmosphere and constant mother care. Achieving this, the learning 'process followed naturally with no stress and we were able to send our children on to the junior school with a firm foundation on which to build.

The children enteTing the junior school with a reading age of 7+ and a good grasp of numbers were well equipped to progress.

In the early 1950's there were 400 pupils in the department and a staff of ten. With 50+ pupils to each teacher we were somewhat overcrowded —two new schools were started which relieved the situation.

To have had the opportunity to work with the children of the district I feel it was a privilege and a great joy. The parents too were so co-operative, I cannot recall any problems arising.

Primer 2 Girls — 1937.

50

A Century of Levin School

THE FIRST DECADE

Over 100 years ago, Mr F.J. Stuckey and some other settlers in the bush village of Levin decided to arrange for a school to be built. The tiny school was made of timber milled locally and was the size to accommodate the children of the village. Mr Pope was appointed teacher and opened the school on February 24, 1890. There were no welcoming dignatories present, just three children who came to enrol. At the end of the week the roll stood at thirteen.

The problems of working in the unlined school soon became apparent with constant invasions of mosquitoes. Most of the roads were little more than tracks and difficult to negotiate in winter.

Mr Pope resigned in November of 1890 and Mr Stuckey took over the teaching of pupils until a trained teacher could take charge. In July of 1891, the Reverend Tuckey was appointed but he remained only until March 1892. Then came the beginning of a wonderful term of service when Mr J. McIntyre was appointed to take charge. He began teaching a class of 60, crowding into the one classroom.

The roll kept rising and first Miss Dunlop and then Miss McGowan joined the staff.

The State Farm School was opened on October 1, 1894. It was erected by the Labour Department and intended for the children of workers at the State Farm (where Kohitere now stands). The children of settlers who had taken up land in the Village Settlement also began attending the school. The school was bought in 1898 by the Education Department and moved to a new site in Hokio Beach Road and opened as the Horowhenua School.

The Levin School roll was increasing rapidly and in 1896, Mr McIntyre and Miss Dunlop were teaching 99 pupils in one room and in the other room which had been added, Miss McGowan and Mr Staff had 67 pupils to teach.

Some pupils left to attend Horowhenua School in 1898 when it was opened, as it was nearer their homes. Soon both schools were experiencing the problem of overcrowding. New houses were going up and in Oxford Street new businesses were opening.

It was a decade of great activity and growth. By 1898 sporting organisations such as athletics, rugby and cricket were active, with hockey soon to make a start.

It was a decade of endeavour and settlement of the acreages near to a blossoming town.

THE SECOND DECADE

The second decade opened to a new era of advancement. In 1903 a new school was opened with pupils of both Levin and Horowhenua Schools leaving their old schools to march and meet at the school in Oxford Street on July 20, 1905.

The two headmasters, James McIntyre, Levin School, and William Plunkett-Cole, Horowhenua School, were men of fine character. They imparted a degree of authority which had the effect of maintaining discipline and gaining a deep and last respect. It was James McIntyre who was to continue in Levin. while William Plunkett-Cole received an appointment elsewhere.

The old Horowhenua School building was soon moved to Oxford Street, to be used as an extra classroom or a cooking room. On February 6, 1905, secondary subjects were introduced to the school curriculum and on March 1, 1905, the school became the Levin District High School.

Up until April 2, 1906, all children either walked, rode horses or came by private conveyance and the log registers the first transport organised by the school in these words: "Conveyance ran first trip from Poroutawhao. Thirteen children."

By April 13, 1908, Mr Arcus of Ohau had made a start on a new infant room.

February 29, 1909 — "Committee met last night. Decided to appoint Mr Walters as caretaker at 18 shillings a week and clerk to the committee at 2 shillings a week."

The School building had a new coat of paint in 1909 and ploughing of the ground in front of the school and some levelling was made in that area.

THE THIRD DECADE

The school was soon to be connected with the advantages of a modem age when high pressure water was laid on in 1910 and the school house was connected with gas in 1911. Horse riding and horse-drawn vehicles were still the most popular forms of travel. There were horses and ponies of various sizes used as mounts for transport to and from schools. They displayed varying standards of grooming and saddlery with the latter ranging from excellent quality to rope bridles and sacks. Regardless of the equipment, they served as a valuable means of transport. Some children walked miles to school and the time travelled on foot was sometimes not much less than the time spent in class. The most pressing problems were shortly to become transport for children of out-lying areas, plus overcrowding. As the town continued to progress and grow A created further difficulties with the school roll reaching the highest attendance of 514 in 1914.

The First World War was soon to touch the lives of many families in the town. July 18, 1915, the school was closed as a mark of respect for Mr J.E. Mills, a former teacher, who was killed in action at the Dardanelles. In 1916 Mr J.B. Foss, also a former teacher, died of wounds received on active duty.

On July 21, 1919, peace celebrations were held and the school was closed for the day. The war years had been a time of sadness and sacrifice for many.

During the decade which was passing, there had been much dissatisfaction voiced over the insistence of the Education Board in including a compulsory Agricultural Course, which had first begun in 1907.

Significant arrivals during the third decade of the school were Miss Hitchcock and Mr Howard Jones, who joined the staff in 1915.

THE FOURTH DECADE

By the beginning of the 1920's considerable progress had been made in the field of education reform. In 1921 it was decided to request the Minister of Education to grant exemption from what was known as the Rural and Domestic Science Courses.

In 1922 the Levin District High School's secondary department was granted the

required dispensation to adopt only academic and commercial courses. This co-incided with the arrival of Mr John Marsh, under whose guidance the secon­dary department began to flourish.

The decade of the 1920's was one of the great eras in the history of the school. Two rooms were added to the area by the old laboratory and cooking room and the secondary pupils moved into this block as a permanent secondary depart­ment.

It was in 1922 that the District High School lost its popular headmaster, Mr J. McIntyre. Mr Foss was appointed headmaster; Mr Thomas was appointed head of the secondary department on the retirement of Mr Marsh in 1929.

These were some of the significant features of the era, others included the growth of the primary department and the contribution to the progress of the school by School Committee chairmen and members.

The drive for a separate secondary school had begun prior to the compulsory rural course being abolished. There was a growing idea that a Technical School should be provided and from those early beginnings and through the decade and a part of the 30's a force for its introduction gathered ground.

Many will remember the 1920's as one of the great decades, although those years of prosperity were the forerunners of the Great Depression.

THE FIFTH DECADE

The Great Depression with its beginning in New York's Wall Street in 1929 reached New Zealand as a tidal wave of disaster.

It was a shattering economic crash as the country was totally unprepared to meet it. The numbers of unemployed rose to an all-time high and there were few jobs available to school leavers. They were hard times, affecting the direction of so many lives with disappointments of unrealised ambitions.

As time passed the school was to lose its headmaster, Mr R.G. Foss. The decade was ushered in with new beginnings, the depression was encompassed, the establishment of a separate secondary school had been achieved and it departed with the war which was to affect the lives of so many former pupils of the school. It had been the era of the departure of many long serving staff members.

THE SIXTH DECADE

Levin District High School had been the school's title for the past 35 of its 60 years. Mr Thomas, acting headmaster and Miss Milne, senior mistress, were much respected teachers who had transferred to the college as principal and senior mistress respectively.

Preparations for the Golden Jubilee celebrations were underway and new headmaster, Mr H.F. McClune, was soon involved. The occasion is recorded as -­"February 23rd school jubilee commenced. Children's sports at Levin Domain in morning. Opening of Horowhenua College at 2pm. Fine day."

Throughout the war years several fundraising efforts resulted, with donations of funds for various patriotic causes.

It appears that 1941 was a year of activity in the gardening area, as it was reported that spades had arrived from the board and then later that a scythe blade had arrived.

it was also the year of music and art as a fairly big production entitled 'Jan of Windmill Land', complete with appropriate costuming, was staged in the Regent Theatre.

A new infant mistress was to start duties that year and to eventually stay for 14 years. The infant mistress was Miss W.E. Wharton, whose influence was not only to advantage of the Levin School but other schools where teachers, who had the benefit of being trained by Miss Wharton, later taught.

The same year, on July 1, Mr W.O. Neas took up duties as first assistant.

The school committee met in February, 1944, to consider establishing school baths. In 1948 the school was closed for a period because of the infantile paralysis epidemic.

THE SEVENTH DECADE

In 1950 the Diamond Jubilee celebrations were held in March.

The school roll continued to rise through the year and accommodation prob­lems were becoming acute. Pre-fab classrooms were eventually provided, only partially eased the situation. The prospects of the opening of an Intermediate school were discussed.

Mr McClune retired at the end of the 1950 year

At the beginning of the school year in 1951, Mr C.H. Taylor took over duty as headmaster. He arrived in the decade which would take an expert administrator to handle the _ extreme accommodation problem. There was an ever-growing number of pupils as a result of the post-war baby boom. Halls and pre-fabs were in use, with more pre-fabs placed on the playing field. It was a stop-gap situation until permanent accommodation was available

The board was negotiating for a new site for a Levin North School. Tenders were called a second time for the erection of a school in Barthotomew Road. The original tenders were thought to be too high. By December, notice was given that a tender had been accepted and the new school would be ready for occupancy in twelve months.

At the beginning of 1952, there were 971 pupils on the roll, this increased to an end of year roll of 1060.

The Levin. East School was opened on May 25, 1953, with only four classes accommodated. The remaining' four classes to "board" at Levin School. The Levin North School opened in 1954, with another period of change requiring good organisation. The new school was not ready for its total intake. The classes were divided into two schools, with some classes and staff of Levin North using classrooms at Levin School. By the end of the year the roll had dropped to 552. The easing of pressure was a tremendous relief.

Long awaited improvements were made to the school with the main building re-roofed and old chimneys removed.

Mr Taylor had expertly guided the school through the tumult of the early

1950's and steered the organisation into the calmer times in the closing years of the 50's. He retired on April 6, 1960.

THE EIGHTH DECADE

Mr W. Neas, a well known identity in the district, commenced his tern^.' of duty as headmaster in May of 1960. It was to be a less bustled era.

Further repairs to the school were needed with flooring to be replaced in various areas. Repiling of the main school was another requirement. The school roll was steadily increasing and by September, 1961, had risen to 663.

A sundial was installed in front of the school.

May 1962, school roll now 623.

The floors in the infant block were replaced and extensions to ashpalting made. In 1963, internationally known sports-persons visited the school.

In 1964 Mrs Eagle commenced duty as infant mistress. 1965 was the year of the 75th Jubilee and on February 24, more than a thousand ex-pupils had a very happy and wonderful day taking part in the celebrations.

During the summer holidays of 1966, the school was repainted and when the school opened on February 2, the school had a bright fresh look.

Mr B. Davidson became first assistant after The second term of 1966, and was later to take up the position of acting headmaster.

On December 16 of the same year, Mr W.O. Neas retired after seven years as headmaster. During his term, his interests included the native flora section and special classes for the less gifted. The following year, on February 1, 1967, Mr S. McNicol took over as headmaster but his stay was very brief as he resigned at the end of the second term to take another appointment.

Mr Davidson was then to become the acting headmaster from the beginning of September until the end of the school year.

In 1968 Mr R.J. Williams began his term as principal of the school.

THE NINTH DECADE

Over-crowding was no longer an issue but there was an emphasis on the classes for children with special needs. Previously, special classes for less gifted children had been accommodated. Teaching on the open plan was introduced and proved a successful venture.

There was a wider vision shown on the sporting fields, with sports available beyond the usual expected participation in swimming, rugby, netball and cricket. Inter-school sporting competitions were held on a regular basis.

The excellent standard of teaching was maintained.

While the school roll had declined from the bustling days of the 1950's and to a lesser degree, the 1960 era, it was still serving a vital role in the community.

THE TENTH DECADE

The year of 1980 was to begin with the celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the opening of the first school in Levin.

Mr Williams retired in 1982. It had been a time of considerable change in the

school's role. Many staff members who had begun service at the school during Mr Williams' term, were to become long serving and experienced teachers.

In 1983 Mr R.G. Winsley took over as principal of the school. He took a great interest in coaching and promoting team sports. The situation at Levin School were intellectually handicapped and backward children were able to attend classes and also integrate with mainstream children was a new experience for him. Mr Winsley was to retire in 1986.

Mr M.B. Smailes was appointed principal in 1987, and continues in that position.

Preparations were being made for the Centennial celebrations of the school which were to be held on February 16, 17 and 18 of 1990.

Primer 1 girls 1920.

- -

Standard 2 1945.

MRS PATU WATSON

Many stories have been told of Mrs Path Watson (Ranginui), the Maori woman who lived in an old shop opposite to the northern boundary of the school. A number of school children made a point of crossing from the east side to the west side of Oxford Street somewhere near the Grand Hotel to avoid an encounter with her.

Primary school boys, probably dared by others, showed their bravery by calling out cheek and sometimes throwing dirt in her doorway. Mrs Watson quick to respond in Maori language, often made an appearance with a stick or a broom. For the culprits, discretion soon became the better part of valour, as they dis­appeared rapidly for safer ground.

Although warned against further such behaviour by the headmaster of the time, sneak attacks still occurred and a few young lads for the fright of their lives when nearly caught by Mrs Patti Watson.

Jack Allen, bravely walking past had just called out "Old Mother Patti Watson" when he was pounced upon by the lady herself. Jack, inspired by the will to live, decided to take off but Patti Watson had him in a strong grip. It was a matter of force pulling against an immoveable body, shirt ripped and Jack tore off. Thereaf­ter he joined the group on the west side of Oxford Street.

Mr Casey seemed to be unlucky on two or three occasions when Mrs Watson rushed over to the school to complain. On this occasion, school had just resumed after lunch. Mr Casey and a group of secondary school boys came out with the object of clearing leaves so the grounds would look well on the morrow when a Most Important Person would visit. Mrs Watson immediately confronted the group, innocent victims of the occasion, and delivered a tirade to Mr Casey. Some of the boys, who had not been tookeen on the leaf-gathering idea im­mediately became avid gardeners, while others not wanting to abandon the master stayed with it for a while before joining the rest. Mr Casey eventually joined the leaf gatherers who were on their best behaviour in recognition of Mr Casey's ordeal.

It seemed that girls were never involved and the boys with their bravado caused much annoyance. Even now, all these years later, one has a feeling of regret that Mrs Watson had to contend with that but she certainly made her point even though it was often to people not otherwise involved.

In the time of the slump when things were tough, Mrs Watson looked after a cripple boy. No doubt her meager pension was always wisely spent on life's necessities. There were the times when she would ask the Jenson's, plumbers in the next door shop for the loan of a shilling or two to make ends meet. Promptly on pension day the money would be repaid plus the rent — Mrs Patti Watson was an honourable lady.

She was a daughter of Ruta Te Kiri, a Maori princess of the Muaupoko tribe.

The Last Levinian

THE SCHOOL MAGAZINES

About 1906 or 1907 there was a magazine entitled "The Artful Dodger" made up of articles of interest gathered during the week. On Friday afternoons it was read out and discussed during the last hour. Interest gradually faded and the idea was abandoned.

About 1924 a small two paged paper came into being. It later expanded to eight pages after which the circulation grew and it was changed in form and size to become the monthly sixteen paged "L'Amiraute".

From this idea came the first annual attempt for an official school magazine and in 1925 the Levinian was printed in typewritten sheets. The following year a professional printed edition was produced.

There was a lapse in 1927, but a modest 1928 book emerged after some good work by pupils with guiding from the staff. From 1929 until the final print in 1939 The Levinian was a regular annual feature.

The books were much prized by the secondary students with the publication of staff, forms, news about ex-pupils, class notes, literary efforts, exam results, sports teams photographs and results.

It was a great record of the achievements academically and in sporting fields. This is a review of the people we once knew and the sport we played over fifty years • ago.

MR W.D. THOMAS MA (1929-1939) was appointed senior teacher to the High School to fill the vacancy left by the departure of Mr Marsh. After the retirement of Mr Foss, he became acting headmaster for the last three years of the District High School. Mr Thomas became Principal of Horowhenua College when it opened in 1940. This quiet, wise and very respected gentleman will always be remembered with endearment from the committees, staff and pupils of both schools for years to come.

He suffered greatly from war injuries yet it was with wonderful courage he remained a top class teacher and an excellent administrator. Prior to the war he was successful in Otago representative field of rugby and cricket. At the High School he gave his coaching skills to the first fifteen and encouraged participation in other fields of sport.

Mr Thomas passed away in 1946. We were indeed fortunate to have known him for he inspired many to finer goals.

His name is included in the Levinian part of the booklet a> it is with the Levin District High School days that we recall him.

THE SECONDARY DEPARTMENT

Some of the loathers

Miss A.H. Tasker together with Mr A.J. Harding were the first secondary assistants at the Levin District High School. Mr Harding was afterwards to become first assistant in the primary school. These teachers arrived in Levin to take up their duties when the secondary department became a separate creation on September 4, 1906.

MR J.C. BURNS (1903-1910) First assistant teacher of secondary subjects, Form 7, until Mr Hardings arrival in 1906.

* * *

MR A.J. HARDING (1906-1918) First senior teacher in secondary subjects. After four years moved to Standard 6, succeeding Mr Bums as first assistant.

* * * MR C.F. ROCKEL (1910-1921) Senior teacher secondary department.

* * *

MR W.J. MARSH Inter BSc (London) (1922-1929) Senior teacher secondary department.

* * *

MISS R.O. MILNES BA (1919-1939) Taught a primer class then Standard I, made a temporary transfer to secondary class. It become a permanent position and eventually she became Senior Mistress. Former pupil.

* * *

MR J. CASEY (1920-1939) Teacher of Standard 4 until iransferring to the secondary department in 1929. Teacher of various subjects including agriculture. Much in demand by sporting organisations of the town, especially rugby and cricket. Involved in coaching senior cricket team at High School which meant a revival of interest in the sport at school.

* * *

MR R.D.L. IRWIN BA (1930-1838) Secondary classes. Involved in coaching rugby and tennis during his nine years of service.

* * *

MR W.A.O. CANAVAN MA (1936-1939) Secondary classes. Involved in coaching cricket for four years at the High School.

* * *

Parents provide both heredity and environment, teachers give inspiration and knowledge to reach the goal of success.

Levin District High School
HONOURS BOARD
DUX

THE GOLDSMITH CUP

In its year of initiation this special award was won by John Vincent Small. In presenting it on April 13, 1934, the donor, Mr P.W. Goldsmith, said that he did not think the cup itself was to be considered in value with what it stood for, but in order to obtain it, hard work was necessary.

The Goldsmith Cup was awarded annually to the pupil who was outstanding in academic attainment, attitude to school work and general influence for good including sport. The marks for judging were 45, 45 and 10 respectively.

The successful student was to retain the cup from February to November each year.

Successful students were:—

THE HOUSE SPORTS

When Miss D.W. Pillar was relieving teacher for the first two terms in 1931, she suggested the introduction of house competitions in the sporting fields. The pupils of the school were divided into four houses, each house competing in football, basketball, cricket and tennis.

The first house captains were C. Wall and Noeleen Wilton (Kowhai); L. Coles and Violet Meyer (Ngaio); L. Royal and Joan MacKenzie (Rata); C. Pentecost and Emily Freeman (Hinau).

Basketball house captains Ethel Caldwell (Kowhai); Jean Kerr (Ngaio); Thel-

ma Fogden (Rata); Mary Coles (Hinau).

The best ability in a person is solid dependability.

RUGBY

Mr J.R. McIntyre was connected with the Levin Rugby Club in its formative days and continued an interest through the many years of his long assocition with the school. Rugby was bound to succeed with the fast growing popularity on a national level and the keen support from the headmaster.

Locally rugby was number one winter sport and on the teaching sic& there were many able coaches. Some were involved in administration — Mr John Casey was secretary of the Horowhenua Rugby Union for a lime, and an enthu­siastic supporter of the sport through 20 years of his time in Levin. Mr W. Thomas, who was coach of the First XV of the Levin District High School for three years was a former Otago representative. From the school ranks came many players to fill the local clubs and on to represent Horowhenua.

With such rugby supporters on the school committees at times as Messrs H. Denton, J.W. Proctor and F.G. Roe, and Messrs F. Carrington, H.G. Macdonald and T. Chipper on the school staff, there was always encouragement provided to the sport.

In the 4th grade competition of 1923, the Levin District High School team won the Proctor Cup. Success went to the school team in 1927 and 1929 in the same competition, and in 1929 the Primary First XV won the Noad Shield and the Austen Banner and repeated in 1930 with the Noad Shield.

In the 1920s the senior team had regular games against the boys from Otaki Maori College, Foxton District High School, Weraroa Training Farm, and Palmer­ston North Technical School.

Into the thirties and the high school team was becoming involved in local rugby competitions. With the advent of Horowhenua College, the emphasis shifted to the primary school games.

The Levin School had home-and-away competitions against other schools and maintained a good standard team with a number of promising players chosen in the Horowhenua primary representative team.

When the quadrangular tournament began it was between the representative primary teams of Hutt Valley, Horowhenua, Taranaki and Rangiiikei. In later years the competing associations changed, but Horowhenua remained a constant and sometimes successful competitior.

When the school lost its top classes with the opening of the Levin Intermediate School, an adjustment was made to sports at a younger age level.

*****

MR J.W. PROCTOR spent many years in the service of the school as a committee member and always as a friend of the school. He was a great supporter of rugby and any other sport which was of benefit to the youth of the town. He married Martha Retter, daughter of Mr R.C. Retter, who was a notable committeeman of a former era.

The Proctor children, Fred, Ida, Nina, Gordon, Jack and Willy were Levin School pupils, and Willy's (Bill's) children, Noel and Bruce, also attended. The family inherited the interest in rugby, and Noel in particular, an interest in athletics.

THOMPSON SHIELD

In 1927 Mr Thompson of Foxton, presented a shield for competition among the secondary students of Marton, Foxton and Levin District High Schools. The contest was originally arranged to take place annually and the competition was to be in tennis, swimming and athletics. The events were to be contested at Foxton, but eventually all three schools had turns at hosting the competition.

In 1929 Foxton fielded some outstanding competitors in athletics, including Margaret Barron, Wellington provincial sprint champion, top in tennis also and the overall leader in swimming Foxton was the trophy holder for the second year in a row.

The next mention of the Thompson Shield was in the Levinian of 1931 when it was stated the event was on March 7, with Levin gaining the most points. Marton was host for the first time on March 5 of 1932, winning the shield narrowly from Levin. Marton's Lambert (boys) and Foxton's J. Barron (girls) were the top athletes and Levin's P. Keedwell and L. Royal the best of the swimmers.

On March 4, 1933 the competition was held at Levin and again Peter Keedwell and Laelae Royal were too good for the rest of the swimmers in the boys events, while Foxton produced 4,,,Rori, a strong competitor in girls swimming races. Marton just headed off Lei in tennis matches for points but adding athletic points with Pat Crisp, Levin, scoring well and Una Bovett, Marton, keeping her team in the running the overall winner was Levin.

The sixth annual contest was held at Foxton on March 3, 1934, with Marton's Lambert back in the forefront of athletic events for boys while Ellen MacDonald and Helen Wheeler, Levin dominated the girls events. Levin rained the most points in tennis and were well clear in overall total with 37 to Marton's 30 and Foxton's 17.

Again in 1935 Levin was successful with strong teams in all events, retaining the shield by a clear margin. Levin was the venue in 1936 and an excellent record of 23 wins from 24 games was set by the Levin tennis team. In swimming Mary MacKenzie kept Levin to the fore with wins in all three races plus a part in the winning relay team.

An outbreak of infantile paralysis in 1937 caused the curtailment of the com­petition. There was no further mention of the Thompson Shield in the Levinian which had its final publication in 1939.

From the date of the first contest until the last in 1936 the emphasis had been on goodwill between the schools. Friendships made and the great hospitality of schools where events were held made the Thompson Shield competition the most enjoyable event on the schools sporting calendar.

BASKETBALL (NETBALL)

In 1921 Miss G. Armstrong, recently out of university, encouraged the girls to participate in the sport of basketball. The teacher and girls marked a court on grass by turning over with spades the sod to mark lines. From its humble beginnings in Levin and other places around New Zealand the sport grew and flourished to become the most popular women's outdoor game (later known as netball). The first game against a visiting team in Horowhenua was the Levin District High School v Palmerston North Girls High School game in 1922.

TEAM OF 1922

Back row: (from left to right): Reita Bennet, Joan Percival, Olive George, Edna Kingsbear. Middle row: (from left to right): Betty Swainson, Hazel Moffat, Gladys Hogg, Kyra Todd, Laura Shinnan.

Front row: (from left to right): Eileen Shaw, Myra Moffat, Verna Gill.

As time passed the standard of play improved considerably with support from interested staff. Miss D. Pillar, with excellent coaching,, gave the game extra impetus. The Senior A team of 1929 travelled to Palmerston North to take part in the King's Birthday tournament and had a great win taking the winners trophy, the Graham Cup, against the top teams from Wellington and Palmerston North. The following year the Levin District High School A team was runner-up.

So much interest had been created in the game that in 1931 on June 22, at the home of Miss R.O. Milne, the senior mistress, the Horowhenua Basketball Asso­ciation was formed. Competitions began immediately and the staff were involved in controlling many of the games.

Many of the districts representatives through to 1939 at the time of closure of the secondary department were members of Levin District High School teams.

The MacDonald sisters Mary and Ellen, were top representatives in the early thirties and among many other players to follow of note were Joyce Winiata, Joyce Butt, Cynthia Jacob, the Karauti sisters Letty and Mary.

The basketball teams were intently involved in a practice preparing for an important match. There was constant movement, leaping to catch or intercept catches. Mary MacDonald, out of the corner of her eye, noticed the men who had been taking down chimneys at school, sliding slowly down the roof. A puzzling position? Not really! It was as a result of an earthquake. The teams were too busy to notice.

Remember the black stockings, the gym frocks and the white canvas tennis shoes with crepe soles? In the hard times of the early 1930's stockings were often darned upon dams. Crepe soles wore through and were supported by pieces of lino effective in all but wet weather. In that case one neglected to mention wet feet. The game was the thing and those disadvantages were unimportant.

CRICKET

The Levinian's "Cricket Notes" of 1929 mentions that the game is to be played after a lapse of some years. By early 1930, cricket had made a real comeback with many enthusiastic players given great support by Mr W. Thomas and Mr J. Casey of the teaching staff. Unfortunately there was a lack of outside competition but in the only representative game, a narrow win was notched against the Levin Cricket Club.

In the season of 1930-31, some boys went down to the Weraroa Domain with Mr Casey and a new pitch was laid. Games such as house matches, "Townies" v "Trainees" and practice games against Weraroa Cricket Club on Wednesday afternoon were enough to keep interest at a high level. The Levin District High School team made its first appearance in the Horowhenua Cricket Association's Senior Grade competition in 1931.

Showing gradual improvement as the season progressed, the team showed the benefit of the interest and encouragement by Mr Casey.

The Cricket Notes of the Levinian of 1933 shows the game well supported with an enthusiastic school club. Games were played against a Wellington Boys team, Palmerston North "Tech", Boys Training Farm, several matches against the town team and the series of house games.

In 1934 the team played a Wellington under 16 rep team at Weraroa Domain and at a later date had a visit from Palmerston North "Tech".

The 1935 season showed the enthusiasm for cricket continuing. Against the Wellington Boys Cricket Association team in 1936, Mellor was the most successful bowler, capturing 4 wickets for 13 runs. J. Box was the best with the bat. Wellington had a small advantage in runs tally.

Mr Canavan was the coach in 1936 through to 1939.

1937 — The match against the Wellington Boys Cricket Association was won by Wellington by 33 runs. R. Lanshear was the most successful bowler taking six for 18, L. Griffith two for 19 and S. Donnelly two for 30.

1938 — The programme included the usual matches with L. Griffiths, H. Lanshear, H. Elsmore and N. Robertson having success in bowling.

1939 — The last year — usual games played — Mr Canavan gave the team plenty of training and coaching for the game against Wellington. The team was

met on the Wellington Railway Station and treated royally to an excellent dinner, later to go to the Basin Reserve. Levin was somewhat annihilated by the superior Wellington team but recovered sufficiently to take a healthy interest in the after­noon tea provided.

The team for 1939 was: R. Lanshear, W. Garrett, D. Bramley, L. Griffiths, M. Rolston, A. French, H. Wenham, H. Elsmore (captain), F. Childs, M. Wilson, I. Morgan.

TENNIS

In 1928 the Levinian mentioned the sport. Tennis always had its followers but as there were no courts at the school the game did not receive the support it could have got. Enthusiasts went to the Town Club, where by joining as a junior member at the cost of five shillings, they could have access to the courts unless senior members wished to play. Another way to have access to the courts was to pay one shilling a game.

In 1929 interest was growing and the school players were improving their ability by taking the advantage of playing on the Town Courts.

A Yankee tournament was held at the Town Courts on April 6, 1929, when a number of excited school players turned up with an assortment of racquets of various ages and requirements of re-stringing. Despite some disadvantages in the equipment it was a great day, carried through by Mr Marsh's help without a hitch. In points aggregate, June Hobson and Glyn Owen were winners.

1930 — The tennis season was probably the most successful one yet from the point of view of the results and the enthusiasm of the players. Miss Pillar and Mr Thomas gave the players good support and encouragement

1931 — Twenty-one players were taking an interest in playing regularly. Joan MacKenzie won the end of season tournament. The mixed doubles tournament was won by C. Pentecost and Una Stilwell.

1932 -- House matches were played. Leonie Camerson and Ken Hammond were Yankee Tournament winners.

1934 —. The Levin team did well in this year's Thompson Shield competition, gaining the most points. Players involved were Celia Ryder, Leonie Camerson, Lefty Karauti, Margaret Blenkhom, K. Lemmon, D. Aitchison, P. MacKenzie, L. Mellor.

1935 — Success for L D H S came in the Secondary Schools Tennis Tourna­ment, run under the auspices of the Manawatu Lawn Tennis Association. Against teams from Woodville High School, Fending High School, Palmerston North Tech and Palmerston North Girls High, Lefty Karauti won the Girls Singles Cham­pionship and along with Alma Murray, annexed the Girls Doubles title. The Yankee Tournament was won by R. Dixon and Alma Murray.

1936 — Lefty Karauti retained her singles title won last year at the Manawatu Secondary School's Tournament, and also repeated the doubles win in company with Alma Murray. Levin's great performance also included Peter MacKenzie's success in taking the Boys Singles title.

1937 Activities were curtailed this year due to the outbreak of Infantile

Paralysis. The Yankee Tournament held at the beginning of the Season was won by Letty Karauti and Fumess Morgan.

1938 — The tennis season opened on 22 October, 1937, with some players in their last year of school being prominent. Letty Karauti who was an outstanding young player, defeated another young player Evelyn Attwood, who was later to gain a National Women's Singles final. Karauti sisters, Mary and Letty, defeated the Attwood sisters, Evie and Dorothy, in the girl's doubles final. Tennis was in great heart — players were keen and the standard was excellent.

Into the early season of 1938, Evie Attwood carried on where Letts, Karauti began, by annexing the title at the Manawatu Secondary School's Tournament.

1939 — At the Manawatu Secondary School's Tournament, David Blenkhom and Henri Elsmore annexed the Boys Doubles, and Evie Attwood and Deidre Scott defeated another Levin combination of Mary Donnelly and Mary Karauti for the Girls Doubles title.

FORM III B 114

Back row: L to R — Nancy Mark, Olwen Eyes, Ronald Horn, Bruce Redmond, Alan Glover, John Keedwell, Keith Terry, Lional Dixon, Gwyneth Williams, Betty Blacklaws, Eva Ainkin­son.

Middle row: L to R — Audrey Kemp, Beryl Wakelin, Kathleen Empson, Naomi Prebble, Joyce Guy, Lorraine De Malmanche, Teacher Miss Pengelly, Bessie Stilwell, June Martin, Mina Macartney, Jennie Stilwell, Iris Frew.

Front row: L to R — Bertram Kuhl Frank Johnson, James Adams, John Lochore.

THE CROSS COUNTRY RACES
FOR HERBERT SMITE-I TRUST CUP

The first of the annual cross country runs was held in 1930 with the placings going to: F. Sadd 1; C. Fogden 2; C. Keys 3. Sadd also gained fastest time.

1931 — 32 entrants ran over a three mile course. Result: H. Olliver 1; Orrie Wilson 2; A. Sievers 3; L. Anyon 4. Fastest time: Harold 01 1; L. Anyon 2; Ome Wilson 3.

1932 -- J. Hayfield 1; J. Bennett 2; P. Callender 3. Fastest time: P. Callender 1 H. 011iver 2.

1933 — 26 starters. E. Wilson 1; L. Monk 2; N. Cudby 3. Fastest time: L. Monk 1; J. Thompson 2; L. Mellor 3.

1934 — 28 starters. Alan Grover 1; Trevor Morrah 2; Ivan Osnam 3. Fastest time: Alan Glover 1; Lyall Mellor. 2.

1935 -- David Blenkhom 1; Alan Glover 2; L. Osnam 3. Fastest time: A. Glover 1 (record).

1936 — P. Winiata 1; D. Blenkhom 2; R. Hinckesman 3.

1937 --- W. Sloan 1; Phil Winiata 2; C. Wills 3. Fastest time: P. Winiata. 1938 -- C. Wills 1 and fastest time: I. Moir 2, D. Blenkhom 3.

1939 - D. Burke 1; M. Taylor 2 and fastest time.

THE GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY

Much interest was taken in the boys event in 1933 so it was decided to run a similar event for girls. In all there were 32 girl starters and 28 of these completed the course. Result: Joan Anyon 1 and fastest time; Catherine Palmer 2; Rae Bennett 3.

ATHLETICS

Thompson Shield results published in the Levinian are the best guide to the quality of athletes in the 1920's and 1930's. There were many fine competitors who very ably competed in meetings of the local athletic club. In 1923, Verna (Poppy) Gill, secondary student, was the top sprinter among a good girls section in Levin Club. In 1929, Mabel Precious gained success in open meetings at both the Levin and Linton Athletic Clubs.

In school championships in the 1930's, Cliff Pentecost, Frank Rosenberg and Pat Crisp were versatile, strong competitors in the early 30's. R. Evans, J. Eismore, Steven Cotter and J. Blacklaws all made an impact in secondary school championships. The MacDonald sisters, Mary and Ellen, Helen Wheeler, Norris Mulcahy, Betty Wakelin and Mary MacKenzie all won championship titles during that decade. The majority of the athletes mentioned came through from the primary department to the secondary.

Two especially swift primary girls who competed well against the secondary runners were Olive Veale and J. Moore.

The Levin Schcol took part in the McElvey Shield athletics contest held annual­ly at Sanson for many years. Athletics remained a popular summer sport and in the years after the departure of the secondary classes there were many successful championship meetings. The emphasis eventually was on participation and there were inter-school competitions arranged where all competitors were able to gain points for their school by taking part. Mr Williams ran a very popular sports day with Peter Snell, the idol of New Zealand sporting scene, taking part running solo against a team of four relay runners. It was one of the great days of enjoyment for all who participated as competitors, officials and spectators.

SWIMMING

Swimming was a popular competitive sport from the time it was mooted by the chairman of the school committee on February 2, 1915. Mr W.S. Lancaster suggested that in view of recent accident the school committee should decide that swimming lessons be the necessity for all children. The Levin Borough Council was agreeable to open the baths free of charge to school children under school supervision, on certain days of the week.

The Education Department was approached for a clause to be inserted in the curriculum, for pupils to be taught the art of swimming. The school teachers were approached regarding their co-operation on the idea and also to arrange school swimming sports.

It was the beginning of a great era. The assistance of teachers, the school committee, the Levin Swimming Club and the co-operation of the Levin Borough Council, all made it a successful venture from the beginning. Swimming sports and carnivals were held to maintain a keen interest by the participants.

In December of 1915, Mr Howard Jones was appointed teacher and his coming to Levin was a great bonus. He was an excellent swimming coach and had a number of keen swimmers who were to carry their interest into adulthood.

A competition trophy known as the Robertson Challenge Shield was competed for by relay teams. It was originally won by the Boys Training Farm.

Dr Bryson donated the medals for the Champion boy and girl swimmers. In 1919 they were Boy: A. Short; Girl: Edna Pink; who were also members of the relay team which won the Robertson Shield. The other two members were N. Vickers and D. Jamieson.

In 1924 the successful Robertson Challenge Shield Team was: Joan Tingey, Jean Retter, Ruth Hobson, Margaret MacKenzie, Lloyd George, Maihi Pouawha. In 1927, records show the team was: J. Harvey, C. Pentecost, P. Crisp, P. Keedwell.

A report of the schools swimming sports of 1930, which included the Primary and Secondary departments, states "There was a large attendance and the Robert­son Shield race between Levin and Ohau was a feature, and Levin's team of H. Kingsbeer, J. Crisp, F. Sadd, .D. Stedman was an easy winner.

The annual competition for the LDHS swimming trophy was won by 0. Wilson, a senior boy. Jean Kerr was runner-up."

In the Levinian of 1930, the championship medals were won by Dorothy Stedman and Frances Sadd.

In 1931 a senior competitor Joan McKenzie, was the winner of the LDHS Swimming Trophy. The Robertson Shield, which had been held since 1918, went to a good boys relay team from the Weraroa Training Farm.

Much interest was taken in life saving and some candidates passed examina­tions for the Bronze Medallion.

Joan and Jocelyn Leary were winners of the Herbert Smith Trust Cup for lifesaving.

In the same year, a number of certificates were presented to swimmers who

qualified at swimming various distances. Two former pupils June and Ruth Hob­son, qualified for the Award of Merit.

In 1932 69 young swimmers lined up for the learners race, all completing the course and qualifying for the D.S. MacKenzie Award for swimming a length for the first time. The cup presented by the Levin Amateur Swimming Club was won by secondary student Joan Leary, while the primary school champions were M. Fogden and Dorothy Crisp. It was a great year for the sport as Alan Sievers won the Manawatu Intermediate Boys Championships, Peter Keedwell won the men's 50 yards, and Tom Kerslake won the boys dive.

Peter Keedwell and Laelae Royal gained a number of points for Levin in the swimming section of the Thompson Shield in 1933. The Levin Amateur Swim­ming Club cup was won by primary boy M. Meddings. Peter Keedwell was senior champion and Celia Ryder, Intermediate Girls champion.

The following year primary girl Joan Roydhouse was the winner of the Levin Swimming cup.

Mary MacKenzie was prominent in competitions in 1936.

In 1937 due to an infantile paralysis outbreak, a number of sports were cancelled, including the Thompson Shield competition. The Herbert Smith Life Saving Trophy was won in 1939 by Gwitha France and Brenda Bateman.

Learn to swim classes at the baths were popular and qualified instructors from the Levin Swimming Club were a great help during those sessions in the 1930s. At the first meeting of the school committee of 1941, the subject of building a swimming pool in the school grounds was raised. The profit from the annual school fete was to go towards the project.

After plans were obtained, there was a delay of six months on the suggestion of the Supplies Authority because of the war. In 1943 further attempts were made to get the baths project underway. Eventually Mr Channings was given the contract and for a total of three hundred and twentysix pounds, eleven shillings and six-pence, the swimming pool and fence around it was completed for use early in 1944.

Through the years hundreds of children began their first learn to swim instruc­tions either at the Municipal Baths or in the swimming pool at the school.

Primary school swimming sports were a regular feature and many fine swim­mers came from their ranks.

FROM THE CLASSROOM

Owen Raskin with two of his classroom experiences of the 1920's.

This incident occurred about 1924 or 1925. I was sent to give an oral message to a teacher, Miss Grace Aplin, who was supervising a class in what was known, as I recall it, the Science Room with rows of benches, not desks, and with Bunsen burners, jars of chemicals and related equipment.

When I went into the room there was no sign of the teacher. If I had been a bit more alert it would have struck me that it was unusual for a class to be so quiet

Some of my primary teachers stand out for various reasons, though I seemed to get along with all of them. Teachers seemed to change schools less at that stage, so we knew them well even before we reached their class. Some were feared but when you reached their class you learned to your surprise they were human. Mr Jones and Mr Casey were excellent with .good discipline. Punishment was permit-. ted. When you made one spelling mistake it could mean one stroke of the strap, two mistakes two strokes, if you were wise you made sure you had no mistakes. Mr Foss was a superb headmaster and was much respected by his students. His wife was a splendid person as were the wives of the other male teachers.

Miss Clarke, Miss Brown and Mrs McLeavey all gave their particular gifts to their pupils.

The secondary teachers were an excellent band. When my sister asked me who had the most influence on me, I said "Mr Thomas". She said she thought I would say that, though she would say Mr Casey. I thought hard then and realised to be honest, I would have to put them equal. They were both real teachers and tried to give us a wide knowledge of things beyond their normal subject teaching. Mr Casey taught me in primary school, and when I started secondary school in 1930, he transferred to become a secondary teacher. Mr Irwin was another fine teacher, Miss Milne was very important to me during my years at secondary school, as were Miss Patteison and Miss Linton.

Many of the secondary pupils in those days had a long and thing day. They came by train from points as far south as Waikanae. A friend, Neti Udy, biked from her home at the mouth of the Waikanae River along the riverbank to catch the train at Waikanae, came by train to Levin Station, walked to the school and repeated the trip in reverse after school. Another friend, Enid Bodley, followed the same pattern from her home near Kuku Beach to Ohau to catch the same train. When she had her friends to her parties we arrived and departed by train, and walked along the riverbank. On one dreadful occasion we found we hadn't followed the route properly and ended up with someone's pigs.

My secondary school years were Depression years. We wore our black stock­ings till they turned purple, then wore them inside-out, and finally our mothers dyed them. Our navy gym tunics were turned for the same reason. In my Sixth Form year, we collected pennies and half-pennies round the whole form and bought sweets at Staples School Shop to share. I can't say it left the mark on us it left on our parents. Nearly everyone was in the same boat. We accepted that as we might not have accepted a great degree of obvious inequality. The thing that did hurt was to see your friends leave school and go to jobs other than those they had worked and studied towards.

My porents allowed me to stay on till Wellington Training College re-opened in 1936. My Father felt he'd had enough of teachers in the family with his Mother and his sister both in that profession. I was allowed to go to Training College only on condition that I promised to get a degree. I kept my promise, gaining a BA degree from Victoria University. However, for most of my 42 years teaching career, I taught five year olds and loved every one of them and every day of my teaching life.

During my school days, most town children walked to school. In fact, cars were few and far between. For many years, the only cars on Queenwood Road were cars belonging to Mr Mottershead, Mr Shaw, Miss Alloway and Mr Bull. So long as you kept out of their path, you could happily use the road as a tennis court.

We walked to school, passing Gibson's land on the corner of Queen Street and a track which led so far down what is now Parker Avenue to the Pit. It was quite usual at the height of the Depression to see boots belonging to a sleeping Swagger sticking out from under the thick macrocarpa hedge that went along two sides of Gibson's land.

Mrs Patu Watson lived in a shop almost opposite the Levin School. She cared for a hunchback boy who was sometimes the butt of ignorant children's rude remarks. She reacted swiftly and effectively. Timid children learned it was wiser if you crossed the road further north than her home.

We usually went home for mid-day dinner. We raced up Oxford Street to Bulls Store, opposite the Post Office between Oxford Street and the railway line and were driven home and back to there, to race down Oxford Street to get back to school on time. On the rare occasions when you were allowed to buy your lunch, for 4d or 5d you could buy a pie, or fish and chips plus a cake, bun or piece of fruit.

When I finished my Training College years, I returned to Levin School as a Probationary Assistant in 1938. At that stage, the school was full to overflowing. In fact it had overflowed to St Mary's Hall and St Andrew's Hall, with a class in each. I was not given a class but roved round the school and the halls taking the classes assigned to me for various subjects — an interesting learning experience.

In 1954 I was appointed Senior Teacher Junior Classes at the new North School. Our buildings were not ready. Levin had spare buildings following the opening of Levin East School in 1953. By a strange quirk of fate I taught in the Levin School Grounds as part of the Levin North Staff till Easter of that year.

Secondary class of 1927

72

"A few thoughts about my time at Levin School"

R.J. Williams
As requested by Molly Dome

It was mid-November 1989 and I was mowing my lawns and pondering, "Shall I go to golf or bowls, stay home and annoy my wife or sit quietly in my favourite armchair?" The phone rang! My wife called out, "It's Molly Dome on the phone!" Have you ever tried to say 'No' to Molly? She started off by telling me how lovely I was (I must admit that I heartily agreed) and would I make a contribution to her booklet commemorating Levin School's centenary. My decision as to golf or bowls was made by Molly.

Try as I could, I couldn't shake Molly off, no matter how hard I tried. I suggested that reference to the Log Book might suffice, but she was adamant. An article she wanted, and an article she would get.

I have given this matter some thought and reached a conclusion — it's not what to write but what to leave out.

I consider I have three claims to fame.

1. Supplied 14 children and innumerable grandchildren to the education sys­tem.

2. Taught a young fellow called Bobby Jones in Lower Hutt in my early days.

3. Materially assisted in the establishment of an I H Unit within the framework of an ordinary school.

N.B. Here lies one of my errors.

I never liked the term "1 H Unit" so I called it "the special needs unit". I should have called it "the different needs unit". All children have needs and these children did not have special needs, they only had different needs so why didn't I call it "the D N Unit".

Another point occurs —

In my early days at the school, on sports afternoon, the boys played rugby or rugby or picked up the paper. Why shouldn't they have a choice? Rugby, soccer or hockey. (Thanks the Goldies for the hockey sticks).

I remember the time Peter Snell came to school and while he ran a mile, one boy — I think his name was Adams — ran with him -- two boys ran 880s -- four boys ran 440s and eight boys ran 220s. I think Snell came second. He played an exhibition tennis match with my son-in-law, Stuart Harvey, and then we all went to golf.

I intend to conclude now with a couple of thoughts.

Firstly I could not work in a school today with the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker watching over me. (Some of them are even females). Censored by my wife.

Secondly, I considered myself a benevolent dictator and a very consultative headmaster. I never made an important decision without consulting with a mirror.

An inspector once told me that I was a master at letting people have my way. True or false, I know not.

I could go on ad infinitum but my boss wants to go to the hairdressers. Best

wishes to Levin School for the next 100 years. Now that I've given up smoking, I might be immortal and be present at the celebrations in 2090.

Mr M Smales and staff — 1989

THANKS

I extend special thanks to Miss Betty Hooper, Mrs Jean Rolston, Miss W. Wharton, Mrs Norah Taylor and Mr Bob Williams, for the articles written at my request. They illustrate different aspects of school life.

My connection with the Jubilee Committee began at a later stage of the organisation. Other members made a commendable effort in presenting a function which so many past-pupils were able to totally enjoy.

In the final stage of the book, you will recall your Jubilee moments.

Molly Dome

LEVIN SCHOOL CENTENNIAL

The Staff in period costume with some of the pupils.

Murray Lange, Chairman, Jubilee Committee with Mr Charles We!by, oldest ex-pupil, aged 97 years, and only member present of first decade.

Horowhenua District Council Mawr, Malcolm Guy, being presented with a spray of flowers.

Friday, February 16 .Visitors sheltering in the shade of the oak trees.

Bicycle built for two.
77

Children entertaining with songs of welcome

Honourable Annette King with two children about to plant centennial oak tree.

78

CENTENNIAL JUBILEE

The jubilee celebrations began on Friday, February 16, on a fine day with an excellent attendance of ex-pupils and ex-staff members. Remembrance of 100 years began with a programme presented by the Principal, staff and children of the school.

The National Anthem sung in Maori then in English was followed by a medley of songs from different decades complete with a tandem bicycle and children in period costume to match the era of the song. Folk dancing, gymnastic and other exercises followed, all well done and a credit to the school. With only a fortnight to train the children, the oldest group being in Standard 4 since the opening of the school year, it was an excellent effort.

Mayor of Horowhenua District Council, Malcolm Guy, extended a warm wel­come to all who had returned to participate in the great occasion of a centennial celebration. Other speakers were Mrs Marilyn Nicely, chairman of the Board of Trustees, Murray Lange, chairman of the jubilee committee and Murray Smales, Levin School Principal.

Horowhenua Member of Parliament, Annette King, with the help of two pupils, Donna Ross and Callan Dench, planted a special oak tree in commemoration of the occasion.

The children assisted with the serving of afternoon tea which added a delightful touch to the programme.

FRIDAY EVENING FUNCTION, FEBRUARY 16, 1990

A continued buzz of voices was intermingled with laughter and the sound of music as a crowd filled the AP & I hall to capacity on Friday evening. Re-unions with pals from years before brought nostalgic memories of school days and friends they once knew. Some school mates were meeting after more than a quarter of a century had passed.

It was a wonderfully happy evening, thoroughly enjoyed by people from far and near. Entertainment by a group of singers plus favourite tunes old and new by Maire Harper, piano, and Doane Hapeta, guitar, added an extra touch. A top standard supper completed a most successful evening.

*****

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

The day dawned warm and clear dispelling concern about the weather which had become hot by the time a very large crowd gathered for the ceremony. The oak trees were again a haven with a slight breeze stirring at. times to keep the assembly comfortable in a temperature of 29°C — one of the hottest days of the year. All was abuzz at the parade assembly point on the playing field behind the school. The Levin Municipal Band, the Vintage Car Club, floats, Levin fire engines, ambulances, various groups such as netball girls, Sea Scouts, ponies, past pupils and many others left the grounds to parade through Oxford Street,

Judy Drake. Rosalind Thomson. Tom Saulbrey, Mrs A. Kopko, Norma Harper — piano. Entertainers Friday night 16/2/90

The school staff, in period costume for the centennial celebrations. L to R Lynn Juno, Bob Baker (obscured), Cheryl Juno, Rod Pemberton (Deputy Assistant Principal), Murray Smales (Principal (crouching)), Irene Porter, Brent Harrison, Anne Kirk, David Lewis, Bev Foubister (Dental Nurse), Pam Ferguson.

past the site of the first school in Queen Street, and so on to disperse at different points.

The Levin Municipal Band led the parade with stirring marches, followed by well presented vehicles of the Vintage Car Club transporting many of the past pupils of the earlier decades. In keeping with the spirit of the occasion Levin School staff and some pupils wore period costume. Excellent support was given by spectators who lined the route applauding as the procession passed by.

The Levin Savage Club added to the variety with renditions of old tunes by an old-time band with several instruments, all staged on the back of two trucks.

After returning to the school, addresses were given by the Honourable Annette King, MP for Horowhenua; Malcolm Guy, Mayor of Horowhenua District Council Congratulatory messages were announced prior to the roll calls by Mrs Mona Frew (Bishop), 1st decade; Glen Feigler, 2nd decade; Mrs Norah Taylor, 3rd decade.

The centennial cake was cut by the oldest surviving ex-pupil, Charles Welby and the youngest pupil Tina Sayles.

Then there were the decade photographs, some decades with large numbers but there was only one from the first decade. Mr Charles Welby at 97 years, was the only one present of those who attended school in the 19th century. Afternoon tea was served in the school because of the heat of the day, cups of tea and well laden plates of sandwiches, cakes and other delicacies were carried out to the shade of the oak trees. It had the appearance of an elegant picnic day.

Charles Welby and Tina Sayles cutting the Jubilee cake. Seated from left are Mrs M. Frew, who called the first decade; Mrs N. Taylor, 3rd decade; Hon Annette King; Glen Feigler, 2nd decade.

Decade 1910-1919

MR A J H ALLEN (Jack), a long time resident of the town, was very involved in community affairs. A long record of service to the Levin Borough Council, he was also a representative .on the Palmerston North Hospital Board and the Horowhenua Electric Power Board. He had connections with many other orga­nisations including chairmanship of both the 75th and 90th Levin School jubilees.

He often spoke of his wish to be associated with the centennial jubilee but that was not to be. It is with respect and appreciation that Jack is mentioned in this publication.

REGISTRATIONS

1890-1899

Charles Welby

1900-1909

Mabel Haymes Ivy Joll

Winifred Little Flora Mayes Frank Macintosh

Mary Osman Charles Palmer Mary Pickering Cecil Sigglekow

Flora Potter Lionel Sharman

Emma Teal Lillian Collis Elsdon Clark

1910-1919

Owen Raskin

Jack Roe

Edith Rummel Corrie Swanwick Norman Vickers Brenda Vizard Les Wilkson

Mavis Whiley

Richard Williams Stuart Walker

William (Orrie) Wilson Joseph Broughton Miriam Herrick Lawrence Palmer

Levin

Parsons Paraparaumu

Boulton Levin

Blackburn Levin

Walton Wanganui

Coromandel Welby Levin

Auckland

Carlson Johnsonville

Manurewa

Blackburn Levin

Lower Hutt

Astridge Levin

Hook Otaki

Palmerston North

Auckland

Levin

Watson Auckland

Levin

New Plymouth

Herle New Plymouth

Palmerston North

Morgan Levin

Palmerston North Paeroa

Kaikohe

Levin
Levin
Levin

The Assembly on Saturday.

83

1920-1929

Emma Annabell Prouse Palmerston North

Leonard Allen Pakuranga

Scott Aitken Levin

Margaret Atkins Whitaker Otaki

Douglas Adams Wellington

Roy Allen Foxton

David Blenkhom Waikanae

James Bateman Levin

Charles Bishop Waikanae

Beryl Baker Davies Levin

Hazel Blake Moffatt Otaki

John (Jack) Bateman Mt Rosidll

Robert Bishop (Bob) Napier

Wilson (Bill) Bishop Hawera

Donald Boulton Napier

Thomas Burling-Claridge Pukekohe

William (Noel) Bignal Levin

Doris Briant Jackson Mairangi Bay

Joan Bolderson Pickering Johnsonville

Norris Benning Mulcahy Levin

Olive Broadbelt Urwin Levin

Alfred Bennett Levin

Phyllis Bennett Forsyth Levin

Lyndsay Collis Hooper Levin

Elizabeth (Bessie) Cook Vernon Levin

Betty Cottier Box Lower Hutt

Pat Crisp Blenheim

John Cameron Te Awamutu

Lois Cottrell Denton Rangiora

Doris Coleman Wise Levin

Grace Conway Will Wellington

Mina Challies Macariney Levin

Marie Coley Stilwell Foxton

Percival Curtis Levin

Kiwi Dwars Thomas Wellington

Irene Dallenger Rankin Levin

Ethel Dickey Price Palmerston North

Grace Davies Vickers Levin

Frances Davies Fletcher Levin

Doris Duggan Young Napier

Eric Davies Hamilton

Beryl Driscole Watkins Palmerston North

Campbell Davies Stoke

Gwitha De Castro France Levin

James Elsmore Johnsonville

William (Bill) Easton Levin

Glen Feigler Auckland

Dorothy Fletcher Smaill Wellington

Hamish Fletcher Wellington

Margaret Francis La Roche Hawera

Phyllis Fitzgerald Cameron Wanganui

Mona Frew Bishop Levin

Nola Fullerton Walker Levin

Alexander Fletcher Levin

Murray Fletcher Levin

Ted Goldsmith Levin

Winnie Clapper Cockrill Levin

Betty Galpin Levin

James Gow Levin

Elizabeth George Paterson Waikanae

David Gardiner Lower Hutt

Phillip Goldsmith Levin

Ethel Goldsmith Caldwell Levin

Jean Grant Macintosh Australia

Nelson Gedge Epsom

Percy Hudson Levin

Percy Hannah Johnsonville

Henry Hassall Lower Hutt

Violet I iodgson Curtis Levin

Elizabeth Hooper Levin

Arthur Hammond Otorohanga

Roger Hammond Levin

Kenneth Hammond Paraparaumu Beach

Marie Hayward Feigler Auckland

Joseph (Jack) Hayfield Levin

Joan Hudson Teal Palmerston North

Marion Harker Miles Levin

Dudley Hughes Levin

Loma Harris Meddings Wanganui

Valerie Hodgson Greer Levin

Frederick Hassan Waimana

Margaret 1 fall Pukerua Bay

^-Ronson Hall Matangi

Reita Husband Bennett Dannevirke

Richard Hayfield Waitarere Beach

Kathleen Jarvis Lower Hutt

Freda Jenner Urwin Levin

Margaret Jenkins Levin

Frank Johnson Auckland

Rae Jensen Bennett Wellington.

Tom Kerslake Levin

Jack Keedwell Carterton

Catherine (Reina) Kerr Burke Napier

Mary Lacy Ryrie Hastings

Thomas Lancaster Levin

Phyllis Light Burt Palmerston North

Jean McMinn Milroy Levin

Pat Miles Otaki

Sitting around chatting after the parade.

Christina (Pheobe) Mortensen Verna McCrea

Roy Me ddings Evelyn McRoberts Davena Murdoch Agnes Moms

Betty Morrison Barbara Milner Douglas Newell Neils Nielsen

Aileen Nielsen May Nicholls

Kenneth Nielsen Charles Oak

Frederick Petersen Arthur Paterson John Parsons Noeline Procter Alexa Parson Herbert Pickering Eric Pringle

Evelyn Pemberton Cecelia Perawiti Jean Rolston

Vfinnie Rolands Eileen Ryder Thelma Rolston Stewart Ransom Jean Ransom Joyce Rowland William Rolston Noel Retter

Auckland

Papamoa

Mosgiel

Gosford Sth. Aust. Levin

Levin Taihape

Havelock North Levin

Palmerston North Palmerston North Wellington

Otaki Otaki

Havelock North Auckland

Levin Levin Levin Levin Levin Levin Levin Levin Hamilton

Levin Levin

Palmerston North Levin

Ohau Levin Shannon

Mina Silke Stupples Motueka

Rita Spicer Watson Levin

Elizabeth Small Blenkiron Pukerua Bay

Rene Spicer Marshall Naenae

Mira Satherley Rolston Waitarere Beach

Tilda Strode-Penny Graham Levin

Edith Sherer Gow Levin

Trevor Standen Levin

Olwen Steptoe Davies Wellington

Anne Staples Denton Otaki

Douglas Sorenson Levin

Lillias Stanley Swanwick Levin

Ian Shaw Levin

Betty Shaw Goldsmith Levin

Lillian Swanwick Pickering Levin

Madge Stewart Macintosh Milford

Arthur Tapp Levin

Vera Tumbull Price Palmerston North

Marshall Teal Levin

Brenda Travers Bateman Manurewa

Victor Thomas Levin

Gladys Turner Jones Palmerston North

Coralie Uren Parker Auckland

Robert Urwin

Rex Watson Levin

Kenneth Watts Palmerston North

Eileen Watson Jenkins Levin

Bessie Wilson Stilwell Levin

Mervyn Wilson Levin

Anne Wilson Gow Levin

Evelyn Williams Bryant Papatoetoz

Marjorie Webby Eyes Christchurch

Rock (Bob) Williams Ohau

Ngaire Williams Crowe Ohau

Nancy Walton Bird Levin

Percival Walton Levin

Beryl Williams Treen Glenfield

Dulcie Walker Hayfield Levin

Beryl Young Lamb Otahuhu

Laurie Jenson Levin

Dorothy Ancell Melrose Auckland

Robert (Jack) Stewart Tawa

Vernon (Buter) Bateman Palmerston Mirth

Alan Galpin Levin

Ena Dixon Mclaggart Levin

Maurice Powell Waikanae

Harold Wilson Bulls

Claire Fraser Allen Auckland

Lionel Rapley Raumati

Some pupils of the 1930-39 decade.

1930-1939

Hugh Aitchison Neil Amner

Noel Baylis

Joan Berry

Lester Baker Nancy Brookie Rona Batchelar

Leicester Buckingham Zita Bateman

William Bacon Dorothy Butler Ngaire Bignal Graeme Bartholomew Shirley Bamett

Allan Barnes Ashley Bell

Victor Bonner Ronald Bignal Phyllis Cameron Miriam Cresswell Heather Corlett Dorothy Cudby Noel Coombes Bernard Casey Sybil Crossan Betty Cockrell Marion Culley Patricia Coleman Alison Carle

Margaret Chnstiansen Molly Dome

Pauline Dobson Richard (Dick) Denton Nancy Dixon

Colleen Douglas

Hastings

Paki Paid

Levin

Duggan Levin

Levin

Parsons Levin

Thomson Palmerston North

Levin

O'Connor Mt Rosidll

Palmerston North

Hascall Hamilton

Wise Levin

Levin

Parsons Wellington

Whitby Levin Havelock

Palmerston North

Prebble Blenheim

Benjamin Whangamata

Fife Havelock North

Hough Pukekohe

Napier Levin

Millard Palmerston North

Auckland

Thomson Palmerston North

Levin

Jo11 Levin

Goldsmith Hamilton

Milroy Ohau

Douglas Levin

Levin

Benge Auckland

Knowles Levin

Ian Doyle

Janet Duff McIntyre

Doreen Edkins Gray

Fergus Eagle

Gordon Eagle

Nancy Elliot Butt

Winifred Fensom Trim

George Fox

Loma Falloon Rolston

Harold Finlayson

Kathleen Fletcher McLean

James Fowler

Betty Green Rolston

Barry Geange

James Goodwin

Una Grey Prouse

Noelene Gledhill Fox

Raymond Harvey

John Haggerty

Marjorie Hazlitt Nines

Rhoda Hercock Waters

Malcolm Harper

Norma Harper Saulbrey

Graeme Haggerty

Albert Higgs

Ailsa Henderson Meddings

Ngaia Hurliman Kellaway

Moira Hesp Fanning

Ross Harper • Peter lnder

Rachel Jackson Benge

Neil Jack

Ivor Jones .

Betty Jack Port

Ian Jamieson Donald Jamieson

Vena Jarvis Lang

Roy Judd

Leonard Kennedy

Elda King Toms

Ronald Knowles Mary Karauti Gordon Lankshear

Jennifer McGrath Jack

Robert May

Rosetta Marshall Rose

Shirley McLean Collins

June Matches Stupples

Maureen Macpherson O'Connor

Lindsay Marshall

Paraparaumu Levin

Te Kuiti

Napier Levin Levin Fairlie Gisbome

Upper Hutt Hastings

Levin Levin

Christchurch Hamilton

Levin Levin Levin Levin Levin

Palmerston North Featherston

Levin Levin Tauranga

Palmerston North Raumati Beach Lower Hutt Levin

Levin

Palmerston North Te Kuiti

Palmerston North Palmerston north Waikanae

Levin Dunedin

Taupo Levin Titahi Bay

Levin Levin Ohau Levin Levin Levin Levin Greytown

Wairoa

Upper Hutt Auckland

..

This has been the last Jubilee to be held at the old school. A new school will be built on _.Tiro Tiro Road where the problem of noise from traffic will not affect teaching to the same extent. Travel to and from school should .-not be as hazardcius as it is today. The future should be sunny for the young children who begin their schooling in the^. modem building.

Those who spent their schooldays at Levin School in Oxford Street will remember it with some pride. As it grew with the stability of settler families into one of the biggest school's in the dominion, much was achieved. It has continued to serve a useful purpose for more than a century.

Soon it will be time to say farewell to Oxford Street.

Molly Dome

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