Manakau School diamond Jubilee 1948

The Manakau School Diamond Jubilee 1948

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TEN years have passed since the old pupils of the School gathered togetheR to celebrate the Golden Jubilee. During that decade was waged a terrific struggle for the freedom of the world, and again from all parts of the Dominion they come to renew the friendships of youth, to pay honour to the School and to join in these happy celebrations.
There are many who, for various reasons, could not be present. We regret their absence but they will be ever in our thoughts during these three days.

There are others again who have passed from our midst, and we recall with gratitude and remembrance those who, in answer­ing the call of King and Country, have laid down their lives in one or other of the two World Wars.
"They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow, They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe."

Sixty years have wrought many changes in scene and outlook but the things of the spirit endure. Friends of former years, changed in appearance perhaps almost beyond recognition, meet in the bonds'of friendship, mutual understanding and goodwill. The years are tossed aside, while old experiences are relived and old tales retold.
It is to be regretted that there will be some omissions from the story of the School. The writing of this booklet was almost complete and we still had not discovered who was the teacher who started the school on the North Manakau Road, when, one Sunday afternoon, the first girl pupil, Julia Whiley, now Mrs. Winston, called on the secretary of the Jubilee Committee and gave the desired information. If you can supply any facts or names concerning the history of your School, would you please hand them in. The booklet committee wishes to express its very grateful thanks to all those who have so, willingly contributed articles and information, without which this publication would have been impossible,- and may we, as a very small part of this Jubilee, wish our readers a very happy celebration of our
SIXTY GLORIOUS YEARS

Jubilee Programme

SATURDAY, MAY 8th—

12 a.m.: Assembly and March to the School. Otaki Band in Attendance, Roll Call,
Reception and Afternoon Tea. Photographs.
8 p.m.: Dinner—Regent Ballroom, Levin.
SUNDAY, MAY 9th—
2 p.m.: Thanksgiving Service—In Manakau Town Hall.

MONDAY, MAY 10th—
10.30 a.m.: Jubilee Picnic.
8.0 p.m.: Jubilee Ball.

Jubilee Committees

CHAIRMAN: Mr. A. M. Atkins
SECRETARY: Mr. R. Bevan.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY: Mr. S. Atkins

REPRESENTING THE Maori PEOPLE: Messrs. R. Gray and H. Wallace.
EXECUTIVE: The chairmen of the sub-committees. COMMITTEES:—

DINNER: Messrs. J. N. Bryant (chairman), H. Edhouse, L. Barkla, J. Staples, I. Drake, L. Jensen, J. H. Bryant, - Mesdames Meredith and Barbery.

BALL: Misses Collier (chairman), Knight, Ryder, Black, Mes- dames H. Piper, E. Bryant, P. H. Mayman, R. Drake,
and Messrs. F. Corbett. I. Drake. C N. Nielsen, J. Burnell, T. Horn.

RECEPTION: Mesdames V. Bregmen (chairman), R. Drake, F. H, Mayman, Misses Black, Ryder, .Mudgway, Knight..

TRANSPORT & ACCOMMODATION: Messrs. J. Staples (chair­man), Bregmen, Hornig, Miss Cotter.

PICNIC: Messrs. R. L. Robinson (chairman). C. N.. Nielsen, H. Piper, M. Bowling, J. Bowling.

BOOKLET: Messrs. F. H. Mayman (chairman), J. Horn, N. Bevan, P. King, Miss H3ughton.

CHURCH SERVICE:.,Messrs. F. H. Mayman (chairman), L. Barkla, R. Cornelius, Miss Houghton.

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The School Today

(R. L. Robinson, Chairman of the School Committee)

At this the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of our School, it is fitting and proper that we should not be unmindful of those pioneers of 1888, who, with their great sense of purpose and determination, built a foundation for education in our midst, on which we, coming half a century later, were able to carry on and foster, until today we have a School which we are proud indeed to call "Our School."

It is gratifying to learn of the honours and success gained by pupils who have passed through our School, both in higher forms of education and as good and worthy citizens.

During the term which it has been my privilege to be chair­man, we have been most fortunate in having the services of an excellent teaching staff. I feel that we owe our thanks and grati­tude to these men and women, not only as teachers of a high order, but for their excellent example of citizenship both inside and outside the School.

To my fellow members of the committee and to the public of Manakau who have so generously given their support to any project for the betterment of the School, I extend my thanks; and through that support in the past, I am encouraged to ask for still further effort and assistance to supply that one thing our School is lacking—a swimming pool. The School is provided with a splendid library, sports material of every kind, and pleas­ant grounds, but we do need the facilities by which our children can be taught to swim.

In conclusion, may I state that where there are children, there is work to be done, so let us continue to labour together for the general good of "Our School," or in other words, "Our Chil­dren," for they really are "Our School.”




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









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History of Manakau School

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

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

The pupils who attended the School in Mr. Whiley's residence were:—Robert Whiley, Fred Whiley, Richard Bevan, William Bevan, John Rickard, Charles Rickard, Fred Rickard, William Rickard, Edward Bevan, John Moses, William King, Peter Black-fern, Tom Currinam, Sam Whiti, Isaac Palliver, Julia Whiley. Eliza Whiley, Edith Bartlett, Georgiaa Bartlett, Anne Bevan, Mary Corville, Mabel Corville, Margaret Bevan, Ellen Bevan, M&takina Peranara, Mary Rike, Louisa Pratt and Robert Rans-field.

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

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

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

The next entry of interest states:—Dec. 17th, 1888: "A num­ber of settlers wishing to provide the children with a proper playground have subscribed sufficient money to clear and level about an acre. The work was taken in hand today."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Standard 3.—David Dunlop, Elizabeth Whiley.

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

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

Standard 6.—Annie Dunlop.

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

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

By Sept. 4th of 1889, the roll had reached 70 and Mr. Lee recommended to the Education Board that "an addition to the building is now urgently needed." On Oct. 21st of the same year work was commenced on the new room. While the alterations were being carried out, the pupils were transferred to the meet­ing house which, by the generosity and interest of the Maori people, was placed at their disposal. By Dec. 10th the additions were completed and the pupils and teachers returned to occupy the two new rooms. The first room was that now occupied by Stds. 3-6, while the second was built on the north, though when the present infant room building was erected, it was pulled down. The contractor for the original building and the second rooru was the late Mr. C. Neas and the fine condition of the oldest part of our School as it is today, is a splendid and fitting tribute to his character and workmanship.

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

During the next two years the School continued to make steady progress and on Aug. 28th, 1896, Mr. Bethune completed his term as Head Teacher and left on promotion to Johnsonville. Mr. Fleming, Inspector of Schools, pays a fittine tribute to our first Head Teacher in his remarks in the log. "Mr. Bethune has been in charge of this School since its opening. His record has been that of a good teacher, earnest in his work and most atten­tive to his duties. The condition of the School property has improved very much under his charge and everything has been well looked after. On his promotion to Johnsonville he will hanu over to his successor a School in good working order."
The foundations laid by Mr. Bethune are a tribute to his sterling character,, and his qualities as a teacher. Under trying-conditions, which-we of today cannot conceive, he built in tru

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The Manakau School Picnic 1892

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The Manakau school 1892

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hearts of the pupils an affection for the School, which has borne fruit in the glad reunions of our two Jubilees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By this time the grounds were planted with trees and the playing area had been levelled and grassed, though in the previ­ous year a rirnu log in the playground had been cut and split for firewood.

Mr. Everton left at the beginning of 1903 and was succeeded by Mr. McBain who remained as Head Teacher until 1914. This was the longest period that the School has remained under one teacher and with Mr. McBain to guide its destinies, the School made great progress. By 1906 the roll had reached 114 and there were siiil only two teachers, Mr. McBain and Miss Felling-ham. The numbers continued to increase and in 1907 a new room was built, Miss Lee being added to the staff. On March 19th of that year Mr. McBain records—"Very poor attendance; over 50 absent. Three causes operating: (1) Levin Races, (2) Besses o' the Barn Band giving performance in Levin, and (3) rough weather."

On 19th July, 1912, in his report of the School's progress, the visiting inspector, Mr. Bakewell, makes the following statement: "The lawn and flower plots in front of the School present a most attractive appearance. Manakau is fortunate in having an ener­getic committee, the members of which have always taken an active interest in the welfare of the School."

In 1913 Guy Fawke's Day occurred a day too soon in Mana­kau School, for Willie Hiwi exploded a detonator during lessons! Old pupils still recount how the marks of poor Willie's fingers lingered on the ceiling for years.

Mr. McBain's last entry on Dec. 17th, 1914, reads: "Before

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closing my final entry 1 wish to express my gratitude to my assistants for their loyal help and to my committee for much assistance and steady support."

Mr. Bakewell in his last report of Mr. McBain's activities, said this:—"During the twelve years that he has been in charge of the Manakau School, his management has been characterised by great tact, unflagging energy and most successful results. He leaves the School thoroughly efficient in all its departments."

He was succeeded by Mr. W. Murray who came, to quote from the inspector's entry in the log, "with a high reputation as a school manager," and certainly from the examination reports the School was maintained at a high standard. Unfortunately Mr. Murray's stay at Manakau was short for he lost his life on Mt. Egmont.

At the beginning of 1916, the School was taken over by Mr. P. A. D. Mickle. Attendance during the first term was very poor owing to an outbreak of infantile paralysis, the School being subsequently closed in April and May. It was in Mr. Mickle's first year that the present hedges were planted and it was due to his energy and interest that so many beautiful trees were planted about the grounds.

The first mention of World War I in the log occurs on 26th July, 1916, when the School "sent down goods for Belgian Chil­dren's Relief Fund, and also £20 17s 6d in cash." A splendid effort! During the remaining years of the war more good work was carried on. The entry on Nov. llth, 1918, reads:—"Peace was officially announced. Flags went up and there was rejoicing generally in all places. The joy is saddened by raging influenza. Alarming reports come to hand from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch."

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

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

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

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

March 3rd, 1927.—A holiday will be observed tomorrow in honour of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York. Standards 3_6 will proceed to Palmerston North by special train in order to take part in the children's gathering.

Greater interest in singing was featured at this time and a

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School Choir was formed. The choir gave items at various func­tions and won first place at the Otaki competitions.

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

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

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

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

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

To conclude, let 'me quote two verses of Longfellow's poem, "The Children's Hour," wherein a father speaking to his children says:—

"I hold you fast in my fortress And will not let you depart, But put you down in the dungeon In the round tower of my heart.

"And there I shall keep you for ever, . .. Yes, for ever and a day,
Till the walls shall crumble to ruin And moulder in dust away."

—F.H.M. 12

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F. BETHTUNE

First Head Teacher

1888-1896

Staff

HEAD TEACHERS:

1888-1896 F. Bethune 1916-1923 P. A. D. Mickle

1896-1898 W. Foster 1923-1930 W. Anderson

1898-1903 F. C. Everton 1931-1937 Green

1903-1914 A. McBain 1937-1944 C. F,, French

1915-1916 W. Murray 1944-1948 F. H. Mayman

ASSISTANTS:

Misses Howan, Cundy, Farmar, Banks, Dynan, Rolls, Fell-ingham, Lee, Bevan, Jensen, Mrs. Balding, Misses Piggott, Simons, Cheek, Greig, Windley, Burnell, Malcolm, Gunn, Dyer, Wads-worth, Grenside, Hearle, Collier, Waller, French, Green, Stewart, Anderson, Mrs. Shanley, Misses Roy, Witta, Ankar, Maxwell, Smith, Langtry, Black, Denton and Ryder.

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Manakau 's first School and first pupil

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The First School

and The First Girl Pupil.

Reminiscences of the First Girl Pupil

My father, Mr. Robert Whiley, took up land at Manakau when it was practically all bush. He and my elder brothers went there and cleared a small portion of the land to build a house. When the building was completed in 1887 the remainder of the family shifted down. The property was about half a mile up the North Manakau Road. There was standing bush on both sides and no metal on the road.

My father began to worry about our education, for there were four of us of school age. My sister, Lizzie, and I had been attending the Longburn School, which was then the nearest school to Manakau. My younger brothers, Fred and Bob, had not started school, so my father got in touch with the Education Department to see what could be done. He offered them one of our front rooms, free of charge, to carry on with until such time as a school could be built.

They accepted his offer and sent up desks, a blackboard and the necessary books. The teacher was Mr. Donnelly, who was quite an old man with a long white beard. In the meantime my father had been round to the few settlers to get them to send their children. He also went to the Maori pas, there being two of them at that time. The Maori people were very pleased with the suggestion, and I think we soon had more Maori pupils than European. Some of the children walked from the South Manakau Road, and the mud was terrible. They had to wend their way between logs and stumps along the side of the road.

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When the School was finally built, the grounds were covered with logs and stumps; except for the road and the railway, the standing bush was up to the boundary. We started in the new School with a new teacher, Mr. Bethune, and later on we got an assistant, Miss Howan. After that there was added another room, which was built by Mr. Nees and Mr. Williamson. During the time they were building the second room, we were shifted to the Maori meeting house.

There were no sports such as tennis, basketball, or football in those days, but still I think we all enjoyed our school days. We were very fond of our teachers, and had some lovely picnics and concerts; the latter were held in the Maori,meeting house, the whole village turning out. The church services were held at th Railway Station and our minister, the Rev. Raine, rode on horseback from Otaki.

—JULIA WHILEY (Mrs. Winstone)

The Manakau State School and its Maori People

(By Faura Temuera) THE PEOPLE AND ITS ORIGINAL HOME

This short and compact story of the above School and its people of the Maori race, is a summary of the greater and wider history of the Horowhenua-Manawatu district.

There were other people or tribes inhabiting these parts long before the present occupiers were known of, or even came (there are still remnants of them to be met round about Levin); they had produced men who played a prominent part in suppressing rebels against the Treaty of Waitangi, signed by the two races, Maori and Pakeha, in the year 1840. Major Keepa Taitoko, for instance, a most noble character, was one of the great soldiers in the service of the revered Queen Victoria. When he was a very young man, the area under our review became subjugated and fell into the hands of usurpers, the Ngati-Raukawa, these new people now being the principal occupiers of the afore­mentioned districts. Ngati-Raukawa is comprised oi several sub-tribes or clans, including Ngati-Wehiwehi, Tukorehe, and Te Rangi, of Manakau-Ohau settlements. The last sub-tribe, being absorbed into the two former, has lost its separate identity today.

When Horowhenua-Manawatu became the possession of the Ngati-Raukawa by right of conquest, they migrated here, leav­ing for good their original home at Maungatautari, near Cam­bridge, Waikato. This great migration is referred to by Mac-Donald in his book, "Te Heke." The whole area was divided up and apportioned out to various sub-tribes, each settling thereon. It became a popular proverbial saying later, "Mai o Whitireia ki Mlriatekakara ka tawharau Raukawa." Translated into English this would be, "From Porirua to Rangitikei, Raukawa reigns supreme." Thus Manakau-Ohau became the possession and home

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of the Ngati-Wehiwehi and Ngati-Tukorehe, remaining so to this day, though much of the originally owned greater area has become leased or sold to Pakehas.

It is one of the most interesting and absorbing stories, fas­cinating for old and young alike, this unfolding of the history of how the Horowhenua-Manawatu was conquered by Te Rau-paraha and his raiding party. But I proposed earlier, to confine this narrative to principal events which took place before the final settlement of Manakau-Ohau, and of persons and tribes concerned therewith.

Following the death of the mighty Hape, Te Rauparaha, known as the Napoleon of the Maori race, succeeded this para­mount chief of the Ngati-Raukawa back in their original home, Maungatautari, Cambridge, Waikato, but was never recognised nor accepted by the whole tribe. However, by sheer force of character, togeiher with prowess in battle, he was able to win and retain the confidence of a great many. Ever spurred by love for adventure and exploration, Te Rauparaha, with a num­ber of his kith and kin, raided these parts and usurped the original inhabitants of the whole of the Horowhenua-Manawatu, even unto the Rangitikei River.

But that, of course, is another story!

When the area was divided up among the various sub-tribes, Manakau-Ohau became the possession of the Ngati-Wehiwehi-Tukorehe, and still is to this day.

After years of a wild and turbulent life, Te Rauparaha gradually lost not only his dash in war, but all powers and vir­tues consistent with efficient leadership. So it was he came to resign himself to the inevitable.

On his return from a peaceful trip to Sydney, the then Metropolis of Australasia, whither he had gone to see the Pakeha way of life, he was a changed man. The old look of savagery, that had been the dread of many, had disappeared. While in Sydney, he had attended Divine Services at several churches. At one of these, he was prompted to ask his guide, "To what God were the Pakehas worshipping?" "ihowa (Jehovah)," was the answer. The word so impressed him, it recalled latent memories of "lo," in other words, "lo matua te kore," the God of his ancient fathers often mentioned by his elders back home in Maungatautari, during his boyhood days. He remembered, too, the sacred soil that was brought to this country when the Maor! people left their home in the Cook Islands some 500 years before. It had belonged to the site where the ancient altar or shrine stood on the island of "Raiatea," or "Rangiatea" of "lo matua te Kore," "lo the Parentless." He became determined in, his heart, to see that that Sacred Heirloom, be deposited somwhere in this newly won Horowhenua-Manawatu, and a church built over it, to worship "lo" or "Ihowa" therein.

Arriving back, he found the whole of Ngati-Raukawa, with neighbouring tribes, in full force, awaiting him at Rangiuru, now Tasman Beach, to welcome him. Among them were t\yo sub-tribes of Ngati Wehiwehi and Tukorehe, led by Paora Poho-tiraha and Koroniria. This was just what Te Rauparaha had hoped for, as it enabled him to have discussed the very thing he thought of and desired so much to accomplish.

After several of the various chiefs had expressed their de­light in seeing their great chief and leader among them again, Te Rauparaha rose to reply. He made brief references to the cordiality of the welcome, the sights and the new way of life he had seen and met with overseas, then he unsheathed a sword he was carrying and thrust it into the ground, beckoning at the same time to the chief Paora Pohotiraha to approach and take away the weapon, with the words that have become a household utterance among the Ngati Raukawa today. "Tikina mai te rnea nei, kua mutu taku ruri ki te whenua kua ruri ahau ki te rarigi hangaia he wharekarakia mo tatou." "Come, take possession of this, I no more seek honour on earth, I seek honour in Heaven. Go to, and build us a Church!"

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Te Rauparaha knew full well that they, of all the sub-tribes of Ngati Raukawa, had men expert in the hewing of large trees, and the use of the adze, also master builders of houses. Above all, the Sacred Soil, referred to previously, was in their keeping. He had been aware of these things, before the people came to settle in these parts, hence the sword and Paora Pohotiraha.

The directing and supervision of the great undertaking, from the forest to the erection of the Rangiatea Church, was thut, placed in their hands with Koroniria as the master-mind, sup­ported by the two early missionaries, the Rev. Octavius Hadfield and the Rev. Samuel Williams.

The Church was completed in the year 1849, marking the cessation of hostilities for all time, also the seal and sign of the peace between Ngati Raukawa and the neighbouring tribes.

A little later, a school was built on the site where the Maori College stands at Otaki today. It was the first European-built school throughout the Horowhenua-Manawaiu area. Thus, with the school and the Church, the Ngati Wehiwehi-Tukprehe were responsible for the erection of these two famous institutions which first developed the minds of the people in the White Man's way of life.

Noted among the present-day Maori settlers, descendants of the Ngati Wehiwehi-Tukorehe today are: the Bevans, Rans-fields, Gardiners, Wallaces, and the Wehipeihanas.

hoped for, as it enabled him to have discussed the very thing he thought of and desired so much to accomplish.

After several of the various chiefs had expressed their de­light in seeing their great chief and leader among them again, Te Rauparaha rose to reply. He made brief references to the cordiality of the welcome, the sights and the new way of life he had seen and met with overseas, then he unsheathed a sword he was carrying and thrust it into the ground, beckoning at the same time to the chief Paora Pohotiraha to approach and take away the weapon, with the words that have become a household utterance among the Ngati Raukawa today. "Tikina mai te rnea nei, kua mutu taku ruri ki te whenua kua ruri ahau ki te rarigi hangaia he wharekarakia mo tatou." "Come, take possession of this, I no more seek honour on earth, I seek honour in Heaven. Go to, and build us a Church!"

Te Rauparaha knew full well that they, of all the sub-tribes of Ngati Raukawa, had men expert in the hewing of large trees, and the use of the adze, also master builders of houses. Above all, the Sacred Soil, referred to previously, was in their keeping. He had been aware of these things, before the people came to settle in these parts, hence the sword and Paora Pohotiraha.

The directing and supervision of the great undertaking, from the forest to the erection of the Rangiatea Church, was thut, placed in their hands with Koroniria as the master-mind, sup­ported by the two early missionaries, the Rev. Octavius Hadfield and the Rev. Samuel Williams.

The Church was completed in the year 1849, marking the cessation of hostilities for all time, also the seal and sign of the peace between Ngati Raukawa and the neighbouring tribes.

Historical

A SURVEY OF THE SETTLEMENT OF MANAKAU (By A. M. Atkins)

A little later, a school was built on the site where the Maori College stands at Otaki today. It was the first European-built school throughout the Horowhenua-Manawaiu area. Thus, with the school and the Church, the Ngati Wehiwehi-Tukprehe were responsible for the erection of these two famous institutions which first developed the minds of the people in the White Man's way of life.

Noted among the present-day Maori settlers, descendants of the Ngati Wehiwehi-Tukorehe today are: the Bevans, Rans-fields, Gardiners, Wallaces, and the Wehipeihanas.
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Company, bush sections were acquired, both from a speculative point of view, and for genuine settlement. Previous to the sale, Messrs. Bevari, Atkins and Staples had purchased native land, which today is still being farmed by descendants of those fami­lies. Other than the above mentioned settlers who acquired land at that time, only three other properties remain in possession of the original families who purchased them, namely Carkeek, Bird and Eglinton.

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

The forty-two sections realised £9878 16s 4d or an average of £2 12s 8d per acre. Those who purchased the town allotments were:—W. Smith, W. McFarlane, J. Morris, W. Bell, R. Coneys, H. Sullivan, F. Meenkin, J. F. Anderson, Palmerston and Scotty, T. Walsh, T. Stratton, J. Myers, C. Sweeny, and H. Freeman.

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

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

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

With the destruction of the native bush by axe and fire, most of pur beautiful native birds have disappeared—pigeons, kakas, tuis, bellbirds, robins, tomtits, fantails, grey warblers, wrens, wekas, moreporks, and white-eyes. To hear these beauti­ful forest choristers when the first faint rosy tint in the east proclaimed the advent of dawn, was to hear a chorus of praise burst as with one accord from thousands of throats, their com­bined song, to the lover of nature, being simply beautiful; the coo of the native pigeon, the scream of the garrulous kaka, the resonant note of the bell-bird, the inimitable gurgling of the tui, the plaintive melody of the little wren, the chirping of the fantail and the weird call of the weka in the evening, and with it all the fragrance of the native bush, all of which made a real

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The "Bevans" at school, 1906.

henryphillips

The "Bevans" at school, 1906.

paradise. And so with settlement has passed from our midst, never to return, many of the Creator's most beautiful gifts.

Manakau, like all early settlements, possessed a large mov­ing population—bushmen, sawmillers, flaxmillers and navvies at work on road construction. Today the township has two shops and one hotel, whereas fifty years ago it possessed two hotels, two bootmakers, two billiard saloons, and five shops, including one belonging to a Chinaman. The first shops were owned by the late Messrs. Tompsett and Houghton. The latter's shop still stands on the property now owned by Mr. George Phillips. Two stores were situated where Mrs. Rangi Ransfield and Mrs. Dris-coll now live. Other storekeepers were the late Mr. P. W. Bills and Messrs. J. Morris, C. R. Smith and Greenlees. The first butcher's shop, which was owned by the late Mr. Henry Bevan, stood where Mr. G. Scott's bulk store now stands on the amin highway. Of the hotels, Tompsitt's Family Hotel occupied the site of the present hotel, and Dwan's Hotel was situated between the Town Hall and Mr. Scott's bulk store. These two hotels were opened on the same day and the local inhabitants were treated to free beer for the day. The first blacksmith's shop was owned by Mr. Jim Smith and was situated where Mr. Meredith's resi­dence now stands.

As was the case in most early settlements, the Post Office and general store were carried on under the same roof. Later a small office was built on the site of the present post office, and is now being used as a garage for the post-mistress's car.

The first sawmill was owned by the late Mr. N. A. Anderson and stood on the property now owned by Mr. Ken Phillips. Later Messrs. Gardiner and Brown worked a mill on property now owned by Mrs. Leslie Staples on the South Manakau Road. Later

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still mills operated on Waikawa Beach Road and the North Manakau Road. Of flaxmills, there were several—one on Mr. Drake's property, and one on what is now Mr. Alex Butler's property. At a much later date Mr. Thomas Beyan, of Levin, worked a large mill on the Main Road by the Waikawa River.

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

The first hall to be built in Manakau was erected by the late Mr. Thomas Bevan. This building was later destroyed by fire, the present hall being rebuilt by Mr. Thomas Bevan, Jnr., over forty years ago.

Of churches there were three — Anglican, Methodist and Brethren. The last-named stood in what is now Mr. Bert Robin­son's paddock. The first services in Manakau were held in an old railway shelter, while the first preacher was the Rev. Raine. Later the place of worship was the School and later still the town hall.

In the early 'nineties Manakau possessed a very fine cricket team, winning outright the J. G. Wilson Shield, which had been presented by Sir James Wilson, Member for the district, and grandfather of Mr. Ormond Wilson, M.P. for Manawatu. It may be interesting to recall the names of the players of that team:— Finlay Bethune (captain), Charlie Gardiner, William Bennett, Harry Gowar, Walter Hart, Richard Bevan, Paris Anderson, Hal-stead, C. V. Swabey, Barnard Brown and Smith (2). All of the above have since passed away.

While the settlement possessed a fine cricket eleven in the early 'nineties it also excelled in Rugby, winning the champion­ship on several occasions. There are still a few of the original players alive today—Messrs. Wm. Cootes and Alex Jenkins (both of Otaki), Wm. Greenough, A. M. Carkeek and T. Wehipeihana,

In the 'nineties stock sales were also conducted in the vil­lage. The first yards (temporary) were erected on what is now Mr. Oliver's property. Later more substantial yards were built near the entrance to Mr. Llewellyn Bevan's property. The firm conducting the sale was A. G. Taine and Co., of Wellington.

How many today remember the coming ashore in a westerly gale at night, of the sailing ship "Weathersfield"? She remained fast in the sand for about two years at the mouth of the Wai­kawa Stream and was an object of great interest while she remained there. When eventually she was refloated, she made several trips to England with cargoes of wool.

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

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Manakau School Football Team, 1892.

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Manakau School Football Team, 1892.

School Committee

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

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

The present committee consists of:—R. L. Robinson (chair­man), H. Piper, L. Jensen, C. N. Nielsen, and L. Barkla (secre­tary).

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

THE GOLDEN JUBILEE

The following are extracts from the account of the celebra­tions as published in the "Otaki Mail."

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

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

Mr. "Bunny" Carkeek, on behalf of the Natives, congratu­lated those responsible for arranging such a pleasant function, and expressed both appreciation and thankfulness at being given the opportunity to say a few words. It was good, he said, to be able to attend such a gathering, and to celebrate—the occasion would be one never forgotten.

Mr. G. Phillips, on behalf of the School committee and teachers, extended a hearty welcome to all, adding that it was very gratifying to see such a large attendance. In their early school days the playground was one of stumps and logs, round

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which they as children used to play. Now they had a good school, a spacious play-area, with a promise from the Minister of Education that a better building was likely to be erected in the near future. Mr. Phillips expressed a wish that many of those present would be spared to take part in the diamond jubilee. (Applause.)

Mr. P. A. D. Mickle, an ex-teacher at the school, stated that he and Mrs. Mickle had spent 7i years of the happiest portion of their lives at the school, and he was pleased to be able to be present to renew acquaintances with his old scholars and old friends.

Mr. Anderson (another ex-teacher) thanked the committee for giving him the privilege of saying a few words. He gave pleasing accounts of happy days spent at the school. Mr. Ander­son paid a tribute to the first teacher, the late Mr. Bethune, who he had met in 1896, and who was headmaster to him at Johnsonville. Mr. Bethune, he said, was a real gentleman, and gave splendid service. The late Mr. McBain was another teacher he also knew well. He was a fine fellow, and a good sport, he laying the foundation of Rugby in the Manakau School. Mr. Anderson, amidst laughter, stated that he had hoped to live another 50 years and have a further opportunity of saying a few more words at a future jubilee.

THE DINNER

In the evening some 350 to 400 people sat down to a splendid repast in the Regent Hall, Levin, the hall at Manakau being in­adequate for the purpose. Mr. Alf Atkins presided, while among those present were Mr. L. G. Lowry, M.P., and Mrs. Lowry, and Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Monk.

Mr. Atkins, after welcoming all, and hoping those present would spend a very enjoyable evening, asked that all participate in the toast to "The King."
REV. W. GATMAN'S ADDRESS

A church service was held on Sunday afternoon, when the Rev. W. Gatman, of Otaki, delivered a very fine address after which Mr. Lester sounded the "Last Post." Mr. H. B. Edhouse placed a lovely floral tribute on the cenotaph. The attendance at the service was large.
GAY JUBILEE BALL

Manakau School Function: Celebrations Conclude

The celebrations in connection with the fiftieth anniversary of the Manakau State School were brought to a fitting conclusion on Monday with a grand jubilee ball. The public hall gave ac­commodation to some 400 ex-pupils, residents and visitors from all parts of the district, and under a canopy of coloured stream­ers, greenery and magic lanterns they spent a night of pleasing gaiety.

Proceedings opened punctually at 8.30 p.m. with the grand march, led by Mrs. Bethune, wife of the late Mr. F. Bethune, who was the school's first teacher, and Mr. A. M. Atkins, the popular president of
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the jubilee committee, and then the orches­tra broke into the strains of the first waltz.

During the evening Mr. Atkins, on behalf of the jubilee committee, thanked all the visitors who had attended the cele­brations and introduced Mr. R. Whiley, of Hokitika, one of the first pupils on the school roll.

Mr. Whiley thanked ex-pupils and residents of the district for the wonderful time given the visitors, who would, carry away life-long memories of the very pleasurable functions it had been their privilege to attend.

Everyone would thank the secretary (Mr. Ralph Bevan) and Mrs. Bevan for the work they had done in making the jubilee such a success, proceeded Mr. Whiley. Then there was the president (Mr. Atkins) and his wife, who had been so prominent in the organisation work and who had entertained visitors to afternoon tea on the day of the reception. In conclusion, he said that every yisitor would carry away many happy memories and fine impressions of their stay in Manakau.

THE PICNIC

The fine weather yesterday made the picnic, which was attended by about 500 adults and juveniles, one of the highlights of the celebrations. Waikawa Beach gave every facility for the day's activities. Sports events provided amusement for the children, while bathing was popular with all. Visitors left today for their homes, but the various functions will leave lasting memories.

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