Logbook - 1891

1890 | 1892

1891 

19th January 

4 new pupils enrolled. I hope to be able before long to gain that for which I have driven an average of over 35. The four new pupils are Mary, Percy and Lewis Southey and Martha Davis 

20th January 

Two new pupils Martha and Maggie McGuigan? Roll now 42. The attendance is 26. The others have not yet put in an appearance, but when working order is again established doubtless the average will be much improved. 

21st January 

Tomorrow being anniversary day there will be no school. There are 14 old pupils have not yet put in an appearance. 

23rd January 

Twelve old pupils have not yet attended. 

Have posted notice threatening to pound all cattle trespassing on school ground 

26th January 

Memo from Mr Carswell stating that Willie would from now attend the Masterton School as the distance is too great. 

28th January 

Today is an epoch in the School’s history. There being an attendance of 35 and as six of the old pupils have not yet put in an appearance this year doubtless this quarter average will be greatly improved. 

Although nearly two months have elapsed since the plumber inspected the needed repairs he has not yet commenced operations. Another case of hope deferred!! 

29th January 

Heat almost unbearable, children allowed extra play hour on account of heat. 

2nd February 

No classes today on account of the rain. It is passing strange what a detrimental effect a steady downpour has upon the attendance of pupils. 

There are but four of last year’s pupils who have not yet returned, but these are expected soon. 

Received notice of School Committee to be held tomorrow. 

4th February 

Herbert Dillon returned for first time since the holidays. Stilborn’s again absent also B Collerton. These children are continually either required at home early, come to school late, or not at all. 

5th February

No important business transacted by Committee. 

Filter for pure water in the house is in a rather dilapidated condition, but may be repaired, but I am of the opinion water from the tanks would be preferable to that from such a filter. Repairs to be postponed. 

11th February 

3 pupils have not returned after the holidays 

12th February 

All pupils living near the school present. 

Caned R Owen and J Deane (6 strokes each) for “ducking” small boys under the tank. Doubtless they were replaying “sub rosa” but such games must be prevented and the one cure is “supple jack” 

18th February 

Today there are 30 present. Bellis’s family have been absent for some time, Harry since Xmas; but the distance they have to travel to and from school (7 miles each way) is rather too far to expect regularity. 

There is great lack of gymnastic apparatus; cheapest substitute would be a few sets of Indian Clubs.

19th February 

The first parent’s complaint since my advent viz; Mr Stilborn would be pleased were his boys to have less home lessons. Of course this is natural as the boys have cows to tend night and morning and much Homework would make their hours too long 

26th February 

Received Syllabus of drawing as in vogue in the district 

24th February 

32 present. 

Weather has cleared, river again gone down very much. Its rising and subsiding are extremely sudden. 

Have written to Masons and Speedy re the nuisance of their cattle 

25th February 

Speedy Brothers have removed their cattle and about time.

C Owen home early hurt by the cricket ball. 

2nd March 

It is reported that [in] two families that measles have broken out. Be that it may there is some sort of an epidemic amongst the children, as no less than 8 are absent through illness. 

9th March 

The majority of children have recovered from the recent epidemic, 33 putting in appearance today.

Received foolscap for school use. 

Window in porch accidently broken - was cracked previously and piece fell to [ground].

12th March 

Inspector's Visit. 

Pupils who failed: 

H Stelin Standard 5,
H Dillon Standard 4,
J Collerton Standard 2,
B Collerton Standard 4 

13th March 

Closed in honour of the examination 

16th March 

Raining heavily, no attendance, no school, likelihood of flood. 

17th March 

Closed in honour of Foresters' Sports but, owing to weather, they were postponed. 

18th March 

In consequence of the sports today there is no attendance. This is the great gala day of Tinui and promised by old and young.

19th March 

These [above] holidays which work ill in a school. The children have a day’s pleasure and then require another day to suffer a recovery. 

23rd March 

Mary Deane very late (2.25) in the afternoon 

1st April 

The majority of the children having attended the Whakataki School Treat and being too tired for school (?) 

2nd April 

Closed in afternoon at request of Committee in order to prepare the sports ground for the children’s annual fete. 

3 April

The annual school treat was held in Mrs Owen's paddock, Tinui, on Friday, 3rd April, under the most favorable auspices. The weather was all that could be desired. 

By invitation, the Whakataki and Grassendale children with their friends attended en masse, and the oldest Tenui resident does not remember to have seen suoh a crowd of juveniles together on a like occasion. 

Sports of every description were indulged in during the day, and I am certain everyone present enjoyed themselves to their heart's content. 

In the evening a ball was held in the Town Hall, the hall being filled almost to suffocation, Mr Hancock ably officiated as M.C., and the music was supplied by Messrs P. and C. Savage, Southey, and others. There was no lack of musicians, and the violin music with piano accompaniments seemed to be much appreciated by 

The dancing pairs who simply sought renown,
By holding out to tire each other down. (1)

Step dancing was indulged in by various amateurs, and an Irish jig was ably performed by Master F. C. Burling, of Grassendale, amid tremendous applause. The dancing was kept up until broad daylight. Thus one of the most successful school treats that has ever been held in Tenui came to a close.

30 April

A meeting of the School Committee was held at the schoolroom on Monday last at 7 p.m. 

Present— Messrs H Bellis (chairman), Armer, Hancock, McCullagh, Norton, Stillborn, and D Speedy. 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The master's report and other correspondence was received, and it was decided to leave them for the new Committee to deal with. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.

There was a little mild excitement over the annual election of the school committee, and more interest was taken in it than has been the case for several years. A ballot box was placed at the school from 9 a.m till 8 p.m. and a considerable number availed themselves of the opportunity to record their votes during the day. 

At 8 p.m. the meeting of householders was held. About thirty put in an appearance, and elected Mr A Stewart chairman, who called upon the late committee to give an account of their proceedings for the past twelve months. 

The following was then read: — 

Annual report of Tenui School Committee presented to householders, 27th April, 1891. 

"Gentlemen--At the last meeting of householders the following Committee were appointed, Messrs Armer, Bellis [Belliss], Hancock, Stillborn, D Speedy, Norton and McCullagh. Mr Bellis was re-elected chairman and the committee have met on nine different occasions. 

Mr Turkington resigned at the end of last July and Mr Pope was appointed at the beginning of September. Your committee have every reason to be satisfied with Mr Pope's management of the school. When he took charge here the attendance had dwindled down to 26. The number now on the roll is 40, or nearly double. 

At the recent examination the actual percentage of passes was 79. Last year the actual percentage of passes was 71. Mr Pope has only been in charge six months, and the Inspector reports the school as being still below par, but the master's work shows that there is every prospect of the school doing much better next year. 

Your Committee have received from the Education Board, grants to the amount of £12 15s, which have been expended as follows :--

Balance owing, 9s 2d,
cleaning school, £2 23 2d,
fuel, £1 15s,
repairs to building and fences, £4 5s 6d,
books and maps, £1 9s 6d,
Colonial oven, £1 15s,
stationery, 8s 6d,
balance in hand, 10s 2d,
total, £12 15s. 

Amongst the improvements effected are a gate in front of the school, doing away with the old break-neck stile, cleaning out the tanks and spouting, and fixing a new colonial oven in the Master's residence. No doubt the new committee will find plenty of other improvements and repairs to effect, if they can get the funds to do them. 

The annual School Treat was a great success. £1s 4s 6d was collected by subscription and £14 16s 9d spent, leaving a balance in hand of 7s 9d." 

The report was adopted, and Messrs E. Mason and T. Dean appointed scrutineers to conduct the balloting which was as follows :-- The ballot box was first opened, and the names of those who had voted during the day read out. Ballot papers were then given to all householders present who had not already voted. These papers were then placed in the ballot box, along with the others, and after all had been checked by the Scrutineers, the Chairman gave the result as follows: —

Messrs A. T. Hancock 27, R. Langton [Langdon] 27, A, S. Speedy 26, C. J. Norton 21, W. Armer 21, T. Stillborn 20, A. Nicholls 19, H. Bellis 18, and W Knight 14. 

He declared the first seven duly elected, and a vote of thanks to the Chairman and scrutineers terminated the proceedings. 

At a meeting of the newly elected Committee held immediately afterwards Mr C. J. Norton was elected Chairman, and Mr A. T. Hancock hon. secretary and treasurer. 

Correspondence was read from the Secretary Education Board re electing another member, and from the head master enclosing monthly report. 

It was unanimously resolved to vote for Mr James Cox as a member of the Wellington Education Board. The Secretary was instructed to obtain the school necessaries asked for by the master, Messrs A. Nichols and A. Speedy were appointed a subcommittee to examine the fences and make an estimate of the probable cost of repairs, and the Secretary undertook to see the master and get a list of repairs mentioned in his report, together with an estimate of the probable cost. 

Mr T. Stilborn tendered his resignation, which was accepted with regret, and the appointment of a successor deferred till next meeting. This being all the business the proceedings terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman. 

I am informed [the Tinui correspondent of the Wairarapa Daily Times] that the late Chairman has taken umbrage at some remarks of mine in your issue of the 23rd inst. re the Board of Education and the annual elections. I regret that this is so; no reflection was made on the late Chairman nor was any intended. (2)

Considerable dissatisfaction was caused through the Board not giving longer time for nominations, and through the Chairman living six miles away, and those I heard complaining were several prominent settlers and the Committee's late Secretary.

6th April 

With the intention of improving of the attendance special prizes have been promised for the highest attendance for the ensuing year. 

7th April 

Correspondence from Wellington Education Board re kindergarten. 

9th April 

The window sashes are badly in need of repair, the din when rattled by the wind is sufficient to dement the unfortunates in the room. 

17th April 

Southey brought load of firewood for school use; the quality and quantity not what might be expected. 

20th April 

One new pupil, Ada Greenwood, started. 

Stilborn boys allowed away at 3.00 (this is apparently becoming an institution.) 

Highest attendance this quarter 35. 

Mr Belliss called this morning and posted the nomination for the Ensuing election of members of the School Committee. Nine householders are nominated, so that an election will take place on Monday 27th at 8 o’clock, to spot the splendid seven 

23rd April 

Closed for urgent private business as I was compelled to visit Masterton 

26 April

The election of the Tenui school committee took place last night. The following were elected:-- A T Hancock (chairman, re-elected), A Southey, F W Groves, H Belliss, H. Newcombe, A J Speedy and E Mason. 

28th April 

Received from Board necessary apparatus for modelling in clay, 20 boards, 20 rulers and 20 prickers. 

The committee elected for the new year are almost the same members, 2 of the committee not having been nominated. 

Tinui [School Committee]. —A. T. Hancock, 27 ; R. Langdon, 27 ; A. Speedy, 26; C. J. Norton, 21 ; W. Armer, 21 ; T. Stilborn, 20 ; A. Nichols, 19. 

30th April 

Children’s school festival. In every way an unqualified success.

5th May 

Committee sent new broom and axe for school use ; also requested information upon necessary repairs to the school buildings etc., etc.. 

8th May 

Closed the school yesterday as I had court business elsewhere. 

12th May

35 in attendance. Such attendance has never been known since Tenui was a school district. 

Received £1 from School Committee for cleaning.

18th May 

Highest attendance since my taking charge. If this could be maintained the school would soon take on a higher place for events on points of size. 

26th May 

Received written permission to close school tomorrow as my presence is needed in the RM Court (Masterton). 

25th May 

Closed in honour of the Majesty’s nativity. 

27th May

Consideration of the proposal to purchase an acre adjoining the Featherston School was deferred for a month, as was also the question of reconstructing the schoolhouse at Tenui 

4th June 

Several of the elder boys are absent helping with rabbit poisoning. 

9th June 

Flo Bellis first appearance for some months. She has long journey (7 Miles each way) 

19th June 

Falling off due to the wretched weather and also several of bigger boys being away after rabbits. 

25th June 

27 present.

Bert Collerton was punished for disobedience, upon which he speedily “bolted” for home. However his mother brought him back. After he apologised he was readmitted. 

26th June 

Closed for a month from today for the usual winter holiday 

29th July 

Attendance 23. Several of these leave before 3.30 on account of being required at home ½ or ¾ hours taken from every school day totals largely against securing a Standard pass at the end of the year. Of course these leavers are only for the winter months. 

4th August 

Holiday proclaimed for opening of Wellington Education Board new offices. 

6th - 30th August 

Closed during these days on account of Diphtheria in the house. 

7th August

It is reported that an outbreak of diphtheria has occurred in the Tenui School 

30 August

A meeting of the Tenui School Committee was held on Saturday evening last [30 August], Mr A. T. Hancock acting as chairman. 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. 

Correspondence was read from Mr R. Langdon, tendering his resignation as Chairman of the committee. 

From the Secretary Board of Education, noticing that £15 was available for repairs, and asking the Committee to call for tenders for the necessary work. 

It was resolved that as no fresh cases of supposed diphtheria had been reported, the school be fumigated and re-opened on Monday. 

Mr R. Langdon's resignation was accepted and it was decided to elect a Chairman and also to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Mr Norton, at the next meeting, 

The Secretary was instructed to supply the Board with the information asked for, and get the £15 as soon as possible. The meeting terminated as usual.

The Tinui school, after being closed for a fortnight, was re-opened on Monday last.

31st August 

Reopened after 17 days school closed. 

No other cases reported. The disease has probably died out in the district owing to having been judiciously dealt with at the outset, Prevention is better than the cure. 

The attendance will probably be small for a time to come, because many parents are yet doubtful as the safety of their children’s health. 

The school has been thoroughly cleaned and well fumigated with sulphur fumes and, as the house has under gone similar treatment, doubtless all forms of the disease had been expelled. 

Mr McGuigan having left the district, his children have been withdrawn 

7th September 

Wood arrived for new outbuildings. 

9th September 

Secretary of School Committee (Mr Hancock) called re drains, gravelling etc. 

Work of erecting new outbuilding has commenced. 

Harry and Flo Belliss have not returned since the holidays. 

15th September 

New outbuildings finished and opened for use.

Received towelling for use in the clay modelling. 

18th September 

Helda and Roy Greenwood were admitted 

24th September 

Mr Deane wrote re length of Children’s home lessons. Have decided to give Home work only to those whose parents are wiling they should prosper. 

12th October 

Flo Deane admitted. 40 on roll. 30 in attendance. 

22nd October 

The School Committee have not yet had the repairs executed nor the gravelling done, although the funds for the work have been available for some time past. 

3 panes of glass have recently accidently broken (1 by a marble, 2 by the cricket ball). The glazier is badly needed. 

3rd November 

Alex Southey commenced. 

6th November 

Harry Bellis withdrawn from roll.

Fred O’Conner has attended only one day this quarter and Flo Bellis none. 

9th November 

Closed in honour of Prince of Wales' birthday. 

11th November 

Attendance bad, consequent on the weather which is horrible! 

Many of the children are suffering from an infectious but probably not dangerous eye complaint. 

The fire was lighted (sic) today, bitterly cold. 

16th November 

Influenza (La Grippe) prevalent both among children and adults, being so severe in some cases to require medical skill 

Dr. Beard proceeded yesterday to Tinui, where the influenza epidemic is said to be spreading with alarming rapidity. 

24th November 

Notified that committee meet on Saturday Evening next. Requested to furnish names of children who broke the windows. 

25th November 

Only one of the infants present 

27th November 

23 present.

Digby Stilborn has been withdrawn; services required on the farm. 

3rd November 

Committee decided to have necessary glazing in school and house carried out,  also to procure locks for door and cupboard. 

(Rev McPherson, introduced through Mr Blair, Chair Wellington Education Board called). 

Midsummer holiday commenced from 21st December for 3 weeks. This is unusual but will be beneficial in making up for the time lost in August last.

3rd December 

The Committee, I am pleased to learn, intend enforcing the compulsory clause if the attendance does not improve after the Xmas Holidays.

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1890 | 1892