Forestry Service – Part 11

In this part:

Addie and Reg Wedding — Married Life

On returning to work Addie still in great pain and given a hard time by her superior. Addie, uncharacteristically, stood up for herself and the relationship between the two women improved. It was while working here, Addie was introduced to her best friend’s boyfriend’s best friend, Arthur Reginald Wedding – Reg. They married in due course, on 5th of March, 1938.

Married life meant no more work outside of the home, therefore, Addie’s life was devoted to her home, husband and later children for some years to follow. Addie and Reg lived first in a rented home in Old Taupo Road – opposite where the Amourguard Security Office now is. They had to move from there when the owner returned to Rotorua. Reg, Addie and their first son, Don, moved to Maketu for all of eight months, where Reg had work, fencing. The young family lived in a tent, something Addie did not enjoy, especially as she was expecting her second child. Although later, they were to move to a house, Addie wanted to return home to Rotorua and her mum.

Back in Rotorua Reg built a caravan behind Mary Jane’s house in Pukuatua Street. Here Mary Jane would visit Addie and Reg to listen to the news of World War Two where her four sons fought. In time, all were to return safely. Although Addie loved her cosy life in the caravan, it was not to last long as the Council “shooed” them out – for reasons unclear. They then shifted into a “dog box type” house in Marguerita Street. Followed by a move into a little house on Old Taupo Road, a couple of houses north from where the Veterinary Clinic and Hospital now resides. Yet another move saw the family, now of six, at 33 High Street. This time the house was a lovely big rambling old home with plenty of room that accommodated ducks, chooks, fruit trees, garden and space for the four growing children to play.

The journey from Rotorua to Napier was something of an adventure when this picture was taken about the time of World War I. The car pictured was on a regular schedule between the two centres – over unsealed roads and very few bridges. Mr J. W. Dodson, who loaned the picture to the “Daily Post” says the booking office was on the corner of Fenton and Hinemoa Streets, opposite the Grand Hotel

St Michael’s / St Mary’s Convent School — Golden Jubilee 1974

1925, St. Mary’s Convent School, almost opposite Glenholme Sch. Ranolf St., was first called St. Michael’s, taking the name of the original old St. Michael’s Convent Sch. 1903–1924, which was on the shore of Lake Rotorua by Ohinemutu. 1925, a cottage was also built for the nuns in Seddon St. so that they could continue to keep a few boarders for this new St. Michael’s Sch. Also, the “temporary presbytery” from Ohinemutu St. Michael’s, was shifted to the new Ranolf St. site and became known as “The Deanery” after Dean Lightheart who was the Parish Priest at that time. The very short street behind the Convent and coming in off Grey St. is named Lightheart St., after him.

Golden Jubilee 1974

The Golden Jubilee Magazine of St Michaels – St Mary’s Convent School, Rotorua, is respectfully dedicated to the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart and the Mill Hill Fathers, for their unselfish devotion, loving care and spiritual guidance spanning more than 70 years.

This quote and photo – Erin Deadman’s copy of the Jubilee Magazine.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations covered 70 yrs. 1903–24 in old St. Michaels near Ohinemutu, 1925–74 new Ranolf St.. St. Michaels changed to St. Mary’s Convent, 1969, this being the name of that new parish of 1954.

1959, new May Rd. Convent built at Western Heights and in 1969 had the name St. Michaels transferred to it from Ranolf St..

These two convent schools now go only up to Std. 4, before going to College.

1963, Edmund Rice for boys opened by Christian Bros, 1966, McKillop Girls’ College, was opened by Sisters of St. Joseph.

1987, these formed one co-educ. ‘John Paul College.’

Quote from Golden Jubilee Magazine, on Anecdotes — The Decade 1925–34

I wonder if today’s children live in dread of the Inspector; or for that matter, are there any Inspectors today? I remember Standard 3 – the dreaded inspector shooting questions at a normally fairly bright class, now frozen with nerves, and Sister Norbert hovering anxiously in the background.

Advancing towards Pat Kereti, he fixed him with an eagle eye. “Where is New Zealand, boy?” he snapped. Pat gazed vaguely back at him. “Come, come, boy, where is New Zealand?” asked the Inspector, and light dawned on Pat.

Looking longingly out of the window, he waved his arm. “Out there” he said. Poor Pat, like many others of our schoolmates, was to die on active service in the Western Desert with the Maori Battalion.

Remembering anecdotes for this decade brings back incidents from the tough depression years, memories that have long lain dormant under events of happier times.

I remember the barefoot children walking from Ohinemutu and Ngapuna on footpaths hard and white with frost, arriving at the school to be given mugs of hot cocoa prepared by dear old Sister Elaine at the Convent, and allowed to sit near the blazing log fires in the class rooms. We luckier ones who lived nearer the school were relegated with our grumbles to the back of the room.

I remember the fights over the lunches in the playground when Sister had passed by, and I remember for weeks ‘swapping’ my Marmite sandwiches for delicious hunks of bread and dripping.

I remember the walks to and from school, but what adventures we had on the way – confrontations with the ‘Primary Kids’; swinging on the trees in the forbidden plantation – now the Railway yards.

Sometimes when I see the long line of cars waiting to collect today’s pupils, I wonder how much independence and fun these children are missing.

Aileen Rose (nee O’Flaherty)

Des O’Flaherty, who later married Gwen Sloane, was Aileen’s brother. Their Ranolf St. home was south of the Convent, a short way along. Their father was a contractor from Putaruru, managing to support his children through Convent schooling in Depression days. The O’Flaherty family, 1946–50 were in contract work doing classroom extensions at the Convent during this ‘Post World War 2 Boom’, with many young children.

Clem and Evelyn Ludgate — Teaching in Rotorua and Te Akau

Clem Ludgate, 1932, teacher, came to Rotorua with his wife Evelyn and found houses to rent, living first on Whaka Rd. by Holland St. before moving to Seddon St. for 15 years. Clem taught at Rotorua Prim. School and in 1939 became First Assistant. He moved into a Council house in Hinemoa St., nearer his school, which he was very proud of and where he did much to beautify the grounds, being responsible for planting the long bank of native trees bordering the hospital drive. It was fitting at the school’s 100th Anniversary, that Kate Shaw and his wife Evelyn as old school identities should each be asked to plant a special native tree. Evelyn planted the kauri.

Clem & Evelyn met and married in Cambridge during his first year out teaching when he boarded with Evelyn’s sister, and Evelyn lived at home on a beautiful farm. Her father, J. W. Garlands had a share-milker as he was busy with other interests such as Dairy Board, horses etc. His wedding photo shows the ladies hats well decorated with all the ostrich feathers which he brought back from Boer War in Sth. Africa.

Clem & Evelyn Dec. 1929 married, then spent 1930–1931 at Te Akau, Sth. Sole-Charge school for compulsory 2 yr. Country Service. This was across the Raglan Harbour 28 miles from Ngaruawahia. Unfortunately the school house burnt down shortly before they arrived so they had to live in a tent for the two years! They partitioned this a little. They had a wood floor which helped, but like a number of other back-block schools of those days, comforts like electricity were lacking. The toilet, as was usual, stood at the bottom of the section.

The town of Te Akau – no more than about one store – was 10 miles away, which they visited at times for such things as tennis matches and they would be billeted. True to back country tradition, their community, in the darkness of night, surreptitiously gathered outside the newly-weds’ dwelling for the ‘Tin-canning.’ Then on the given signal, all hell broke out as each clanged and banged on tins etc., all the time yelling, laughing whistling as they stormed their way inside. Needless to say, all provisions were brought for a riotous party! These folk lived on their scattered farms, with a beach nearby. Their postman loved the life, seemed to sleep in his cloths, and brought lots of crayfish. Evelyn, despite loneliness, enjoyed her time there.

Not till 1955 did they get their own home, in Old Taupo Rd. near to Clem’s Malfroy Rd. Primary School. They had 3 sons, Peter – chemist, Billy – died at 27, Grant – chemist. Their grandson, Nathan Ludgate, Arikikapakapa golf professional, shot record 61, 8 under par, 1994.

1951, Peter began apprenticeship with Bill Crawford, chemist, who let him leave early at 4 p.m. for 2 weeks to milk the cows for his absent mate, Athol Jervis. He also did the early morning milking by biking in from Ngongotaha to the Malfroy Rd. farm entrance. Then he changed into chemist clothes at Mrs. Jervis’s in Ranolf St. He needed an alarm in kerosene tin to wake him – so tired each a.m.! Peter, when a school-boy living in Hinemoa St. 1940–45, he biked each evening to Bill Burke’s farmlet, Malfroy Rd. by Baptist Church where Clem kept a cow, and took home the billy milk, Burkes having a.m. milk for grazing!

W. G. Harwood, Principal of Rotorua High and Grammar School

Mr. Wm. G. Harwood, 1932 – 1959, Principal of Rotorua High & Grammar School, lived in Seddon Street. He had been Sen. Master at Auckland Grammar Sch. where he also had coached the cricket first XI.

Mr. Harwood realised that Mr. Ryder had laid solid foundations during the school’s first five years and that it was now for him to build upon this. Mr. Bill Evans, the fine 1st. Assist., lived in Seddon St. also.

As an outstanding administrator with a keen mind, Mr Harwood demanded the highest standards possible from both staff and pupils in all fields of endeavor. Tall of stature and imposing demeanour, he made his presence felt especially if dissatisfied with standards. Under this rather stern appearance was a man who cared deeply about his school and its participants, often with a veiled sense of humour beneath that outward sternness.

He encouraged parents of this mainly rural district to send their children for at least 2 yrs. secondary education, also the Maori parents, who had generously endowed the school, to avail their families of this also. He felt that pupils who did not care to work hard or take discipline were too easily allowed by parents, to leave.

By 1938, Rot. High & Grammar Sch. was acknowledged as one of N.Z.’s leading educational institutions. 1934, the roll increased to 190 Secondary pupils, 134 Intermediates so now, with extra staffing, courses were increased so that the school offered Academic, General, Commercial, and Agricultural Studies. 1956, the Intermediate Dept. closed, becoming in 1957, the Rot. Inter. Sch. Malfroy. The co-education Boys’ & Girls’ High Sch. separated when the new Girls’ High Sch. opened in 1959. In Dec. 1958, Mr. Harwood resigned.

Mrs. Harwood however, continued her fine teaching with the senior boys in Science and Mathematics, retiring from the Boys’ High Sch., 1977.

Winifred Harwood — Daily Post Feature, 3 April 1993

Ethel Winifred Jessie Fenton was born at Wellington in 1897 and educated at Wellington Girls’ College and the Victoria University College of Wellington, where she distinguished herself. She graduated Bachelor of Science in 1917, and Master of Science with first class honours in Physics and Mathematics in 1918.

In recognition of her scholarship in the subjects, she was awarded the prestigious post graduate Sir George Grey Scholarship. She was the first woman recipient of this noted research award. From 1916 to 1922 she was on the staff of the Victoria University College in the position of Demonstrator in Physics and Mathematics.

She was also, for a number of years, private secretary to the noted physicist Sir Ernest Marsden. It was in her position of demonstrator that she met and taught the aspiring young school master William Gladstone Harwood. They were married in 1922.

Teaching appointments for Mr Harwood led the newly weds to Napier in 1923, Auckland in 1927 and to Rotorua in 1932, when her husband was appointed second headmaster of the Rotorua High and Grammar School.

From the outset, Mrs Harwood identified herself in every way with her husband’s school, then an institution central to Rotorua life. And the town soon took her to their hearts. She taught science classes, coached the grammar’s tennis teams, catered for school events and tutored senior students preparing for matriculation and university scholarship examinations.

It was in her tutoring of such students that the full value of her knowledge was appreciated. That so many of her students enjoyed future success in their studies attributed to the thorough grounding they received from her. Always attendant to discipline and courtesy, thorough in her preparation, meticulous in her keeping of records, prompt and efficient in manner, she was devoted to her students and to the school.

In 1972, in recognition of her remarkable services to education, she was awarded the MBE. She retired from the staff of Rotorua Boys’ High School in 1977 and enjoyed a fulfilled retirement, respected and revered by her many former students in Rotorua and throughout New Zealand. She died in 1986 at the age of 89.

Winifred Harwood’s 45 years of unparalleled tenure of service to Rotorua Boys’ High School were officially recognised in October 1992 at the school’s 65th Anniversary Reunion. The dedication of the school library as the “Harwood Library” in her honour comprises a fitting memorial to a very learned and remarkable lady.

The above was a contribution to Women’s Suffrage Centennial Year from Rotorua Boys’ High School.

NB. Peggy’s son John Allen had Mrs (Mini) Harwood as his teacher in 1965/1966. He says she was a wonderful teacher, and highly respected by the boys. Mini as we called her in the 60’s was possibly a play on Winifred, the mini car. In hindsight, John says he was exceedingly fortunate to have her as a teacher. He still loves mathematics and physics.

The McAdam Family and Rotorua High School Tennis, 1930s

Mr. & Mrs. McAdam, 1920s, lived on Council farmlet for the Pound, this being just off Old Taupo Rd. up View Rd. track. They later moved in mid 1930s into a big old villa, Ranolf St. near Pererika St. corner. Like most families they were struggling through hard times but were determined to give their children a good education. Doreen & Ariel became teachers, Lauris a senior in telecom. Sadly, the 2 sons died. Mr. McAdam came from Texas, was a good horse-man, and as the area Pound Keeper was seen riding about with stock whip, and a big hat. In 1935, his eldest daughter

Doreen McAdam, learnt how her father’s cracking whip could finally deter a genuine class-mate romance, after-sch. walks. Hurt feelings cut the lover more than the flick of whip. Doreen found the Principal as vigilant after sch. dances, by checking escorts. In 6th. Form she asked her class-mate to be escort – Peggy Ford (myself) by staying the night. Mr. Harwood said, “Oh no! Get in my car. I’ll take you.” He miscalculated the entrance boarding, over roadside ditch. The car, despite a roaring engine would not budge. “Get me a bucket of water”, he commanded. In absolute silence and darkness, a stranger’s outside wash-house was searched. Doreen had told him the wrong house! The water didn’t cool the car or fuming Headmaster who stomped and flapped in the heavy frost, puffing his own steam, then stalked off down the road.

Photos: 1936, last day at Rot. High Sch. for Doreen McAdam, prefect & Athletic Championship for girls, Peggy Ford, Head Prefect, Dux, Tennis Champ. Principal: Mr. Harwood.The McKenzie and Bishop Families — Basley Road to Te Ngae Mission FarmPhotos: 1936, last day at Rot. High Sch. for Doreen McAdam, prefect & Athletic Championship for girls, Peggy Ford, Head Prefect, Dux, Tennis Champ.

Principal: Mr. Harwood.The McKenzie and Bishop Families — Basley Road to Te Ngae Mission Farm

1937, Doreen & Peggy left for Auckland Teacher Training College, sharing a room, boarding for 2 years, both romances later led to marriage, (Doreen Tuohy & Peggy Allen), both couples did years of real back-block teaching as promotion moves in Primary Schs. but Peggy did Intermediate & High Sch. as well, resulting in being on Northland Teachers’ Training Col. Selection Com.. Both became city Supervisors of Jun. Schs., Doreen top Supervisor for all Auck. Jnr. Schs.

1925, McKenzie family moved to Rotorua from Marton, Ranolf St. between Malfroy Rd. and Victoria St. becoming home for the grand-parents who had 4 grand-children. The eldest stayed with them for schooling while the parents spent a few years in a mill town near Taupo, at Oruanui. 1932, all the family moved into Carnot St. for many years before to Lynmore, Basley Rd. where they first lived in tents up by the top. The 4 chn., now High Sch. stage, were Betty, Moana, Alison, Campbell. Moana once forgot to take her homework back to school so the teacher sent her home to fetch it, not realising what a long long way that was to walk! No wonder her mother was very angry with the teacher. Their friend Dolly Basley lived in the only other house there. The farm next door was Boulcott’s with entrance from Ilse’s Rd. which later became Blackmore’s, the pilot instructor, and then his son’s.

Betty McKenzie married Maurice Bryce, but says Bryce Rd. is not named from that property but thinks it was perhaps an agent. (off Te Ngae Rd.)

Alison McKenzie married Ron Bishop – had land between Te Ngae & Mourea.

Miss McKenzie, their aunt, Rot.’s piano teacher & accompanist for VIPs.

Ron Bishop, whose father came to N.Z. from Australia, worked first in the Wairarapa, then Ngakura on “Roundhill”, before Rotorua, Basley Rd.. Ron married Alison before WW2 and on his return he bought freehold land round the lake about 2kls. past the Whakatane turnoff, towards Mourea Hill. The home and property overlooks Lake Rotorua and is called ‘Burnside’. It is opposite the subdivision “Parkcliff” of F. Park’s. 1958 on, Ron bought up various small areas of freehold land through the Native Land Court, thereby paying a fair price. Gradually this property went well back, stretching between Tauranga & Whakatane Hghws..

Road map of the Rotorua district and eastern lakes, showing Rotorua, Ngongotaha, Hamurana, Awahou, Mourea, Okere Falls, Tikitere, Te Ngae, Rotokawa, Ohinemutu, Owhata, Lynmore, Lake Rotoiti, Hauparu Bay, Rotoehu, Whakarewarewa, Lake Okareka, and surrounding roads and landmarks.

Ian Bishop, son of Ron & Alison, when he came back from his schooling, 1965, tendered for and took over a 25 yr. lease of the Mission Farm, “Elmslie”, as Mr. Copeland-Smith’s 25yr. lease had run out. Ian married, and lived in the Mission House until 1972 but continued leasing the property. He bought adjoining freehold land about 2Kls up Whakatane Rd. on opposite side to Tikitere, building a new home. Ian & Ron now have land linking right through to the Tauranga Highway which they name “Burnhill Partnership Property”.

1991–92, Ian finished leasing the Te Ngae Mission Farm. This and the Whakapoungakau block was then returned to its Maori people. This land was purported to have been sold to Church of England missionaries in 1839. There were Maori disputes over Rev. Thos. Chapman’s purchase. Ian now leases that land on a year-to-year basis except for the front 100 acres which are let to Forest Corp.

Newspaper Clipping: “View from the Top” — Mrs Elsie Phipps at Mount Tarawera

The Daily Post, Friday, January 6, 1995.

“View from the top…”

Always prepared for the unexpected, Mrs Elsie Phipps, 90, ventured up Mount Tarawera the easy way yesterday — by four wheel drive.

A mother of five, grandmother of 21 and great-grandmother of 36, Mrs Phipps said that although she has lived in the district for over 70 years, she had never been up Mount Tarawera and couldn’t wait to see the view from the top.

Her daughter, Mrs Julie Hansen, arranged the trip through a local tour operator as a surprise. She and her husband accompanied Mrs Phipps on the half-hour scale of the mountain.

Mrs Elsie Phipps, 90, photographed from a vehicle window on her trip up Mount Tarawera. The Daily Post, Friday, January 6, 1995.