Papatotara & District History - Papatotara School Jubilee, possibly 1971
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Central & Western Murihiku Southland Archive
Papatotara & District History - Papatotara School Jubilee, possibly 1971: This set of photos show an event that we believe to be the 75th Jubilee of Papatotara School between in 1971, from the range of years marked on the photos and the information contained in the Papatotara School history we have on this building. The last and 85th Jubilee of the Papatotara Primary School was in 1981. The group of photos shown here were taken by David Erskine, of Westwood Farm, the grandson of the district's earliest European settler West of the Waiau, Hugh Erskine, and donated to the Community Archive by David's son, Quinton Erskine. The Erskine children of the current and past generations attended this school and the first generation attended the old earlier school. This is shown in another entry in these online Archives. IMAGES Photo 1 - The Reunion begins with speeches, while the attendees watch on. Photo 2 - Reunion continues with speeches, while the attendees watch on. Photo 3 - The Reunion crowd was quite large, as seen from a distance. Photo 4 - As the Reunion progresses, people gather around to reminisce. Photo 5 - Let the games begin, including sack races, the kids are having fun! We have no idea who is in these photos. If you can help us identify anyone in these photos, please let us know, as we'd love to be able to name them. EARLY HISTORY: It is reported by the family, that when the first school at Papatotara was opened, Hugh Erskine, the earliest local settler, was responsible. Prior to this, Papatotara children, including the Erskines, had to go across the river mouth by boat and board with families at Orepuki or Koromiko, during the weeks, to get to school. Hugh Erskine was first to settle and farm 'West of the Waiau' as the area of Papatotara used to be known as. "Ben" Erskine a son of Hugh & Agnes Erskine, answers questions about the Papatotara school below - his full interview can be seen elsewhere in our Community Archives. RECOLLECTIONS FROM BEN (EBENEZER) ERSKINE IN 1990: "Erskine’s employed the first teacher. There were Pap’ settlers living up the back road (Settlement road). Hugh got them coming to the school. Hugh paid Fanny Nickless to teach. The first school started, April 23rd 1890, with Fanny Nickless as Head Teacher. He was refunded by the Board. The Education Board closed the school when there was only the Erskine family left attending. (Sawmill fires and lack of work). Later on the settlers children returned when the Mills were rebuilt. It was one room, later on another room was added, making the school a two roomed school. The school that stands today (1990) started in the 1950’s and stands in the same place as the old school. Papatotara School closed in 1980." This new school is now a house. Hopefully this entry will be added to as more information comes to hand. If you or anyone you know has any more information or photos to share or accounts of the Papatotara School, both old and new and events held here, over the years, please do share this with us in the comments section. You can do this by making a comment in the space provided under the image page. Or you can make contact with us as per the archive front page.
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Details
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Title
Papatotara & District History - Papatotara School Jubilee, possibly 1971
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Maker
Westwood Erskine Family
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Date made
1970s
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Subject
Waiau District, Tūātapere, Erskine Family, Farming & Agriculture, Pioneer Settlers, Events & Parades, Papatotara, School Reunions, Jubilee Celebrations, Education & Schooling
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Additional information
Digital file copy of originals
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Rights
Attribution (cc)
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ -
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Location
Main Rd, Tūātapere, next to the old Railway Station. We also belong to the internationally recognised 'Safe Space Alliance'.
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Central & Western Murihiku Southland Archive
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Text adapted with permission from Te Papa and Digital NZ
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