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One of the schools which could be classed as "furthest away from anywhere" celebrated its diamond jubilee last month. It was the Motu School, 38 miles north-west of Gisborne as the crow flies, away in rough country which until recently was virgin bush. The first pupils gathered in the kitchen of the Motu accommodation house in 1895, where they were taught by Mrs Christian Hansen, and six of them (above) were present at the celebrations. In front are Mrs McDonald (Mabel Hansen), Mrs Haultain (Minnie Hansen), and Mrs Tyerman (Edith Fisher). Standing behind them are Messrs Dick Fisher, John Richardson and Frank Fisher.

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The success of the celebrations was mainly due to the enduring bonds which the school and the settlement have made on all who grew up there, and to the work of the jubilee committee (below). In front are Messrs Lionel Richardson, Roly Twisleton (secretary), Miss Pat Cleary, and Messrs Nolan Richardson (chairman) and George Hutchins. At rear are Messrs Dallas Richardson (treasurer), Rex Richardson, Jack Peddle, and Fred Mazengarb. (Photos by Kandid Kamera Kraft).