Ngatapa School Jubilee

Ngatapa was a scene of bustling activity one weekend last month when the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Ngatapa School were held in beautiful autumn weather. Old scholars from far and near assembled for a ball on the Friday night, and not too early on Saturday morning they gathered again for a real Maori hangi dinner, followed by an assembly at the school for addresses, roll calls, and photographs. A cocktail party in the hall concluded a memorable day. On the Sunday there was a church service, followed by morning tea. All who attended voted the jubilee a rousing success, and a credit to the organising committee. A lasting memento of the occasion was a handsome 36-page booklet recording historical associations of the school and district.

Among ex-pupils who have made their mark in the natioanl and international fields of sport are Richard White (Rugby football, N.Z. representative 1949-56), Jim Sherratt (Rugny football, N. Z. Army team), and Wynne and Woodbine Sherratt (polo, N.Z. touring teams).

The official party on the dais at the Saturday afternoon function. Left to right, Mrs Humphreys, Mr R. E. Humphreys (chairman School Committee), Mrs D. M. McIldowie, Mr J. T. Hill (Education Board member), Mrs Hill, Mr McIldowie, Mrs Torrie, Mr T. G. Torrie (head teacher).

Past and present teachers at the celebrations. Front row, Mrs Talbot, Mrs Nicholson, Miss McCarthy, Mrs Hogan, Mrs Cowan. Back row, H. R. Hawthorne, T. Bayliss, T. G. Torrie.

Mr Howard Iles ringing the school bell to open the official part of the proceedings.

Mr George Law, who edited the Jubilee Magazine, watches as Mr Iles signs the roll.

Decade Photographs

First Decade: 1911-1920

Second Decade: 1921-30

Third Decade: 1931-40

Members of the Jubilee Committee. Back row: G. E. Law, B. Mcloughlin, C. Stevens, W. D. McIldowie, B. Horne, C. Horne, T. G. Torrie. Middle row: E. Broadhurst, R. Nicholson, W. McIldowie, C. W. Sherratt, D. McIldowie (chairman), E. R. Sherratt (secretary), C. Monckton (treasurer), A. Hills (assistant secretary), I. White. Front row: Mrs D. M. McIldowie, Miss J. McKay, Mesdames Broadhurst, Sherratt, Rougher, Mazengarb.

A picture from the Jubilee Booklet...the first school master, Mr T. Kain.

Past and present School Committee members photographed at the celebrations. Back row: Woody Sherratt, Chris Monckton, Dick Humphreys, Andrew Hills. Middle row: Brian Fitzgerald, D. H. McIldowie, Rees Nicholson, Wally Neverman, George Law, Roger Miller.Front row: M. P. Hills, J. Hills, H. M. White, M. D. Angland, A. M. White.