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The Nelson Photo News

 

34

School Celebrations At Ngatimoti

Former pupils of the Ngatimoti, Woodstock, Pangatotara, Orinoco and Pokororo schools, now all consolidated on the Ngatimotl School, came from all parts of New Zealand and one from Australia - for the centenary celebrations of the school last month. No effort was spared by the organising committee to make the celebrations the undoubted success they were. A procession of vintage vehicles, led by a replica of a Cobb and Co horse-drawn coach, and carrying many in period costume, ensured that the efforts of the pioneers and the older generations were not overlooked. Inside one of the classrooms the walls were covered by pictures of early times in the district. The celebrations included a dinner and a ball. The district is to be congratulated on the wonderful arrangements made for what former pupils will agree was an unforgettable weekend.

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A little old-world gallantry as Mervyn Heath hands down Sue Heath from the coach.

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Pioneering family: Leo and Aylmer Williams and son Kevin.

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Squire of the village and one of his drovers arrive for the celebrations.

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A group of those who attended in period costume.

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Well-known identity Mit Brereton sported a magnificent beard.

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Four of the lads, Larry Riddell, Garth Beattie, and Gavin and Steven Strachan, compare fashions.

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From Australia came "Gib" Knowles (1890).

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Listening to speeches: Ted Bennett (head teacher), D. Smith, Warren Stephens, Canon S. Corney, Noel Haycock, I. W. Hanna (senior inspector of schools).

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Photographers had a field day.

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Looking at the parade: Jennifer Biggs and Raema Riddell.

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Recalling old times: Vernon Wood and Robert Durrant (Woodstock, 1889-1897).

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Mrs Grace Tomlinson (90), the oldest former pupil at the celebrations, who unveiled the memorial plaque at the school. At right is Mr Warren Stephens, a Maori elder of Motueka, who spoke at the unveiling.

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The 1868-90 decade former pupils: Gib Knowles, L. H. Mytton (Woodstock, 1897), R. J. Durrant. Front: W. D. Whelan (Pangatotara, 1894), Mrs Grace Tomlinson (Ngatimoti, 1884.), Mrs M. I. Brereton (Ngatimoti, 1893), H. E. Heath (Ngatimoti, 1889), Mrs Jacket (Orinoco, 1895), Mrs F. Win (Ngatimoti, 1897), and Mrs W. Eyles (Ngatimoti, 1899).

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The organising committee which worked long and successfully on the plans for the celebrations.