Tokirima History

The Tokirima School

An extract from a book put together by the School Children of Tokirima in 1940 at the time of the NZ Centennial Exhibition.

Recorded by Rosemary Corbett

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“The first school was opened on 18th Oct 1909 (now known to be 1907) in the front room of Mr J Penny's house. After a time a school was erected on top of the hill at the junction. For a time the school teacher bached  in the play shed. At that time the children rode up to Tokirima on horse back . On one occasion the school was closed as the road was blocked by flood water.   In 1937 a new school room was built on the flat on property bought off Mr O Old (for 5 pounds by George Gower).

In 1939 another school room was built and the Portable school was removed to Auroa .   A portable school room had been bought for Opatu.

During 1939 work was begun on the playground. The ground was levelled and tile drains put in. The main gardens and lawns were laid out in 1938 and trees and shrubs planted.

Railways

The Stratford Main Trunk railway was laid down through Tokirima in 1929-1930  (see also the railway page).

Two tunnels were built one under the Tokirima Hill and one at Heao . Camps were built on Mr Pierce's land and one on the land now owned by Mr Blanchard. When the railway was opened a ceremony was held at Heao .

The rail has made great improvements to the district by giving better access. The Tokirima Station is an important one on the line sending away a great deal of wool each year. Large numbers of sheep and cattle are also trucked from this district.

Settlement of Opatu

The first settlers in the Opatu district came in 1911. These were Messrs. G potter, A Adams, A Farr, T. Mather, G Speedy, W Law, B Pierce, H Woodille and B Chase.

Later on came Messrs. S Nielsen, F Newman and D F McLeod.

At that time all timber was brought down the Ohura river by raft. Goods were brought up the Wanganui River , and by sledge from the landing. Even a piano was brought down the Ohura on two canoes.

Opatu Roads

In the early days there was no good road between Tokirima and Opatu but only horse tracks down to the landing on the Wanganui as well as to Tokirima. Some goods were brought by boat down the Wanganui River . And other goods, timber ad furniture by raft down the Ohura river .

The Aorangi School

The school was first built on the Kururau Road near Mr White's house. It was opened in 1914. The teacher taught three days at Aorangi , and three days at Otunui , six days altogether each week. After about a year the school was closed but about 1929 it was re-opened as a household school in Mr Homersham's house where the teacher taught half time with Turoto . In 1935 a school was opened at the crossroads in a building   erected by the settlers. This school was closed at the end of 1937. For some months in 1938 no school was held at Aorangi .   Then a  service bus was arranged to take the children to Tokirima School in 1939.

The Little children removed to the Tokirima district, the Davis family went to Aukopae School and the service stopped.”

Recorded by Rosemary Corbett    Similar links - Dorothy Blanchard    Ellicott's School memories

Whilst we believe this information to be correct we look to you, the reader, to comment and endorse, or reject, these historical details.

E-mail us with comments please.    Return to History Index - Time line or Return to Tokirima Home Page

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