Neudorf gets a new school to boost pupils

Robyn Parkes

In 1870, Neudorf School was opened with a roll of approximately 41 children.

Many of these had originally attended Upper Moutere School but due to the distance between many homes and the school, some children were only attending school sporadically.

On entering the new school, it was found they were behind in almost all subjects.

Mr Desaunais was appointed head teacher with his wife becoming the assistant teacher. Within two years the Inspector reported a marked improvement in reading and writing.

Around 1874, with a drop off in the average attendance rate due to bad roads and wet weather, many chose to stay home, and as a result Mrs Desaunais was dismissed. However, by summer the children were better able to attend school and Desaunias was struggling to teach up to 40 children, all different ages and stages. Eventually it was agreed to advertise for an assistant teacher at the salary of £24 pound. The roll continued to grow, reaching upwards of 60 children, so Mrs Desaunais was reappointed.

Each year, all schools underwent examinations by Inspectors. Reports were then completed on the results, also taking in the physical environment of the school, behaviour of the pupils and on any issues. Following the examinations, prizes were awarded and in 1878 Emily Desaunais took 1st class, Eliza Dencker 2nd and Dora Bensemann 3rd.

For reasons that were not clear, Desaunais and his wife were dismissed and transferred to Lower Wakefield School in July 1878. Mr H. G. Hill took his place as master at Neudorf with around 50 children on the roll.  

Although being a good teacher and known for his good discipline and organisation, the early 1880 report showed a total failure in arithmetic and the following year only half of the children managed to pass the exams. It did improve over the next couple of years, but Hill resigned in December 1888 and Desaunais applied for the position again. The School Board was informed that there were strong feelings against him and that if he was reappointed their children would be removed from the school.

At a public meeting to discuss the issue, Mr Tarrant of the Board stated that it appeared there was a feud going on in Neudorf and Desaunais had a relentless enemy who was stirring up the people of Neudorf against him. With votes taken, Desaunais was appointed master.

Fast forward to 1910 and an application for rebuilding the school due to the uninhabitable condition of the old building was made. Plans were to completely replace the school or alternatively to build two rooms which were urgently needed. It was resolved to complete the two rooms. News came in April that the Department approved a grant for rebuilding the school, but the cost could not exceed £200. Further additions were made in 1912. Mr E. J. Gilmore was appointed master in 1908, but left two years later.

Mr L Baigent spent two and a half years at Neudorf as teacher followed by A. G. Thompson. It was said that Neudorf School was believed to be the first primary school in the South Island to adopt the girl’s physical instruction costume for school use under the direction of Mrs Thompson.

Over the ensuing years teachers came and went from the school, including one Lynley Clouston whom the writer remembers being taught by at Richmond School. The school closed in 1999 to be amalgamated with Upper Moutere.