History: Higher education for Motueka children

BY ROBYN PARKES

In late April 1901, at a sitting of the Nelson Education Board, both Nelson and Motueka’s applications for the establishment of a High School was on the agenda.

The Motueka application, embodied in a letter from Mr W. Moffatt, was read. The response was positive with Mr Beuke stating that, although Motueka was within a short distance from Nelson, it may as well be 100 miles away, having no connection by rail.

He moved that in order to assist the children in Motueka and surrounding districts to obtain higher education the board should consider it necessary that a high school be established in the borough. It was decided that further consideration was needed.

Two months later, Walter Moffatt waited on the Education Board to again raise the need for a High School in Motueka. When asked as to the number of children that would attend the school, Moffatt stated that if it was free around 12 students and if around £2 per annum was charged, around six may attend.

With boys generally taken from school to work on the farms it would predominantly be girls who would attend. The Board resolved that the Motueka School Committee should, in support of their application, forward a document signed by parents giving the numbers of children who would attend if tuition was free.

By June 1901, the names of around 32 pupils (23 from Motueka, 7 from Riwaka, 1 from Lower Moutere and 1 from Upper Moutere) had been identified as wanting to go to the school so after further discussion it was resolved to apply to the Government for its establishment.

In July, the Department of Education notified that the application for the establishment of a free high school was granted. A headmaster was sought through advertising with a salary of £200 per annum and the successful applicant was Mr Harris.

The sketch plans of the new  school were forwarded by Mr Ellis (architect) and Mr Moffat (chairman) and submitted to members, who were well satisfied with the design. The building was to be a continuation of the new detached school with the dimensions of 30ft x 24ft, exclusive of the hat and cloakroom. A square and impressive-looking belltower added to the appearance of the proposed building. Tenders for the building for the school were invited to be sent to Mr Ellis.

The official opening of the school took place on 26 March 1902 with a good attendance of parents, Motueka residents and those interested in the establishment of such an important institution. The opening roll was 20 pupils.

Also present was His Worship the Mayor (Mr R. Hursthouse) Messrs Moffatt, and representative citizens.

The chairman called upon Mr Beuke to address them, in recognition that he had been instrumental in securing the school for the borough. Mr Beuke stated that he was pleased to see the school established and hoped it would be a success.

At 2.30pm, Mr Talbot, chairman of the Education Board, officially declared the school open.