Notes by one the first pupils of Marsh Meadows School
(Extracts reprinted from 1950 Jubilee Book)
I remember, as children, how thrilled we were to have a school of our own. Several of us from the district had been attending a private school in the vicinity of the present school. Sixpence per week was the fee.
It was with great excitement that we went off to school on the first morning. Miss Nicholson was our first teacher, but through ill health, she did not stay with us long and we were later told in school that she had died. Captain Runciman, who always took a great interest in the school, brought a tree from his horne and planted it at the gate in memory of Miss Nicholson.
On Arbor Day, Captain Runciman provided trees and shrubs and every child actually planted his or her own tree. Our school picnics were held at the end of the school year and these were great days, too. A Christmas tree was one of the main attractions, and on it was a book for each child. We had the usual races, swings, and plenty to eat.
We used slates and wrote with pencil on them. These pencils could be purposely made to squeak, and it was fun to make a terrific squeak and then look innocent.
When the Maori King Tawhio died, his funeral, or some procession in connection with his death, passed the school, we were allowed to leave the classroom and watch it pass from the bank. My interest was the MaorisI had never seen so many before.
When Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations were held in Hamilton, the various schools gathered in Sydney Square now known as Steele Park. I think every child in Marsh Meadows School was presented with a New Testament to commemorate this event. L.G.R.