Gummies Bush School

Record Group

Identifier: A0232

Staff Only

Dates

Majority of material found within 1876 - 1947

Gummies Bush School

Gummies Bush School was established around 1866. Its first teacher was James Fullarton; a Scotsman who had trained for the Presbyterian ministry. When he departed in 1869 he was replaced by a man of a very unusual name, Henry Henri. Mr Henri did not last long at the school and was soon replaced by Mr Tuson.

Population increases affected the school. As the main route to school was either by horse or walking along rough lanes, Gummies Bush could only successfully support families within a radius of a few miles. Consequently, around 1872 two new schools branched off Gummies Bush School– Wild Bush School to the west and Gropers Bush to the north.

Wild Bush School (1872) and Gummies Bush School operated together as “Half-Time” schools running three days a week each, including Saturdays. This way they could successfully look after the children “throughout the wide crescent from the Aparima River westwards to the fringe of the Longwoods, and from the Narrows northwards to the estate on the Omutu Stream, “Blackwater””.

In 1894 Gropers Bush School moved and became Fairfax School. The children who attended it once again returned to Gummies Bush School. Their teacher was Miss Elsie Jackson. It is noted that under her lead the school was one of the top schools in Southland. She left for a rather unusual appointment as a teacher overseas in one of the Boer War camps. Miss Jackson taught from 1891-1902 while her successor, Miss Carnahan taught from 1902-1920.

In 1948 Gummies Bush School closed and consolidated with Riverton District High School.

Extra Notes on the Area:

In early days settlers often located their homes next to the bush edge due to the shelter and materials in provided. These groups of settlers formed districts which took their name from the area of bush they lived by. Gummies (originally Gummy’s) Bush is named after James Leader who had no teeth. He was tragically swept to his death on the Aparima River when trying to return home from Riverton.

One notable Riverton local, Theophilus Daniel, held a great deal of interest and passion for Gummies Bush. He believed the area would become a new town. Streets and sections were surveyed with some early maps even calling the area “Daniel-Town”.

Reference:"Pieces of Chalk: History of Riverton District Schools", Written by George Perkins. Ch.8, Pp.64-75.

See Additional Description for more information on this reference.