Wild Bush School [Waipango]

Record Group

Identifier: A0478

Staff Only

Dates

Majority of material found within 1886 - 1946

Wild Bush School

Wild Bush School began in 1872 to support the nearby Gummies Bush School which could not satisfy the requirements of the districts growing population. Initially Wild Bush School 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””.

For its first few years the school of 17 pupils had no permanent home or building. Its first classes were held in the front room of the Garden family home. Later that year the school shifted to Birch Bush, once again operating from a home; the home of the De Gouge Wood family. Mr Tuson taught at both the schools, all six days a week.

In 1875 Wild Bush School became a full-time school, gaining both a new teacher, Mr W. Bell and a proper schoolhouse built by the government. Unfortunately, the school fell victim to fire and classes once again had to be held in private premises, Mr McNaughton’s Barn, until the new building was ready, around a year later.

The roll of the school was now around 40. Surnames in attendance included Gray, Watson, McNaughton, McRae, Marshall, Fleck, Garden, Hay, Guise, Murchison, and McKay. Despite this Wild Bush School was closed in 1881 and its pupils were sent to Gummies Bush School.

It re-opened in 1884 under Flora McNaughton, an ex-pupil yet even this good luck did not last, and she was taken by Gummies Bush School causing the residents to face closure of their school once again. Luckily the new teacher they sourced for the school, Miss Jane Jamieson, increased the roll greatly through her five younger siblings, helping the school financially. She was an impressive woman in her own right, as she went on to become the first Southland woman to gain a B.A degree from the University of Otago.

In later years the school was remodelled. It was originally one big room divided only by a curtain into junior and senior sides. During this change the students had to be bused to Riverton for school for a year.

In 1947, as a result of consolidation, Wild Bush School closed.

Reference:"Pieces of Chalk: History of Riverton District Schools", Written by George Perkins. Ch.8, Pp.67-75.

See Additional Description for more information on this reference.