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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Tokaanu

Tokaanu.

Tokaanu is close to Lake Taupo, the queen of the North Island lakes, and as it is on the tourist route, and has extensive attractions in the shape of large hot springs and geysers, it is likely to become important as a sanatorium. It is from Tokaanu that tourists start to make the ascent of Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. It is not long since the Government acquired the site of the township from the Maoris. This acquisition has of course removed what was previously a hindrance to the progress of the place. At present the population of Tokaanu consists chiefly of natives, and there is an excellent native school, which is well attended by Maori boys and girls.

The Tokaanu Native School is situated on the south-west corner of Lake Taupo and stands on the river Tokaanu, half a mile from the lake. It was opened at the beginning of 1898, and has ninety-six pupils on the roll. Mr. A. G. Hamilton is the headmaster and he has two assistants. The children are very tractable and are eager to learn, and the parents take the greatest interest in the school and their children's progress.

Mr. Alfred Gaspar Hamilton was appointed to the mastership of the Tokaanu Native School in 1898. He was born near Leeds in 1851, and was educated at the St. John's Clergy School, London. He followed the leather trade in London with Messrs Stead and Simpson for seven years. In 1870 he came to New Zealand in the ship “Ballochmyle,” and followed his trade at Christchurch and Dunedin. He was for five years in partnership with his brother in the sawmilling line at Oxford, Canterbury, but gave that up for school teaching. In 1881 he was teaching at the Akaroa Native School, and in 1886 he went to Akauku, Waipiro Bay, where he was for five years. Mr. Hamilton was then appointed principal of the Government College at Tonga and he conducted that institution for three years. In 1893 he was appointed master of the Native School at Kaikohe, whence he moved in 1898 to Tokaanu, and was succeeded by Mr. T. B. Hawkins, formerly of the Native School at Waitapu, Hokianga. Mr. Hamilton is an enthusiast in cricket, and wherever he has been stationed he has lent a willing hand in musical matters. Mrs. Hamilton is a daughter of Mr. T. Woodfield, of Eyreton, Canterbury.