Port Molyneux : the story of Maori and pakeha in South Otago : a centennial history : commemorating the landing of George Willsher and his companions at Willsher Bay, June 28, 1840 : with a programme for the unveiling of the centennial cairn, erected by the Clutha County Council, June 28, 1940
The Native School at Karoro
The Native School at Karoro.
On that commanding position now occupied by the old school–house the first Native school was established. The first building was made of fern trees, with a clay floor. Like most early schools, it was half school and half dwelling.
page 62The pupils consisted of three pakeha children—Mr. Charles Arthur was one of them—and a large number of Maori boys and girls.
The first teacher was Miss Jones, who afterwards married the Rev. G. B. Inglis.
Later a substantial school was built. This was called the Reomoana School, and served until the present school was opened on the site nearer Port Molyneux. The old school was given over to the Maoris for a dwelling house. Reomoana is not an old Maori place name, but one coined by the Education Department. Reo is voice, and moana the sea, and it is certainly a descriptive name, but it is a poor policy to put new names on old places, especially when suitable old names are available.