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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

[Mason's Flat]

Mason's Flat is a rich farming district, three miles distant by road from Hawarden, its postal town. Settlers have resided in the district since the fifties. Mount Mason, a lofty hill, is seen from the Flat, which is in the Waipara riding of the county of Cheviot. At the census of 1901 Mason's Flat had thirty-three inhabitants.

The Mason's Flat Public School was established in April, 1881. The land attached to the school premises is five acres in extent, and is well planted with ornamental and shelter trees. The school building is of wood and iron, and contains a class room and a porch, and has accommodation for fifty pupils. There are forty-one names on the roll, and the average attendance is thirty-six. For a number of years this school has supplied the requirements of Hawarden, Horsley Down, and Mason's Flat districts. A good playground surrounds the school, and there is a convenient five-roomed residence with garden.

Miss Jessie Mary Davidson Picken, Head Mistress in charge of Mason's Flat School, was born in Christchurch. She was educated at Sydenham, and at the Girls High School, Christchurch. After serving four years as a pupil-teacher at Sydenham, and undergoing a year's training at the Normal School, Miss Picken was at the Rolleston school, and was afterwards relieving teacher at Hornby, before being appointed to Mason's Flat, in June, 1901.