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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 Beginnings Of Education

The Beginnings Of Education.

As in all Scottish communities, the Church and the School went hand in hand. It is significant that at Inchclutha and Port Molyneux the pioneer buildings did the double duty of church and school.

By the courtesy of Mr. Carrington, Secretary of the Otago Education Board, access was given to the old records of the Board of Education set up by the Otago Provincial Council. But before the official schools started in 1858, Mr. William W. Waite, in 1853, had opened page 60 in his own dwelling at Warepa a private school. Likewise at Port Molyneux Mr. J. Stevens had commenced teaching in a private house in 1863, two years before the school opened in 1865. This teacher, who was afterwards the Rev. John Stevens, of Papakaio, was one of the forerunners of the modern correspondence school, for Mr. Andrew Wylie informs me that Mr. Stevens would prepare and send to William and Mary Wylie, two children who had a long way to come, lessons that they could do at home.

Mr. Ayson was already teaching at Tokomairiro, but the report of the Board of Education dated September 30, 1857, states:—

Clutha—Buildings: None. Teacher: Vacant. Remarks: The committee have intimated that three sets of school buildings will be required—one in each of the three different localities within the district.”

Expenditure of £900 on the three schools was contemplated. Six months' salary to the three teachers was estimated to be £150, of which £30 would come from fees.

In the 1858 report there is mention of a School on Inchclutha and Side Schools at Warepa and South Clutha.

Out of the £900 appropriated for the district, £750 was allotted as follows: School buildings—Inchclutha, £300; South Clutha, £200; Warepa, £200; school fittings, £50—a total of £750. The yearly salaries were fixed at: Clutha, £100; Warepa, £100; South Clutha, £60.