Blacks School

Blacks Public School was established in 1867, four years after the discovery of gold in the area. From early, unfortunately undated, photos, it seems that there were plenty of children in the area to keep a schoolmaster busy. In 1887 Johanna Fraser was appointed as the first school mistress, alongside the headmaster of course! By this time, James Corrigall had become involved in the school committee. In 1892, he received the most votes at the Blacks School Committee elections. However, despite James’s popularity, he declined the role of the chairperson role. Bess would have been ten years at the time, Jim eight, Janet six and Jock five. Bill, Nell and Bell were still pre-schoolers in 1892.

The Blacks School and school residence on the right - Date unknown - Hocken Recollect

The Blacks School children and headmaster - Date unknown - nzmuseums.co.nz - Possibly taken at the rear of the building

One of James’s jobs at the end of that year, along with the rest of the school committee, was to appoint a new headmaster. This was a Mr H. J. Reaks who took up the position in 1893. This was no doubt the same man that James ended up taking to court for unpaid bills in 1897. Perhaps James’s experience on the school committee gave him the confidence to, or incited James to later take the school master to court. James had been re-elected in 1893 and had accepted the role of chairperson. During this time, a Mr M. Isbister had been appointed to carry out some alterations to the school house. After giving an estimate, Mr H. J. Reaks and the School Committee Secretary had given Isbister the go ahead. This resulted in a court case early in 1894, when the school failed to pay the £15 12s and 6d owed. James, as the then chair, had to take some responsibility as no tenders were called. The case concluded for the plaintiff in March of that year with costs of 20s and professional fees of 21. Fund raising became a priority such as the Blacks School Social and Concert held in August 1894. Janet is mentioned as taking in the concert’s finale, a recitation of “Santa Claus Frolic”, and from all accounts this occasion was most successful.

Despite all the ups and downs, James remained on the Blacks School Committee till at least 1903, when Bess was 21, Jim 19, Janet 17, Jock 16, Bill 13, Nell 12, Bell 11, Samuel 9, Maggie 6, and Polly 5.

Education was obviously highly regarded by the Corrigalls because as well as James contributing through the school committee, the children had regular attendance. In 1906 Maggie and Polly both received attendance prizes. In addition, Maggie received a Standard 2 prize for diligence and behaviour and Polly, who was in Primer 3, received an infants prize.

The Blacks School - 1915 - Hocken Recollect

First and second rows, left to right: Cyril Weir, Verah Byte, Gerlie Drake, Maggie Anderton, Jean McKnight, Gladys White, Cunningham, Wooliiams (?), Tilly White (Mrs Wilson), Eileen Gallagher, Nellie Kerney, Rita Cunningham, Anne Gallagher, Maggie McRay.

Third row: Jim Kelnan, Connie Gallagher, Alex Corrigall, Jack Booth, Jim Anderson, Jimmy Hagen, Ernie Clarke-Cunningham, Stan Drake.

Fourth row: Jack White, Fred Kearney, Eileen Hag[?], Weir, Rachel Sinnamon, Phyllis Pitches, Mary Hagan, Arnie Bradley, Ina Clark, Kate Kearney, Jim Bradley.

Fifth row: Harry Gallagher, Ernie Palston, Jimmy Gallagher, Tommy Gallagher, Ray Clark, Desmond Weir, Vivian Sinnamon