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Carlton School was built to open February 1957, due to roll growth at Gonville and Tawhero schools.as a result of Departmental Policy that schools should not grow too great in numbers.
To prevent the overcrowding at Gonville and Tawhero children were directed to attend Carlton in February, 1957 which had four completed rooms and an administration block. This was the zoning system which zoned newly built and “parent schools”. (Gonville School was the “parent” school to Carlton). This policy operated throughout New Zealand.
There was opposition to zoning but once the school settled down apprehension disappeared. The opening roll of 161 increased by December 1957 to 237, a rise typical of the years to come. There was some urgency for more facilities at this stage for the school opened with four rooms only. Parents were concerned about this new school as they had contributed much time, effort and money to the “parent school”, to provide (under the one for one pound Subsidy Scheme) - equipment, library books, etc., and were now faced with a new situation starting from bedrock.
The school was grateful for the help given by the “parents”, and the setting-up grant from the Education Board. Later, with the abolition of the Subsidy Scheme, all basic equipment became available on an annual per capita basis giving schools choice of purchase according to the allocated monies, and making replacement on an estimated life basis.
Carlton Committees and parents set to, making Carlton something to be talked about in its accomplishments. During the years 1957-61 many new homes had been built in Carlton Avenue, Selwyn and Hadfield Crescents, and Purnell Street. From these homes were to come the pupils, therefore, regardless of their commitment to their new homes, parents would put all they could into the school.
Early in 1958 building the Learners’ Pool began with the second block of four rooms ready for occupation in Term 2, by the classes which had been housed in the Wanganui Technical College (aka Boys College, and now City College) Hostel in Purnell Street. Voluntary labour on a roster system (which greatly diminished costs) ensured that the pool was ready for 1958-59 season. This was the beginning of a supreme effort.
In 1959 the PTA,decided to organise a Gala for late in October. All parents gave a hand and the school became a hive of activity for the first effort. It was an amazing effort considering the effect of the infamous Black Budget of 1958 on families. Carlton, not to be denied, raised much towards the necessary equipment and the hall, for which the foresight of the Wanganui Education Board Architects had left room between the two completed four room blocks. Much money was still required for the school’s share of cost for the hall. It seemed still a long way off.
A Fund Committee was formed by some P.T.A. members and interested parents with the building of the hall as their target. They were not to be denied, rather they were enthused and determined. It couldn’t have happened anywhere other than at Carlton. Their enthusiasm was infectious, the efforts, stunts and results fantastic. All funds raised were for a ‘Trust Fund’ for the School Hall, Equipment and Grounds Improvement. But, what to do? A large attraction was needed to motivate outside interest and draw the attendance from outside Carlton area and from outside the city.
For the 1960 Gala - Decision - Pole Sitters, not then a common sight. Very smartly there were three volunteers, Bob Stewart, Bevan Tasker and Athol Wynne (not a parent), prepared to take time off work to become Carlton’s high-perched, flightless birds. So started six months preparation - Kingsley Saunders became the forth sitter.
Every idea to bring in revenue was explored and used. Four power poles were borrowed from the Power Board. Pup tents were made to fit the 6’ square wooden-sided platforms securely fixed to the poles prior to elevation into already prepared holes. Hold it! To the sides were attached plenty of advertising and banners strung between. Then up went the four sitters with what home comforts each thought necessary on 26 October.
“ATTRACTION EXTRAORDINAIRE” Exactly that - each night was busy throughout. One night we had our own Hone Heke. Much to the consternation of all, the lights went out. Several hefty thumps against wood were heard with people rushing here and there - a car took off - lights were restored. A left-handed chopper had, in the lights out time, made a sizeable scarf in the pole. Our own pole chopper was what was thought to be just another Carlton gimmick to attract the crowd for Saturday. The damage to the pole was $60. The Fund Committee made it quite clear it was no joke! All was reported in the Press and a few days later the local Hekes forwarded the cost to the School. What a week it was! Out barometer was nearing boiling point but there was more to come.
1961 . . . Elated by the 1960 effort ideas flowed. Mystery Envelope. Permission sought and granted. Sponsorship for 10,000 vouchers which included two or three major prizes from the proceeds included. All vouchers were cyclostyled and numbered. These had to be placed in envelopes, the three major prizes inserted at the Police Station then thoroughly mixed before return to the school. We had “Sunday School” of parents in two rooms completed the 9997 enveloping in short order. Volunteers, on a roster system manned busy corners.
20 September 1961 . . . The day of sale with a net result of $2,000 approximately. 28 October 1961 . . . Gala Day. Again an attraction was needed, this time it was The Bed Pushers. The began from four points of the compass equi-distant from the school. To make this a photo finish the military was co-opted with their “walkie talkies”. They started the push and kept the large crowd up to date with progress and quietly controlled them up Carlton Avenue to the finish.
To get this underway was a nightmare. Available beds disappeared. Thursday night there were no beds, just single Dunlopillo mattresses and advertising to be affixed to single beds. On the Friday four brand new brass decorated double bedsteads were obtained. All of them required cutting down to single size, welded, painted, signs affixed and rubber wheels fitted. This was completed between 3am and 4am, 28 October.(Such was the determination of the organizers). So the Pole Sitters became the Bed Pushers. And what a finish! Another Gala success, the barometer a gusher, well over the needed funds for the hall.
Application for the hall to be built was made. The plans surpassed expectation and with some amendments and additions the hall became a most functional adjunct, Mr. C Day, Principal of the Boys’ Many ex-Carlton students have become prominent and successful in the professions. Others have excelled in sport. Bill Osborne, All Black, Earle Thomas, NZ Soccer team, Ian Smith, NZ Cricket team, John Knofflock, Junior All Black.
From an initial roll of 161 the role rose to over 400. To a four-roomed school, four more were completed in 1958, Room 9 in 1962 and Room 10 followed. During the late 60’s two further rooms were added to make a total of 12 rooms.
Looking at the school today, with all its facilities, we acknowledge the efforts of various committees and individuals in our history who gave their tireless support to the benefit of future generations of students at Carlton School. |