Extract from Headmaster’s Log book.

On February 3, 1931, a ”very severe earthquake was felt at 10.48 am. Children out at play. No damage caused. The shock was very severely felt in Napier and Hastings. Over 200 people lost their lives.” This, of course, was the Napier Earthquake.

February 26 “Six pupils from Napier entered. Stratford has accommodated a number of refugees from Napier and Hastings.”

The following year it was noted that the school picnic was not a success because only 350 people attended. In July another severe earthquake was felt. On November 7 the school was closed to celebrate “the official opening of the Stratford Main Trunk Railway to Okahukura; town enfete”