War Time

By 1942 the trenches had been completed in Victoria Park, across the street from the Fenton Street school. On February 23 an evacuation was practised. During 1943 the school was visited by men of the American forces. They were welcomed at the school’s doorstep and conducted through the classrooms by the class captain.

By 1944 Mr Taylor (Headmaster) and Mr Breen (first assistant) were the only male staff members. As a result it was difficult to maintain the standard of the boy’s activities.

The year is 1882

Stratford township has reached a population of 100 and has two dozen (24) houses. In Stratford, and Midhirst, there are half time houses operating in private houses. The parents in both townships begin petitioning the Education Board for a state school to be built. Stratford School opens in April, 1882, and is controlled by the same committee as Midhirst school, which opens in the same year.

Mr F.A Tyrer is head teacher successfully at Midhirst and Stratford. Ngaere School is another school that opens in 1882.

Cardiff School opens in 1886. This shortens the often rigorous walk to school of the then horseless children west of Stratford. (Something for all of us to think about, isn’t it!)