Embedded Files
School cadets were a part of our history in the Southern Bays – a striking image from a postcard takes us back to a very different time of schollboys armed and ready to defend the empire
This old postcard, c1910, shows Island Bay School, in the foreground, the rear of the shopping village and the large scar left by quarrying where the supermarket is now. It’s thought that blasting this material, and that from other spurs jutting into the valley made fill to level the race course.
Island Bay School girls and their dolls; 1919
Island Bay School girls and their dolls; 1919
Debbie Hannan
Debbie Hannan
First published in Ngā Ākau ki te Tonga Southern Bays number 9 2013/2014
First published in Ngā Ākau ki te Tonga Southern Bays number 9 2013/2014
At Island Bay school in 1919, it seems the girls of primer three, or some of them at least, were encouraged to bring their dolls to school to join them in a photo.
The school photo is interesting in itself, but closer examination brings up fascinating images of southern bays’ girls more than 90 years ago.
The photographer has done well in getting all girls and most dolls visible. But in some instances, he – assuming it was a ‘he’ - did not do so well. What seems to be a golliwog in fully-crotcheted bonnet and coat is clutched by one of many yougsters trying to obey the command ‘stay very still’. Her friend in front is less successful, as her doll seems to launch itself forward. In the row above another well-dressed doll is partially obscured by another girl in an apparently popular hair style.
(left) Ribbons in hair, ribbons on the doll and a carefully-made jacket and shoes add to the character of this doll. Let’s hope the doll’s expression is what its owner felt like inside! (right) Hatless, this doll is clutched tight as its owner squints towards the Island Bay sun.
(left) This girl seems to have been dressed for the occasion, hair curled, bow in place, and a well-turned out doll in a woollen hat and what may be a red dress. A sense of wanting to do the right thing is evoked by the girl’s expression. (right) A rather under-dressed kewpie with an owner who looks at peace with the world.
(left) Definitely the prize for the biggest doll! And the sun again! (right) A charming young person holds a doll with, well, a not very doll-like expression.
And I brought teddy! Who said it had to be a doll?
Thanks to Debbie Hannan, author of the Island Bay School history, for the photo.
If anyone knows anything of the individuals shown – please let us know.
Island Bay School Cadets: armed and ready
Island Bay School Cadets: armed and ready
First published in Ngā Ākau ki te Tonga Southern Bays number 17 2022
First published in Ngā Ākau ki te Tonga Southern Bays number 17 2022
Island Bay School was set up in anticipation of the growth of the suburb that would follow the extension of the tram lines to Island Bay
This undated image, printed as a postcard, is of boys formed up as school cadets. According to the New Zealand Cadet Force’s own history the Defence Act of 1909 created the Territorial Force, which was aimed at having a compulsory part-time force where civilians would be given basic military training. The goal was to have 27,000 Territorial 18-19yr olds, with another 38,000 cadets (Junior Cadets 12-14, and Senior Cadets 14-18yrs). The Senior Cadets were to feed into the General Training Section (18yrs-21yrs), until moving to the Reserves from 21yrs- 30yrs.
Junior Cadets lasted just a short period from 1910 -1912. Senior Cadets thrived on the other hand, and became wide spread throughout NZ High Schools and Colleges, it became widely known as School Cadets . Many ex-Cadets went on to serve in WWI and then later in WWII.
Evening Post 9 September 1909
So is this a formation of cadets before 1909? No one seems to be over 12. There are newspaper references to cadets at primary schools before 1909 and it seems to have been a feature of many Wellington schools. (Shown Left)
On the right, yes, those are real rifles, probably Lee-Enfields (in use from the 1880s) They appear not to have their detatchable magazine boxes in place – meaning they were almost certianly unloaded for this parade. There seem to be not enough rifles to go around. Having enough devices for all pupils has always been a problem...
Google Sites
Report abuse