* the Upokongaro birth, death, marriages
* the Upokongaro Hotel
* the Upokongaro Ferry
* the UPOKONGARO SCHOOL
In 1866, settler John Kennedy built a hotel and store (later the post office), see above link
A school was built in 1870, known from 1873–1879 as the North Makirikiri or "River Bank" school. The schoolroom functioned for Anglican services in the mid 1870s, but in 1877 St Mary's Anglican Church was built.
NOTE
this green = North Makirikiri School
this green = River Bank School
this green = Upokongaro School

TIMELINE for UPOKONGARO School
Wanganui Herald, 24 Feb 1871
NORTH MAKIRIKIRI SCHOOL TEA MEETING
The s.s. PIONEER, will leave Bett and Robertson's wharf, on Tuesday, the 28th instant at 5p.m. Return tickets 3s to be had of Bett & Robertson

Wanganui Herald, 29 March 1871
RIVER BANK SCHOOL Mrs Morrison's 2nd quarter will commence on Monday the 3rd April 1871
... NOTE
Mary (nee Pearce, 1827-1885) married Walter John Morrison (1830-1874) in New Plymouth in 1855. She opened a 'young ladies' school on the Beach in Patea in 1867 (read Walter's bio below). Mary later opened a similar, Boarding & Day School, at Ashby House, Church Place, Wanganui.
* In 1881 daughter Ada Morrison (1858-1938), resumed her Music Pupils there
* They also had a son, John Edgar Morrison (1856-1857) who died at 8 months
Taranaki Herald, Sep 1874
Obituary for Walter John Morrison It was but the other day we had to announce the death of an old settler who had left the Province, we have now the same painful task in recording the demise, at Wanganui, of Mr Walter John Morrison, who died on Wednesday morning last, of inflammation of the lungs. Mr Morrison was well known in this Province and before the native outbreak held an office in the Provincial Survey Department. On the war breaking out in 1860, he was appointed a captain of the militia and when the military settlers were raised, had a company given him in that force. On his term of service expiring he settled on his land at Patea, where he remained till the Tito Kowaru outbreak took place in 1868, when, after serving for a short time in a military capacity, he took up his residence at Wanganui, where he was engaged in business to the time of his last illness. Mr Morrison had many friends here, who will read with regret this announcement of his death.
Wanganui Herald, 3 Nov 1885
Obituary for Mary Morrison On November 1st, at Wicksteed Street, Wanganui, Mary, wife of the late Walter John Morrison, of Taranaki and Wanganui, aged 58 years. Friends are informed that the funeral will leave her late residence, Wicksteed Street, this (Tuesday) afternoon, the 4th instant, at 6.30 o’clock. W. J. Wild, Undertaker.
As we feared would be the case, Mrs Morrison has succumbed to the painful affection from which she had suffered greatly during the last twelve months, ever since about this time last year when she had an operation performed. The deceased lady, who was the widow of the late Captain Morrison, of Taranaki, had been resident in Wanganui for a considerable number of years, having after the death of her husband conducted a successful boarding-school for young ladies. Mrs Morrison was a lady of a high and noble character, who was most esteemed and appreciated by those who knew her best and she will be much missed by those who leaned upon her for advice and counsel. Her daughter and her sister (Mrs Weston) will receive the genuine sympathy of the public in the great loss which they have sustained.
Headstone & burial register, Wanganui Cemetery, Heads Road
(aka Old Public cemetery / Old English cemetery)
"Sacred to the beloved memory of Walter John Morrison late Captain of the Taranaki Military Settlers, he died 23rd September 1874 aged 44 years; also of Mary his wife, died 1 November 1885 aged 58 years."

Wanganui Herald, 9 Jan 1872
BOARDERS
Mrs Morrison will re-open River Bank School, Wanganui, on Wednesday, the 17th inst. Mrs Morrison has accommodation for boarders
* This ad ran numerous times a year until 1876 which implies 2 different schools?

Wellington Independent, 3 Feb 1872
PROVINCIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE
Notice has been received at this Office that, at a Meeting held on 18th December last, Mr A. L. CARLYON, was elected Chairman of the School Committee of the above District. HENRY BUNNY, Provincial Secretary

Wanganui Herald, 15 July 1873
ELECTION OF A WARDEN
The election of a Warden for No 4 Ward Wangaehu Highway District, vice Mr C. Iveson, whose seat became forfeited by non-attendance, will take place at noon on the 25th inst at the Upokongaro school house. We hear of only one candidate, Mr John Piercy, in the field.

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 Aug 1875
WANGAEHU HIGHWAY DISTRICT
Notice is hereby given under the 20th clause of "The Highways Act 1874" that the meetings for the elections of Wardens in the above district will take place as follows and that I have appointed Mr Charles Hart Ashforth as Presiding Officer of said meetings:-
No 1 Ward, at School House, Kaitoke, on Saturday 28th August, at 12 noon
No 2 Ward, at School House, Marangai, on Monday 30th August, at 12.30 p.m.
No 3 Ward, at Gordon's Coach House, Campbeltown, on Tuesday 31st August, at 12 noon
No 4 Ward, at Upokongaro School House, on Wednesday, 1st September, at 1 p.m.
No 5 Ward, at Upokongaro School House, on Wednesday, 1st September, at 2 p.m.
No 6 Ward, at Matanongonga School House, on Thursday, September 2nd, at 2 p.m.
No 7 Ward, at Matarawa School House, on Saturday, September 4th at 1 p.m.
JOHN MORGAN, Chairman

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 April 1876
UP-RIVER SCHOOLS
Before proceeding to detail the progress which has taken place towards the founding of an educational establishment for the benefit of the youth of the Makirikiri (Upokongaro) district, which is to be inaugurated under the affiliated system, it will not be out of place to lay before our readers a brief extract, showing the working of this latest innovation in the programme adopted by the Education Board, from which will be apparent the special advantage thus accruing to remote or sparsely populated districts, where otherwise the establishment of schools would be next to impossible. The following outlines will answer the desired purpose:- AFFILIATED SCHOOLS. Whenever the average number of scholars on the roll of a Board school, taken monthly, shall fall below twenty-five for any six months, such school shall be subsidized as an affiliated school, two half-time schools counting as one school ...
The settlers of Upper Makirikiri, induced chiefly by the repeated representations of two of the settlers, Messrs Parker and Brownlee, forwarded a petition to have their district assisted by the provisions of this affiliated system and a grant of ‎£40 was promised by the Board, the settlers to contribute the balance of the required amount for the purpose of annual endowment, the only provision being that the schoolmaster, who was appointed to the post must be approved of by the Board. A Mrs McDonald is now temporarily conducting school in a room in her own house, but an acre of land having been granted by Mr Brownlee, the erection of the new schoolhouse will be proceeded with immediately. In order to distinguish the school from another of the same name near Marton and out of compliment to the donor of the site and who has been mainly instrumental in bringing the project to its at present stage, the school will in future be known as Brownlee. The distance from Kennedy's is about 6 miles and from 15 to 20 children will be benefited by the establishment of an educational institution in the locality. The timber will be on the ground in a few days and no time will be lost in hastening the completion of the work. A local school committee has been appointed, of which body Mr McClosky has been elected chairman and it is pleasing to observe the unanimity, earnestness and harmony which is the prevailing feature at their meetings.
The Brownlee is the first school which has been established under the affiliated system and the satisfactory working of the Act in this respect, as exemplified in its establishment and progress so far, should act as an inducement to other schools similarly situated, to go and do likewise.
The Upokongaro school will be reopened to-day, so Mrs Corden, the teacher, intimates. In reference to this last-named institution, we learn that when a claim still preferred by Mr Kennedy - and which we are given to understand is a just and legitimate charge - shall have been settled, the present schoolhouse will probably be converted into a dwelling-house and a new and more commodious building for accommodation as a schoolroom will then be erected. It is more than probable that the Board will recommend the payment of this loan, as it is admitted on all sides that this debt ought to be cleared off, so that we may expect to hear before long that the proposed alteration is in course of progress.
It is very reassuring to learn that the settlers in the Upokongaro district are making such praiseworthy efforts in order to secure the benefits of education for their children; and it is equally gratifying to be assured that the member of the Board for the district, Mr John Fleetwood, loses no opportunity of furthering and assisting such beneficial measures by every means in his power. At the meeting of the Board and privately, throughout the district, he is assiduously active in seeing to the necessities of the residents, in matters wherein his office is concerned. We look to this anxiety in matters educational, as one of the most promising features of the district and one of the surest indications that its population will prove self-reliant, energetic, united and progressive.

Evening Post, 29 June 1876
EDUCATION BOARD
Mr Fleetwood moved "That the River Bank School be built at once, now that the title to the site had been made good" This was agreed to and the Board then adjourned (Tenders were ordered to be called for on 8 July 1876)

Wanganui Herald, 11 Dec 1876
RIDING OF WAIPAKURA
Notice is hereby given, that the election of one member for the Riding of Waipakura, in the County of Wanganui, will be held at the River Bank School, Kennedy's, on Friday, the 22nd instant.
All Candidates must be nominated at the above named school, in the manner prescribed by the 11th clause of "The Regulations of Local Elections Act, 1876" on or before noon of Friday, the 15th instant. JOHN NELSON, Returning Officer

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 Feb 1877
The Country Schools Mr Lee's Report ...
The River Bank (Upokongaro) - Mr Nelson has only been in charge two months. The late master was thoroughly incompetent. The school promises to do better work.
Brownlee - A small schoolroom has been built and for a time 14 children were schooled by Mrs Macdonald. At the time of my visit, the school was practically closed and since only 4 children are returned on the books. The settlers met me at Upokongaro and explained that it was useless for me to visit the school as they had been dissatisfied with the mistress and had taken away their children. It is a small affiliated school and the whole matter rests in the hands of the settlers who are responsible for stipend and can remove the teacher by giving her due notice. They have, however, failed to comply with the conditions of an affiliated school and do not seem to have understood their responsibility; but they now look to you Board to help them out of the difficulty.

Wanganui Chronicle, 10 March 1877
NORTH MAKIRIKIRI SCHOOL (To the editor of the Chronicle)
SIR, - In reading over Mr Lee's school report, I find that he says he was met at Upokongaro by the settlers, who were dissatisfied with me as a teacher and that it was useless for him to visit my school on that account. As my name has appeared in print, I think it but justice that the cause of this dissatisfaction should be publicly examined. I am at a loss to know wherein I have failed to give satisfaction, as I have done far more that the duties required of be by the Education Board. In October the Inspector wrote to me to the effect that on or about the 8th of the following month he would come up and see my school if I deemed such a visit of inspection necessary. I replied that I did think it highly necessary and hoped that he would come, not only to examine the children but also to enable him to judge of the condition of the school house and its surroundings. Several papers were forwarded to me from the Board of Education, which were to fill up and make ready for the Inspector's visit. All was duly prepared, the appointed time arrived, day after day and week after week passed, but no appearance of the Inspector. I had, further, prevailed upon my husband to stay at home for two complete weeks, which was a considerable loss to us, as he had only just them met with employment that he was sure of being paid for. Not that alone; but time after time I sent my little boy a distance of several miles in order to get a little butter or milk so that I might at least be able to offer the Inspector something in the way of refreshment when he arrived. So matters went on for a considerable time, no word having been sent to tell me that the Inspector had altered his intention with regard to paying the promised visit. However, the cruelty of two of the crew fully displayed itself. Not content with withholding from me my hard earned money, they actually went down, it appears, to dissuade the Inspector from coming to examine the children and thus give me at least the credit due me as a teacher. The small room referred to has never been finished, furnished of inspected. There is no approach to it, consequently it has never been used as a schoolroom; The decision of the magistrate with regard to payment, on the part of the settlers, has already appeared in your columns. Now, the school report distinctly points out that the settlers are responsible for my stipend. With their vaunted wealth of broad acres and sheep and cattle, surely they will now consent to pay their poor teacher and let her go. I am only waiting here for payment of the few pounds which are due to me, after which I hope to find another sphere of labour, either in Wanganui or in the district.
"l'homme propose et Dieu dispose" (Man proposes and God disposes) I am, &c., J. MACDONALD. Makirikiri North

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 April 1877
KAIKOKOPU RIVER BANK SCHOOL
Fourth Quarter of this School begins TO-DAY, Wednesday, 18th instant

Wanganui Chronicle, 1 Feb 1879
UPOKONGARO SCHOOL PICNIC
The children attending the Upokongaro School, with their parents, had a pleasure trip to the Heads on Tuesday in the steamer Irishman. On Thursday the prizes were distributed by Mrs Montgomerie, of Eaglesham; Mrs H. Montgomerie and Mrs Copeland also attended, The prizes were provided by the committee, who also defrayed the expenses of the picnic; £12 was collected from the district settlers, to whom the committee desire to return their thanks. The new committee were elected on Monday evening. Members - Captain A. Montgomerie, Messrs Robertson, Owen, C. Smith, Edward Smith, J. Alland and D. Thurston

Wanganui Herald, 18 April 1879
TO BUILDERS
Revised Tenders wanted for the erection of Schoolhouse at Upokongaro. Plans and specifications may be seen at the offices of the Education Board, Wanganui. Tenders addressed to the Chairman, Upokongaro School Committee, will be received up to 12 noon on Friday, the 25th April.

Wanganui Herald, 5 July 1879
UPOKONGARO, MAKIRIKIRI AND RIVER BANK
The settlers residing in the above districts are requested to attend a meeting, to be held in the Upokongaro School Room at 5 o'clock on Tuesday Evening, the 8th inst., for the purpose of considering the best means of DEFENDING their districts during the present disturbances at Parihaka

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 Oct 1879
METAL FOOTPATH
Letter from Mr A. Montgomery, Chairman of Upokongaro School Committee, requesting the Board to form and metal footpath in front of new schoolroom. The Secretary was instructed to reply that the Board have no funds available for the purpose.

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 Dec 1879
SCHOOL FUNDS
The entertainment given some ten days ago at Upokongaro in aid of the funds of the school, was a great success, sufficient money being cleared to enable the Committee to treat the whole of the children to a visit to the Circus, then performing in Wanganui and also leaving a reserve fund wherewith to purchase prizes at the beginning of the year.

Wanganui Herald, 31 Jan 1880
SCHOOL COMMITTEES
UPOKONGARO - The following report was adopted at the school meeting on Monday last:- The retiring Committee of the Upokongaro School have much pleasure in calling the attention of house-holders to the commodious schoolroom which has been erected during the year and which was opened previous to the Christmas vacation. The Education Board have been applied to for a further grant, to enable your Committee to provide better accommodation in schoolmaster's residence and complete fencing of playground etc. Should the request be complied with, the Upokongaro School will be all that can be desired. On the opening of the schoolroom an amateur entertainment was held. The thanks of the community are due to the ladies and others who very kindly rendered their assistance on this occasion. The proceeds, after paying some necessary expenses, were applied to taking all the children to Chiarini's Circus and the balance has been expended in the purchase of prizes, which have been given to the children. The school is gradually increasing and the average attendance last quarter was 32, being an increase of ten on last year. At the annual examination, held the first week in November, the Inspector expressed himself much pleased with the progress made. Twenty-seven children were up for examination, all of whom passed as follows:- First Standard, 8; 2nd Standard, 2; 5th Standard, 1. In conclusion we beg to express our appreciation of the kindly interest which Mr Nelson always takes in the welfare of the school and we consider the district fortunate in having secured his services. A. MONTGOMERY, Clerk of committee.

Wanganui Herald, 12 Feb 1880
PRISONERS BUILDING THE SCHOOL
At the R.M. Court to-day before E. Hardcastle, Esq., R.M., the two young men William Moore and Edward Dooley, were brought up on remand, charged with forging a letter, purporting to be written by the Chairman of Upokongaro School Committee. Prisoners had been employed as carpenters to finish the erection of the school, the original contractor having failed. Mr Ross, the architect, refused to pass the work, until certain improvements were carried out and a day or two afterwards the prisoners brought a letter purporting to be signed by Mr Montgomerie, stating that the Committee were satisfied with the additional work. The letter was sent on to the Sec. of the Education Board, who declined to pay the balance of the contract account until he received a certificate from the architect. This was given by Mr Ross, who thought the letter brought by the accused was a genuine one. When the letter was taken back to the Secretary with the certificate, the accused was told that the letter was not in Captain Montogmerie's writing, nor signed by him. On being asked where they got the letter from, Moore replied that he got it from his mate and his mate got it from the school-master Mr Nelson. The Secretary refused to recognise the letter and the Architect finding it was a forgery, tore off his certificate. At this stage the Court adjourned

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 March 1882
TENDERS WANTED
For 10 to 12 chains of Post and Rail Fencing for the Upokongaro School Ground. Tenders will be received up to the 31st March 1882. For particulars apply to JOHN KENNEDY

Wanganui Chronicle, 12 April 1882
PRESENTATION to the SCHOOLMASTER
At a meeting of the Upokongaro School Committee held at the schoolhouse on Saturday last, a purse of twenty sovereigns, accompanied by a very handsome testimonial, was presented to Mr John M. Nelson, the schoolmaster of the district. The testimonial is done in true lawyer's style and is far before many we have seen of a similar nature. It is worded as follows:- "Testimonial to Mr John M. Nelson - We the undersigned residents in the Upokongaro, River Bank and Makirikiri Districts desire to express to you our warm appreciation of your kindness and diligence during your residence for the past five years in our midst. Not only as a schoolmaster of much experience do we esteem you, but as being able to successfully identify yourself with everything that has tended to the advancement of our district. How best to promote the health and happiness of the pupils entrusted to your charge has been you constant study and at the same time you have ever been foremost in encouraging them in all their recreative exercises. We wish you every happiness and prosperity in the new path of life you have lately entered on and in order that you may keep the same in lively memory, we beg you to accept of this testimonial, together with the accompanying present as a small token of the respect and esteem in which we all join in holding you." Here follow the signatures of parents and residents in the district.

Wanganui Chronicle, 10 Dec 1885
LOCAL and GENERAL
The Upokongaro School Committee purpose treating their school children to a picnic and outing to-morrow

Wanganui Chronicle, 11 Aug 1891
The ANNUAL EXAMINATION
of the Upokongaro School was held on Friday last. The percentage of passes on the number examined in Standards, omitting exceptions, was 94.4. The following are the names of those who passed the different Standards:-
STANDARD 1 - James Caldwell, John Church, Noel Robertson, Joseph Slat and Sophia Georgetti
STANDARD II - Alexander Allan, Dudley Brooks, George Church, Augustine Georgetti, John Georgetti, Ernest Randal and Agnes Allcott
STANDARD III - William Taylor, Kate Cullincane and Charlotte Allcott
STANDARD IV - Clara Taylor
STANDARD V - Valentine Meredith

Wanganui Chronicle, 6 Jan 1892
NEW MASTER
For the vacancy in the Mosstown teachership, the Committee have selected Mr W. McLean, at present master of the Brunswick School and for Patea, Mr Rockell, master of the Upokongaro School. This will leave vacancies for masters at Brunswick and Upokongaro.
... It was decided that Mr Welsh, of the Wanganui Boys' School, keep Upokongaro School open until a teacher is appointed and that Mr McNaught, the relieving teacher, be sent to Foxton temporarily.

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 July 1893
LOCAL AND GENERAL
We have been requested to state that the Upokongaro School, which has been closed on account of the measles, will be re-opened on Monday 31st July

Feilding Star, 26 April 1894
TEACHER
Mr A. E. Walsh, of the Upokongaro school, has been selected by the Pohangina School Committee as successor to Mr Woodham, the retiring school teacher.

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 Nov 1894
URGENT REPAIRS
A letter was received from the Chairman of the Upokongaro School Committee, pressing the necessity for certain urgent repairs to the building, which also requires painting badly. It was decided to instruct the carpenter to undertake the necessary repairs as soon as possible.

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 Dec 1894
SCHOOL BREAK UP
The Upokongaro School "broke-up" for the Christmas holidays on Friday 14th December. Owing to the unavoidable absence of Mr D. Ross, Chairman of Committee, Miss Richardson distributed the prizes. The following is the prize list:-
STANDARD V - Willie Taylor, 1st
STANDARD IV - Ernest Randal, 1st
STANDARD III - James Caldwell and Charles Humphrey, equal 1st. Herbert Randal 2nd, Willie Ford 3rd
STANDARD II - Charles Taylor 1st, Beatrice Gomez 2nd, Willie Allen 3rd
STANDARD I - Violet Allcock 1st, Colin Campbell 2nd
INFANTS - Mary Gomez 1st, Grace Allcock 2nd, Irene O'Connor 3rd
Janet Caldwell and Walter Randal secured the good conduct prizes kindly presented by Mr Hodges. In the evening the Sunday School children were delighted with the games and tea provided for them by their teacher, Mrs Rowe.

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 April 1896
SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
At the election of the Upokongaro School Committee on Monday evening, Mr D. Ross was elected chairman for the sixth time in succession.

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 Oct 1896
NEW MASTER
Mr T. D. McCosh, of the Motoua School, near Foxton, who holds an E4 certificate, has been appointed to succeed Mr Richardson as Master of the Upokongaro school.

Wanganui Herald, 30 Sep 1898
SCHOOL EXAMS
The annual examination of the Upokongaro School was held on the 26th inst., and was conducted by Mr Milne, Inspector. The following pupils passed their Standards:-
STANDARD VI - Charles Tylor, Willie Ford
STANDARD V - Claude Smith, Henry AllCock, Jessie Campbell
STANDARD IV - Colin Campbell, Arthur Allen, Rose Philpot, Violet Allcock, Sarah Philpot, May Taylor
STANDARD III - Hector Brooks, Arthur Boby, Grace Allcock
STANDARD II - Henry Church, Ewen Allen, Douglas Broadbent, Flora Philpot
STANDARD I - Bobbie Caldwell, Thomas Philpot, Willie Allcock, Toki Tahana, Wiki Tahana
*ALLCOCK, 4 of 9 children of James Allcock (1847-1908) & Agnes Tait Nicholson (1859-1949):
James 'Henry' Allcock (1883-1965)
- married Lorna Pearl Hogan in 1925
Violet Allcock (1885-1934)
- Violet died in Marton. She is buried Row XII, Block 3, RSA section of Mt View Cemetery. Her headstone reads: In loving memory of VIOLET ALCOCK died 17th November 1934 aged 48 years. Erected by Dr W.S.R. Dick and Mrs Welsh
Grace Allcock (1887-1961)
- married Alfred Old in 1909
William David 'Willie' Allcock (1890-1917)
*PHILPOT, 4 of 12 children of Thomas Gurney Philpot (1856-1951) & Sarah Ann Woolford (1863-1945):
Rose Philpot (1885-1910)
- married Frederick Henry Jenkins in 1905. Died the month after 14 month old daughter Verna Rose Jenkins (1909-1910)
Sarah Ann Philpot (1886-1957)
- married Lewin Lewis in 1910
Flora Woolford Philpot (1888-1936)
- married Bernard Arkwright Staniforth Thompson Cox 1913
Thomas Gurney 'Willie' Philpot (1889-1978)
- married Agnes Kerr-Mills in 1911

Wanganui Herald, 14 Dec 1898
SCHOOL OUTING
The annual picnic in connection with the Putiki Native School will be held at the Aramoho Tea Gardens on Friday next. The Upokongaro School also intend patronising this popular resort the following Friday.

Wanganui Herald, 16 Dec 1899
SCHOOL PRIZES
The prizes won at the Upokongaro School were presented to the successful pupils in the Schoolroom yesterday by Mrs T. Rowe. The following is the prize list, Inspector's Marks:-
STANDARD IV -Willie Inkpen 1, Bernard Smith 2, Hector Brooks 3
STANDARD III - Douglas Broadbent 1
STANDARD II - Bobbie Caldwell 1, Bella Wilks 2, Willie Allcok 3
STANDARD 1 - Northcott Rowe 1, Hugh Caldwell 2, Jessie Philpott 3
PREPARATORY CLASSES - All the pupils got a prize
The attendance prizes were won by Alfred Allcock and Jessie Philpott

Wanganui Herald, 18 Nov 1902
CONCERT & DANCE
We are please to see Mr Charles Smith, one of our most respected settlers, back form his six-months' trip round the beautiful Coral Islands of the South Pacific.
The concert and dance, held in the hall on the 14th inst., in aid of the prize fund of the Upokongaro school children, was a great success in every way.
At the annual examination of the Upokongaro school, held on the 12th inst., by Mr Milner, inspector, the following children passed their standards:-
STANDARD VI - Grace Allcock
STANDARD V - Willie Allcock. Fred Freeman, Bella Wilks
STANDARD IV - Hugh Caldwell, Muriel Brooks
STANDARD III - Joshua Wilks, Edith Caldwell, Constance Hodder
STANDARD II - Alfred Allcock, Alfred Barns, Mabel Marshall, Ada Rowland
STANDARD 1 - Charles Allan, Stafford Allen, Samuel Brooks, Leonard Cladwell, D'Arcy Preston, Eva Hodder

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 May 1903
FUND RAISING DANCE
A dance in aid of the Upokongaro School Library is to be held at the Court Theatre, Upokongaro, on Friday, the 15th instant. The music will be supplied by Mrs Lockett.

Wanganui Chronicle, 13 Nov 1903
ANNUAL EXAMINATION
The Upokongaro School was examined by Mr Gray, Chief Inspector, on Tuesday, November 10. The following pupils passed their respective standards:-
STANDARD V - Muriel A. Brooks (Muriel Alice 1890-1928)
STANDARD IV - Cornelius Crowley, Ferdinand Hodder, Edith Caldwell, Constance Hodder
STANDARD III - Alfred Allcock, Alfred B. Barns (Alfred Balmer Barns 1892-1965), Hannah Crowley, Mable Marshall, Ada Rowland
STANDARD II - Charles Allen, Stafford Allen, Sam Brooks, Leonard Caldwell, D'Arcy Preston, Maggie Hickey, Eva M. Hodder (Eva May 1895-1932)
STANDARD I - Jack Hickey, George Marshall, Ivy G. Allen, Rose Barns, Irene A. Caines (Irene Alice 1893-1971)

Wanganui Herald, 25 Sep 1905
ANOTHER CONCERT and DANCE
The concert and dance on Friday night last in aid of the Upokongaro School Prize Fund was a great success. The hall was crowded. Mr E. W. Smith made ab able chairman. The programme of concert was food and every item was very much appreciated. The following ladies and gentlemen contributed:- Miss Ross, overture; Miss Stringleman, pianoforte solo; Messrs O'Donnell, Jago and Allcock, recitations; Miss Ashton, Misses Powell (2), Messrs Penhall, De Lahey, Baker and Taylor, songs; tableaux: The Tin Gee-gee; The Runaway Match; Two are Company, three a crowd. A feature of the evening was a descriptive song, which had to be repeated. A dance followed and was kept up till the small hours of the morning. Messrs Baker and Brooks made excellent M.C.'s and Mrs Lockett supplied the music. An excellent supper was supplied by the ladies.

Marlborough Express, 9 March 1907
A HEROIC SACRIFICE
A sad drowning accident occurred yesterday afternoon.
The children of the Upokongaro school, with their parents and friends, went up the river to Karawhaiki for a picnic. A boy got our of his depth and two ladies - Mrs C. F. Giesen and Miss Kate Campbell - lost their lives in trying to rescue him. The bodies have been recovered. The boy was saved.
From the meagre particulars available it appears that a son of Mrs Giesen's was bathing and got into difficulties. His mother went to his assistance but was unable to save the lad and was drowned. Mr Fred Barns, a cousin of Miss Campbell's, hearing screams, rushed to the spot and succeeded in getting the boy out of the water, but was unable to save the ladies. Mr Giesen, who was at the races, was immediately communicate with and made acquainted with the sad news and with two of his boys, who had come to town for the flower show, left for home immediately. Constable Issell left for the scene of the fatality at 3 o'clock this afternoon, taking dragging apparatus with him for the recovery of the bodies.
later particulars received just as we go to press state that the party to which the unfortunate ladies belonged had gone up-river with the Upokongaro School children in Mr J. Nixon's large oil launch to Kaiwhaiki. The lad was bathing in the river and got out of his depth. His mother went to his assistance and being unable to swim was carried out by the current, as was also Miss Campbell who had also gone to the rescue
* Mrs C. F. Giesen was Sarah Jane nee McCracken (1870-1907) was 37. She had married Charles Frederick Giesen (1865-1841). Charles next married Ellen Caroline McCracken (1874-1947), Sarah's sister?
* Kate Lucy Campbell was 26. Daughter of Robert Campbell & Frances Ellen Woodward.

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 Dec 1907
PRIZES
At the end of a very successful school concert in the Upokongaro Hall on Friday, 20th inst., Mrs T. Rowe distributed the prizes as follows:-
HIGHEST MARKS - D'Arcy Preston, Albert Tasker (Mr Preston's prizes), Ivy E. Allen (Mr Sylvester's prize)
SPELLING - D'Arcy Preston, Alice Caines
NEEDLEWORK - Ada Rowland, Ivy E. Allen (Mrs Ross's prizes), Lucy Caines (Mrs Harper's prize), Mary Allan (Mr Poynter's prize)
Mr J. S. ALLCOCK'S SILVER MEDALS - Alfred Caines, Mary Allan,
Mrs ROWE'S PRIZES - Wilfred Giesen, Rose Barns
ATTENDANCE - Stafford Allen, Albert Tasker, Harold Tasker
STANDARD VI - D'Arcy Preston, Staffird Allen, Eva M Hodder, Ada Rowland
STANDARD V - Ivy E. Allen, Clifford Watson
STANDARD IV - Wilfred Giesen, Alfred Caines, Rose Barns, Irene Caines, Alfred Caines, Rose Barns, Irene Caines, Jack Freeman
STANDARD III - Albert tasker, James Allen, Mary Allan, Fred Allcock, Fred Watson, Lucy Caines, Amelia Freeman
STANDARD II - Edward Allcock, James Wilks, Jessie Allan
STANDARD I - Cyril Giesen, Lovis Giesen, Frank Hodder, Olive Caines
PRIMER CLASSES - Every pupil received a prize

Wanganui Chronicle, 11 Sep 1911
PLAIN and FANCY DRESS
In aid of the Prize Fund of the Upokongaro School, to be held in hte Upokongaro Hall, Friday, September 15, 1911. To commence at 8 o'clock. Admission 2s 6d; Ladies 1s

Wanganui Chronicle, 18 Dec 1911
PRIZE GIVING
On Friday afternoon a number of parents assembled in the Upokongaro Schoolroom, when the prizes were given out to the pupils by Mrs H. V. Hammond, The prize-list is:-
ATTENDANCE - James Wilks, Hilda Wilks
HIGHEST MARKS - Hubert Cairnes, Helen Anderson
ARITHMETIC - John Fleming. Hilda Wilks (Mr Forbes' prize)
NEEDLEWORK - Olive Caines, Nellie Clark (Mrs Hammond's prizes), Dulcie Holder, Hilda Wilks (Messrs A. D. Willis and Co's prizes), Maraea Riwi, Helen Anderson, Mary Caines, Olive Johnson, Martha Freeman, Zilah Anderson (Mrs Ross's prizes)
STANDARD V - Spencer Fleming, Chas. Major, Edward Allcock, James Wilks, Olive Caines, Dulcie Holder, Nellie Clarke
STANDARD IV - Laurence Anderson, John Fleming, Harold Tasker
STANDARD III - Ernest Tomsett, Bertie Fleming, Lorrie Major, William Blennerhassett, James Walker, Hilda Wilks, Maraea Riwi, Sylvia Nelson, Wiki Pehi
STANDARD II - Hubert Caines, Arthur Watson, Harold Major, Stanley Tellke, Ellis Garde
STANDARD I - Kenneth Tomsett, Arthur Blennerhassett, Rangi Taumatangi, Frederick Olds, Helen Anderson, Mary Caines, Martha Freeman, Olive Johnson
PRIMER CLASSES - Every pupil received a prize
Most popular boy - Charles Major
Most popular girl - Olive Caines

Wanganui Chronicle, 12 Dec 1912
NEW SITE
Mr H. V. Hammond waited on the Board in regard to the site for the Upokongaro School and reported that owners would not sell land. The Board decided to consider the matter and, if necessary, take necessary land under the Public Works Act.

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 Oct 1913
USING THE FERRY
Mr Glenn said that 13 children passed over the ferry every morning to attend the Upokongaro school. The nearest other school was at Aramoho, four miles away. The amount of traffic had shown a reduction this year.

Wanganui Herald, 23 Feb 1914
CARNIVAL LADIES
A meeting of Ladies will be held in the Upokongaro School to-morrow (Tuesday), 24th inst., at 3.30p.m. Business - To raise funds for the Carnival. Mrs SCOTT, Convenor

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 Feb 1914
LADIES COLUMN
Miss Dowling, prior to her departure from the Upokongaro School, had the whole of her scholars conveyed into town and treated them to an afternoon's entertainment on Saturday at His Majesty's. A very excellent programme was screened and the pictures were thoroughly enjoyed by old and young alike.

Wanganui Chronicle, 22 Oct 1914
MOVING THE SCHOOL
The chairman spoke in terms of appreciation in the way the Upokongaro school was conducted, Referring to the building, he said it was on the boundary, flush on the road line and there was an enormous amount of traffic on the road. It would coast ‎£50 to remove it back. It was decided that this work be done in the Christmas holidays. Speaking of the teacher's residence, which is one of the Board's latest, the chairman said it was quite a treat to go through it and it was a credit to the builder

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 Nov 1914
ON THE FERRY
The Education Board wrote agreeing to pay for the carriage of the school children attending the Upokongaro school across the ferry, but stipulated that the children must be conveyed in the punt and not in a boat.

Wanganui Chronicle, 21 Dec 1917
SCHOOL PRIZES
At the distribution of prizes on Wednesday at the Upokongaro school, the district was well represented by the presence of parents, old pupils and friends of the school. The prizes were given out by Mrs H. V. Hammond, who congratulated the teachers and pupils on the successful work of the year. The following is the prize list:-
ARITHMETIC - Norah Scott, Wilson Anderson
SPELLING - Laura Carde, Henry Newman
WRITING - Ethel Watson, Rangi Taumatangi (Miss Caine's prizes)
NEEDLEWORK - (Mrs D. Ross's prizes) Laura Carde, Ethel Watson; (Mrs H. V. Hammond's prizes), Helen Caines, Ada Tohi, Maggie Keriopa, Milly Patea; (Mrs Poynter's prize) Norah Scott, Margaret Terow, Pearl Andrews, Agnes Nicholson, Alice Nicholson, Grace Watson, Mary Huurinui, Haromi Hawkins
MOST POPULAR GIRL - Laura Carde
MOST POPULAR BOY - Rangi Taumatangi
STANDARD VI - Rangi Taumatangi
STANDARD V - Laura Carde, Leigh Andrews, Henry Newman, Cecil Watson
STANDARD IV - Wilson Anderson, Ethel Watson, Pearl Andrews
STANDARD III - Ernest caines, Oliver Newman, Morris Watson
STANDARD II - Ethel Cook, Violet Talbot, Ata Tohi, Make Tawaroa, Willie Te Hua
STANDARD I - Norah Scott, Agnes Nicholson, Doris Rowe
PRIMER CLASSES - Every pupil received a book as a present
There were three pleasing presentations at the end; one to Mrs D. Ross who has given prizes in needlework for 20 years, this being presented by Miss Caines on behalf of the old girls and present girls of the school, another to Mr McCosh, head teacher, presented by Miss Laura Carde, on behalf of the pupils and another to Miss McCormick, assistant, given by Master George Anderson

Wanganui Herald, 18 Dec 1919
UPOKONGARO SCHOOL PRIZE LIST
On Tuesday morning there was a good attendance of parents, when the prizes were given out by Mrs Dunlop.
The following is the prize list:
ATTENDANCE - Reginald Dunlop, Ethel Cook
ARITHMETIC - Willson Anderson, Fay Andrews, George Anderson, James Farley
SPELLING - Reginald Dunlop, Ethel Cook, Eileen Cook
DRAWING - Wi Para
NEEDLEWORK - Pearl Andrews, Olive Chappell, Maharita Sutherland, Irene Chappell, Fay Andrews, Mary Hurinui, Mary Ewart, Marjorie Rutherford, Mavis Wilson, Lucy Rutherford, Mavis Wilson, Lucy Rutherford
MOST POPULAR GIRL - Ethel Cook
MOST POPULAR BOY - Reginald Dunlop
STANDARD VI - Wilson Anderson, Pearl Andrews, Olive Chappell
STANDARD IV - Reginald Dunlop, Ethel Cook, Nellie Beggar, Irene Chappell
STANDARD III - Agnes Nicholson, Makarita Sutherland, Oliver Biggar
STANDARD II - Alice Nicholson, Kathleen Dunlop, George Anderson, Dick Poti
STANDARD I - Eileen Cook, Fay Andrews, Helen Caines, Grace Watson, Mary Hurinui, Kathleen Watson, Doris Waldron, James Farley, William Sutherland, Wi Para, Gwynne lawrence, Hurinui Toss, James Ewart, Pou Patea
PRIMERS - Every pupil received a prize

PHOTO
UPOKONGARO
about 11km upstream from the Wanganui Town bridge, St Mary's Church and the ferry, which crossed the river at that village. The mouth of the Makirikiri stream is on the right near the bottom of the photo
check out more in this zoom option