The following 'Roll Call' names were of those who attended the Old Taita School Reunion (1859-1962) in October 1962 and the years they first attended the school
1875-1900 Taita School Roll Call
1901-1910 Taita School Roll Call
1911-1915 Taita School Roll Call
1916-1920 Taita School Roll Call
1921-1925 Taita School Roll Call
1926-1930 Taita School Roll Call
1931 - 1936
1937-1951 Taita School Roll Call

The Roll Call for the TAITA SCHOOL 1931 - 1936:

*Cyril Angus AUGUST (1926-2000)
. Son of Leslie August (1897-1956) & Clarice Hepworth (1903-1974). Married Eunice Dorothy Roberts in 1954. Married Elizabeth Ana Kerr (1938-2012), buried Waikanae cemetery

* Sheila CAMERON

* Wally CHAMBERLAIN
* Buster CHAMBERLAIN

* Violet Lily 'Vi' COLSON (1926-2020)
. married Philip 'Rex' Walters (1925-1990) in 1949. Son of Philip Walters & Ivy King, grandson of Rueben King & Emily Williams (nee White), all of Taita
. partner of James Charles 'Jim' Wyatt (1926-2013) - Wyatt, James Charles (Jim). On May 4, 2013, at Timaru Hospital peacefully in his 86th year. Dearly loved husband of the late Joan Winifred, loved father and father in law of Murray and Denice, Bryan, Kay and Jeremy, and Garth, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren, also loved partner of Violet Lily Walters. A private funeral service and cremation has taken place on the 7th May, 2013.
. Timaru. WALTERS, Violet Lily (Vi): Peacefully at the Croft Rest Home, on October 4, 2020, aged 94 years. Loved wife of the late Rex, loved mum of Barbara (dec), John, Joanne, and Denise, and a loved nana of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A private family service for Vi has been held.

* Eda De MENECH (1927-1996)
. married John Joseph Hawkins in 1950
* Maria Regina De MENECH (1925-2019)
. married Leo Francis O'Leary in 1952
. Masterton, 5 April 2019. O'LEARY, Maria Regina: Michael, Rex, Teresa and their families wish to thank everyone for the kindness, love and support they received following the loss of Maria. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement of the messages of sympathy, flowers and gifts. We very much appreciated your support. Our special thanks to the Staff at Lyndale Manor for the care and kindness given to Maria.

* Maurice Raymond EALES (1930-1983)
. son of Francis Cecil 'Frank' Eales (1882-1954) & Susan Walters (1890-1947). Susan had a brother, Philip Walters who married Ivy King. See Colson above. He married Delcie Mary Batchelor in 1950

* Alfred 'Alf' FERRETTI (1930-2014)
* Fred FERRETTI
* Louis/Lewis Robert FERRETTI (1928-2002)

* Christine Lavinia GADSBY (1930-2021)
. married Owen Geoffrey Curtis in 1951.
. Palmerston North. CURTIS, Christine Lavinia: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chris at Julia Wallace Retirement Village on Thursday 3rd June 2021, in her 91st year. Dearly loved wife of the late Owen (O) for 67 years. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Terry and Olive, Glen and Debbie, Bryce and Michelle, and Delanie and Brent. Loved Grandmother of Janie and Ryan, Sarne, Jenna, Sara and Shannon, Meg, Ben and Jedd, Zack, Corben and Nico. Loved Great-Grandmother of Stellan, Adaire, Layton, Zeeva and TeA. In accordance with Christine's wishes, a private family service has been held.
* Loma Ages GADSBY (1928-1999)
. was a school teacher. Married Noel Arthur Dockery in 1953. Married Lloyd Henry March in 1962. Buried Kelvin Grove
* Norma GADSBY (1926-2017)
. Taupo. TRIPLOW-SANDERS, Norma May. Norma passed away peacefully in Taupo on Wednesday August 30th 2017, in her 92nd year. Cherished wife of Jack and the late Roy. Loved Mother and Mother in law of Bill and Rosanne, the late Judy, Vinnie and Terry Lomas, Leonie and Graeme Bowie. Special Nana to Robbie, Duncan, Benjamin (deceased) and Kate, Arnna and David and Rebecca and Brent and her five great grandchildren. Loved Sister of Loma March (deceased), Christine Curtis and Topham Gadsby (deceased). A celebration for Norma's life will be held at Harvey's Chapel, 284 Oxford Street Levin on Tuesday, 5 September.
. daughters of William Arthur Gadsby (1896-1975) & Lavinia Martha Sanders (1896-1940)

* Lilas HALL

* Edna Mary HEWER (1926-1993)
. married Hubert Carl Englebretsen (1922-2001) in 1949

* Sylvia HOWLETT (1930-)

* Howard John IRELAND (1928-1988)
. married Margaret Betty Jenness in 1949. Buried Pyes Pa

* Kenneth Francis 'Ken' JOSEPH (1926-2006)
. married Jewel Ivy May Andrew in 1952

*Robert Dudley 'Bob' KEALL (1928-2019)
. KEALL, Robert Dudley (Bob): Passed away suddenly and peacefully on 5 April 2019 at home in Waikanae, in his 91st year. Loved husband of the late Nan Keall (Buckrell). Father of Richard and Ashni, Hilary and Mike, and Grandad to Libby and Alex. Eldest son of the late Dudley and Neta Keall, brother to Barrie (dec) & Phyllis, and Marion (Keall-Hunt) & Robert Hunt. Cherished Uncle Bob to the wider family of Kealls and Buckrells. A life lived full of optimism and vigour, you will be much missed by us all.
Thanks to the staff at Charles Fleming, Waikanae, and the paramedic team in attendance. A memorial service to honour his life will be held on Wednesday 17 April 2019 at 2pm in the Kapiti Coast Funeral Home Chapel, Paraparaumu.

* Mercia Osmunda Jane KING (1928-2007)
. a daughter of Leonard King (1894-1972) & Ada Martha Jane Chivers (1890-1985). She married Sydney Leonard LANCASTER in 1948
. Tauranga . Mercia Osmunda Jane Lancaster. 31 Aug 1928 - 15 July 2007. Mercia died peacefully at her home. Mercia was the loved daughter of the late Leonard and Ada King, and sister of the late Reuben King. Much loved wife of the late Syd Lancaster, and treasured mother and mother-in-law of the late John; and Angela, Chris and Hilton, Richard and Christine; as well as special Nana to Matthew, Leanne, Lynley, Alicia, Michael, and David. Loved aunt of Len and Olwyn and Irene. A celebration of Mercia's extraordinary life will be held at the Holy Trinity Church, corner Devonport Rd and 3rd Avenue Tauranga on Tuesday 24 July 2007at 1.00 p.m. To be followed by burial at Katikati Cemetery
Note Mercia was a lovely and kind woman. She was a great help to me (& many others) with my early genealogy searches. An early photo of her

* Mavis Irene LYNCH (1926-2007)
. Daughter of Herbert George Lynch (1900-1982) & May Stanford Davis (1895-1952). Married Maurice Douglas Phelps (1923-1999) in 1953. Buried Clareville.

* Joseph McKAY

* Ines MENARA (1930-)
. daughter of Primo & Virginia Menara, sister of Jim (Amerigo) Menara, from Laghi, Vincenza Northern Italy. She married John Joseph Rafferty (1927-2006) in 1956.

* Betty MURRAY

* Shirley REID

* William RILEY

* Norman 'Bruce' ROUTLEY
. son of Norman Huttvale Routley (1894-1962) & Lily May Evans (1901-1986), buried Christ Church Taita. Married Valerie Dawn O'Neill (1935-2008) in 1954 (Dominion Coach Lines)

* Joan Daphne SAGE (1926-2016)
. married classmate Frank Searle below in 1948. Buried together at Levin
* John SAGE

* Betty SEARLE
* Francis James 'Frank' SEARLE (1926-1994)
. married classmate Joan Sage above in 1948, buried Levin
* Nola Mary SEARLE
Hutt News, 19 March 1947 A pretty wedding was celebrated at the Methodist Church, Lower Hutt, when Nola Mary, daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Searle, of Taita, was married to James Maxwell (Max), son of Mr and Mrs B. Matthews, also of Taita. The ceremony was performed by Rev R. F. Clements.
The bride, who entered the church on the arm of her father, wore a gown of off-white embossed georgette over satin, with a fitting corsage, long sleeves and heart-shaped neckline. The bodice was scalloped on to the fuly fashioned skirt, which fell into a long train. The silk tulle veil was appliques with sating flowers and finished with sating orchids. Her bouquet was of deep cream roses, gladioli and stock. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Betty Searle and a small cousin, Marilyn August, as flower-girl. The bridesmaid wore a frock of apricot georgette over silk taffeta made with a fitting bodice and Peter Pan collar and a trained skirt. She wore toning flowers in her hair and her bouquet was similarly shaded. The flower girl's frock was frilled at the hem, the bodice being finished with a Peter Pan collar. Her halo and posy were of toning shades. Mr Jack O'Reilly(O'Riley?) was best man and Messrs Ian and Matthews and Frank Searle acted as ushers.
After the ceremony a reception was held at Eva Draper's studio, over 150 guests being received by Mr and Mrs Searle, assisted by the bridegroom's mother. Mrs Searle wore a long, fitting frock of plum chiffon velvet and a small frilled hat of biscuit silk straw finished with brown veiling. Mrs Matthews wore a long frock of cyclamen silk crepe, a veiled toque with toning flowers and a fur cape. Mr Thorley sang at the church and at the reception.
For travelling the bride wore a light-weight woollen suit in a delicate blue shade, a burgundy felt hat finished with a soft blue feather and veiling and toning accessories.

* Lawrence Edward Otto 'Laurie' SHIRNACK (1923-2014)
. son of Herman Otto Schirnack & Evelyn Francis Bartosh who married in Lover Hutt 27 Sep 1922. He married Maureen Alda Huddleston (1925-2016) 15 Nov 1947. They are buried in Levin Old cemetery with 2 day old daughter Lesley Shirnack (1949)
. Feilding. SHIRNACK, Maureen Alda (nee Huddleston): Died on February 13, 2016, peacefully in the company of family at Ranfurly Residential Care Centre, Feilding, aged 90 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Laurie, Loved daughter of the late Lul and May Huddleston (Bulls), loved daughter-in-law of the late Otto and Evelyn (Otaki), beloved mother of Lesley (deceased), Kevin and Christine Fillingham (USA) Ross and Moya (Blenheim), and Peter and Stephanie (Feilding), loved Gran of five grandchildren and loved Great Gran of seven great grandchildren. Also much loved sister of Lorna Stewart (Rotorua). A private service has been held.

* John SIMPSON

* Audrey SMITH
* Marie SMITH
* Norma SMITH

* Molly Beatrice SPARKS (1925-2022)
. married Harrie Edwin Keene in 1945
. KEENE, Molly Beatrice (nee Sparks): Of the Kapiti Coast, formerly of Wainuiomata. Died peacefully at Charles Fleming Hospital, on Monday, 27 December 2021. Aged 96 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Harrie Keene for 73 years. A cherished mother to Gail, Christine, and Trevor, and much loved mother-in-law of Michael (dec), and Manfred. Treasured Nan, Nana, and SuperNan to her 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Loved and respected by the late Michael's family. A private family farewell has taken place and a memorial service will be held for Molly at a later date to be advised .. With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Molly Beatrice Keene (Paraparaumu), who passed away on December 27, 2021. She was loved and cherished by many people including her spouse Harrie Keene; her children, Gail, Christine and Trevor; and her sons-in-law, Michael and Manfred. She was also cherished by Nan, Nana, and SuperNan to her 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
* Patricia Margaret 'Pat' SPARKS (1931-2017)
. married Colin Neville Englebretsen in 1950
. Bay of Plenty. ENGLEBRETSEN, Patricia Margaret (Pat). 13th January 1931 to 30th December 2016. Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Dearly loved wife of Colin for 65 years. Adored mother of Keith and Catherine, Russell and Kaye, Rex, Shane and Trish. Loving Nana of all her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. A celebration of Pats life will be held on Wednesday January 4th, 2017 at Olive Tree Cottage 247 Joyce Road, Pyes Pa, Tauranga at 2pm.

* Robert Raymond 'Ray' SPARKES (1926-1995)
. 6th of 6 known children of Herbert Samuel Martin 'Bert' Sparkes (1893-1963) & Edith Nay 'Eadie' Queree (1892-1966)

* Raymond William TOCKER (1931-2015)
. married Barbara Gwendoline Dale (1934-2011) in 1955
. Cambridge, Waikato. TOCKER, Raymond William (Ray) (S.No.73469. Warrant Officer. RNZAF). Passed away at home on 24th September 2015. Much loved husband of the late Barbara. Loving father of Catherine, and Alison Tocker, father-in-law of Rodney Smith, and grandfather of Dana, and Rhiannon Smith. Thanks to the many people who helped during Ray's last year and affirmed how valued Ray was in the community. In lieu of flowers donations to Cambridge R.S.A Welfare Fund would be appreciated and may be left at the service. A celebration of Ray's life will be held at St Andrews Anglican Church, Cambridge, on Wednesday 30th September 2015 at 1pm. Followed by private cremation.

* Kenneth 'Ken' TOOMER

* Andrelina Carolina 'Carol' VETTORETTI (1926-2015)
. married Jack Ridley Watts in 1950
. Lower Hutt, 26 Nov 2015 - WATTS, Andrelina Carolina (nee Vettoretti), Carol passed away on Thursday 26 November surrounded by her loving family after bravely suffering through many illnesses, aged 89 years. Dedicated wife to Jack, loving mother and mother-in-law to Annetta & Tony, Christina & Mike, Sandy & Andy, Andrew & Ingrid. Much adored Nonna of 10 and Bis Nonna of 8. Cherished sister to Aldo & Lilly, Clem & Nello, Danny & Maria-Pia. In lieu of flowers donations to Wellington Free Ambulance. Carol's Requiem Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 61 Waiwhetu Road, Lower Hutt on Thursday 3 December 2015 at 11.00am.

* Cloe WESTERBY

* James WYATT

School News during this time frame ..
Hutt News, 23 Dec 1931
Leonard Alfred Searle (1914-1983), youngest son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Searle, of Taita, was successful in winning the coveted Brown and Sharp Tool Prize at the Wellington Technical College this year. He received his primary education at the Taita School where he had the honour of being Dux of the school

Evening Post, 12 March 1932
The Taita School Committee invites Tenders for the Daily Cleaning of its Taita School, duties commencing on 8th April 1932. A schedule of duties may be seen at the School, or at the Secretary's Home, Gordon road, Taita. Lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Tenders must be posted addressed to V. Pemberton, Secretary, Taita School Committee, Taita, to be received on or before 1st April 1932.

Hutt News, 27 April 1932
Interest in the education economies resulted in a large attendance of householders at the Taita School. There were 12 nominations for 7 seats. The resolutions circulated by the School Committees' Federation were carried. The election resulted as follows - Messrs W. B. Hutchison (chairman), V. Pemberton (secretary), A. Burgess, J. Searle, J. Reilly, L, Braddock and G. Mason.

Hutt News, 31 Aug 1932
TAITA CLUB TENNIS . The annual meeting of the club was held recently when Mr D. McArthur presided over a good attendance of members. The officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:- Patron, Mr J. C. Mabey; President, Mr A. Gadsby; Vice-presidents, Mr W. H. Field, M.P., Messrs C. Gustofson, W. Hackson, J. Staples, A. H. Symonds; Hon secretary and treasurer, Mr A. R. Tilbury; committee: Misses M. Burgess, R. Dyer, V. Dyer, M. McArthur. Messrs G. Adams, C. Tustin, W. Walters .. In order to encourage tennis in the Taita district it ws decided to give free membership to six boys and six girls from the Taita school for certain hours during the day (more at link)

Evening Post, 19 Dec 1932
The following pupils of the Taita School gained proficiency certificates:- Ashley August, John Barnes, George Mason, John Reilly, Thelma Balls, Lucy Hewer, Betty Walters. Competency: Francis Taylor.

Evening Post, 20 Dec 1933
Taita School Committee Sports Fund. RAFFLE RESULTS
1st Prize - No 403, Miss Edith Lerwill, c/o Lerwill, Rata Road, Taita
2nd Prize - No 196, Mrs Goldfinch, 34 Montague Street, Lower Hutt

Evening Post, 1 Aug 1934
Big improvements have been effected in the Taita School grounds by the efforts of relief workers. A gully ten feet deep that used to be a creek and flooded when there were heavy rains, has been filled in, the job being finished a few months ago after nine months work. The relief workers are at present engaged in making a Rugby ground at the rear of the school. The present Rugby field is an undulating paddock, but the new ground should be an excellent one in every respect/ A row of macrocarpa trees will have to be removed and the ground should be ready for playing purposes by nest winter. Hedges have been planted all round the school grounds and presently these will provide excellent shelter.

Hutt News, 21 Nov 1934
A former pupil of Taita School, Miss Eva Parkinson, is visiting Melbourne gaining knowledge concerning flying at the Victoria Aero Club's headquarters at Essendon. She is also studying gliding and was hoping to confer with the German airwoman, Fraulein Thea Rasche, on this subject before returning to her home at Waitotara, near Wanganui. Miss Parkinson is a member of the Western Federated North island Flying Club with 100 hours solo flying to her credit. She is the possessor of an endorsed A class pilot's ticket entitling her to carry passengers, She was born at Napier and for time, while staying with her aunt in Park Avenue, Lower Hutt, attended Taita School. Miss Parkinson has been made a member of the Victorian Aero Club for the duration of her visit to Melbourne.

Evening Post, 5 May 1936
The attendance at the meeting of householders at the Taita School was small. A resolution was passed asking the Minister of Health to withdraw the charge of £30 per nurse levied on the dental clinic committees.