A special tree

A plaque has been unveiled to record the history of a large oak tree in the Kahutara school grounds. The tree has grown from an acorn planted by two pupils in 1938. The boys Cliff Lea and —– Hood stared at the school in 1932 and had been close friends, a friendship which lasted all of their lives.

The plaque unveiling was attended by —- son Mervyn and daughter Irma and Cliff’s daughter Juliette. Current pupils Luke Donald and Charlie Bargh assisted Mervyn with the unveiling.

Mervyn described how the original school stood in a paddock without any shade as provided by the trees which are a now a feature of the grounds.

The impressive totara by the entrance gate also has an interesting history. It was planted by Claude Carter who was the owner driver of the school bus which brought the pupils to school in the 1930s.

Photo caption: Luke and Charlie assist Mervyn to unveil the plaque.