Panguru

When in Panguru for the farewell to the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart my mind kept going back to certain events of interest. The Sisters arrived in 1918 but because of the “Great Flu” the school was used as a hospital. The school was attached to the Convent but there was no power, telephone or flush toilets. Water was dependant on rain. We were dependant on a wonderful Aga stove for hot water.

In 1950, because a spring was discovered at the bottom of a hill the School and Convent were shifted to a different location – on another hill which meant we had flush toilets not only for the School but also in the Convent which was situated away from the School. There were over 200 children on the school roll and 6-7 sisters in community. People had big gardens and we were well looked after. At a wedding the top tier of the cake was always for the priests and sisters. During the shifting to the new location Whina Cooper and family went to live in an old cow shed while we lived in her house. On Sundays we were packed into the Panguru Church like sardines.

It was lovely to meet up with lots of past pupils who are now grandparents and taking their places on the Marae as speakers, callers, cooks, Maori Wardens and and other various activities. I couldn’t help thinking of the Festival of Faith held in Panguru in 1978. It was a wonderful display of faith under trying circumstances as terrible rain the night before destroyed marquees, tents, etc. But the people just carried on with plenty of laughter as well as hardships.

The handing over of Louise and Christina to Sister Ann by past pupils I found very touching and heart-breaking. As is Maori custom Louise was accompanied to Hamilton by the parish priest and people. There were more speeches, songs and tears as they said their good byes and returned to Panguru, arriving home at 11 30 p.m.

Fidelis Walter