Merriton State School Classroom, adjacent teacher's residence: operated 1880 to 1971. South Australia

*John Taylor was appointed head teacher at Merriton. Ref: Adelaide Observer (SA) Saturday 10 January 1880 p29

 

*November 3

Our public school was examined on Thursday last by the inspector, who reported it to be in a very satisfactory state. Ref: South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide SA) Monday 8 November 1880.

 

*November 28

A Jubilee treat was given to the school children on Thursday last.

The children assembled at the school at 11 am, and after being each provided with a flag, were driven in the wagons of Messrs J Davidson, W Williams and J Watson to the scene of the sports, a paddock of Mr Davidson’s, on the banks of the Broughton.

Soon after their arrival tarpaulins were spread in the shade of some trees and dinner was served first to the children and the to their elders. It may be here remarked that the catering was highly creditable to the ladies as there was both abundance and variety of choice food. Also Mr Davidson had very kindly sent a good supply of oranges whilst lollies, nuts, &c had been supplied by others.

The afternoon was then spent in races and other sports for both boys and girls, for whose enjoyment the adult males worked vigorously. The day being very hot many of the youths and boys indulged in a swim in the river. After, tea had been served and the remainder of the sports concluded, the boys gave three cheers for their entertainers and a start was made for the schoolroom.

When all were seated the chair was taken by Mr W H Binney, a member of the Board of Advice who gave a short address to the children on the celebration of the Queen's Jubilee.

This was followed by a number of songs and recitations by the children.

During the evening one hundred medals, kindly presented by Mr John Miller, were distributed amongst past and present scholars. The presentation was made by Mrs Binney on behalf of Mrs Miller, who had unfortunately been summoned from the picnic by the news of the death of her. father. After the presentation "God Save the Queen" was sung, and later on the proceedings were concluded with the 'Song of Australia' by Mrs Taylor. Ref: Areas' Express (Booyoolee SA) Friday 2 December 1887.

 

*E White appointed head teacher Merriton. Ref: Evening Journal (Adelaide SA) Thursday 8 June 1893.

 

*Merriton May 26

A largely-attended social was held in the Merriton schoolroom last night to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs Taylor and family, who are leaving this district for Hallett. Mr Binney occupied the chair and spoke in most eulogistic terms concerning Mr Taylor, who has been a schoolmaster here for the past 13 years. Several others also expressed their sorrow at the departure of Mr Taylor and his family. Ref: South Australian Chronicle (Adelaide SA) Saturday 10 June 1893.

 

*Thomas Helier Sarre Nicolle appointed head teacher Merriton. Ref: The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide SA) Adelsa Thursday 10 August 1893.

 

*MERRITON July 17

Last Friday was set apart for Arbor Day, but, owing to the rain tree-planting had to be postponed until fine weather. However the afternoon was beautifully bright and fine, enabling the school children, their parents and friends to proceed to the school paddock, where sports and games were enjoyed. Three thoughtful young ladies added much to the pleasant afternoon by liberally serving fruit and sweets to all from the large baskets they carried. At 4 o'clock an excellent dinner was provided for by the parents and friends.

For the evening no programme had been prepared, but Mr W H Binney took the chair, and the school children and several local friends rendered songs and recitations. The children's singing especially was much appreciated, and their teachers, Mr McSweeny and Miss Helen McSweeny, worked cheerfully to make an enjoyable evening. Ref: Adelaide Observer (SA) Saturday 28 July 1900.

 

*Even the boys at the school have taken

advantage of the recent rains and have sown their agronomy plots with a large variety of wheats, some of which are already making their appearance through the ground. Ref: Adelaide Observer (SA) Saturday 9 May 1903.

 

*November 4

Inspector Maughan conducted the annual examination at Clement’s Gap School on Thursday and at Merriton today.

A large proportion of passes were secured at both schools, and the inspector expressed himself as highly gratified. Ref: The Register (Adelaide SA) Monday 7 November 1904.

 

*May 26

Empire Day was celebrated by the local school, joining in with Redhill and some other schools, in a massed function held at Redhill. The weather conditions militated against a large attendance, but as the day wore on matters improved, and those who did turn out to do honour to the occasion were rewarded by a most profitable and enjoyable outing. Ref: Observer (Adelaide SA) Saturday 3 June 1905.

 

*October 28

On Thursday Inspector Maughan examined the Clement's Gap School, and Inspector McBride visited the Merriton School for the same purpose. Both schools acquitted themselves well.

Inspector McBride was especially pleased with the singing and drill of the latter school, where nearly all the children were promoted. Register (Adelaide SA) Tuesday 31 October 1905.

 

* MERRITON November 3

The annual picnic in aid of the Clement's Gap Institute was held in the Wood Reserve. There was a large muster of the children of Clement's Gap and Merriton school children and their friends. After an excellent luncheon an extensive programme of sports was carried out. After tea a concert was held in the institute. The building was crowded, and fully proved the necessity of the proposed scheme of enlarging the hall.

All the numbers were well received and vociferously cheered.

Miss Jeffry and Mr Billinghurst, the teachers of the two schools, were heartily thanked and complimented for training the children. Supper and dancing followed. Ref: Register (Adelaide SA) Wednesday 7 November 1906.

 

*School Concert at Merriton

A grand concert and dance was held in the Merriton hall on Thursday evening, October 4, in aid of the school funds, a fine musical programme being rendered by the teacher and scholars. Grades I— IV, contributed four items, which were greatly enjoyed.

Jean Inglis had success with her recitations; Lindsay Inglis merited applause for both singing and reciting: Willie Inglis, Glen Crouch; Hita Gritawood, Alex, Eddie, Jim and Willie Liddle each recited in a manner worthy of commendation. Mrs Leahy supplied the necessary music for the concert. From the opening chorus to the final curtain there was not a dull moment, and the scholars deserve highest praise for their splendid effort. Mr A J Leahy (head teacher) gave an exhibition of ventriloquism with his doll 'Archie,' and received a great ovation.

Dancing was indulged in for the remainder of the evening, and a supper was provided by the ladies committee. Mr A J Leahy, the teacher in charge, desires to thank all who assisted to make the concert the great success it was. Ref: Laura Standard and Crystal Brook Courier (SA) Friday 12 October 1928.

 

*“Back to School” at Merriton

Approximately 300 gathered at Merriton on 22nd March, 1941, to take part in the “Back to School”celebrations.

At the dinner the visitors were welcomed back by Mr Max Crouch (president, Mr Peter Sinclair (invitation committee), Miss Shirley Marshall (a present scholar).

Old scholars who spoke in response were Mr Jim Davidson, Mr Syd Wilkin, Mrs Mathews (nee Margaret Davidson) and Mrs Tilbrook (nee Phyllis Billinghurst).

All expressed their appreciation of the excellent meal provided and their pleasure at once again meeting their old schoolmates.

 

In the afternoon 126 old scholars answered their names when the roll was called by Mr A J Leahy (former teacher).

The District Inspector Mr M Gerlach inspected the school, but experienced some difficulty in securing good answers and maintaining order among the scholars. | Oldest of the Old Scholars were Mr Richard Dennis, Mr Ted Kiely. Mrs G Vanstone (nee Binney) and Mr Albert Vanstone.

Sports were held after school, bowling at the stump was won by Mr Ted Sinclair and Mr R Crouch won the kick of the football.

 

A large crowd partook of| the tea and still a larger crowd was present at the dance.

Total takings for the day including donations from old scholars absent were £41/7/3. Proceeds were in aid of School and Patriotic Funds.

Visitors and old scholars came from Adelaide, Kadina, Jamestown, Mundoora, Owen, Blyth, Undalya, Crystal Brook, Warooka, Lake View, Wandearah, Koolunga, Red Hill, Lameroo, Georgetown, McKay (Queensland), Gulnare, Snowtown, Port Pirie, Yorketown, Clement's Gap, and Whyalla.

An interesting feature was the reunion of the Davidson family, who were all together for the first time for 31 years. Ref: Laura Standard and Crystal Brook Courier (SA) Friday 4 April 1941.

 

 

 

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