The Queen and Pukerua Bay

In the past Head Teachers of schools were required to keep a log of important occurrences. Miss Nora Frizzell, Head Teacher of Pukerua Bay School from 1952 to 1959, documented the events around the death of King George VI, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Visit of 1953-54 and the visit of the Queen Mother in 1958.

Extracts from the Pukerua Bay School Log Book:

Feb 7th 1952 (Thursday) “There was reported over the air this morning the death of His Majesty King George VI. Miss Cornwall and I attended school and in the absence of a flag-pole proper, lowered the flag to half-mast on a tall post on an eminence in the play-ground. Following broadcast advice, no children came to school.”

Feb 8th “An attempt was made to listen to the broadcast made by the Prime Minister of Gt Britain, the Rt Hon. Winston Churchill. Reception was so poor that listening was unprofitable.”

Feb 11th “The children of Senior Room listened to Radio Broadcast of Proclamation of Elizabeth II as Queen. Fifteen children who went to Thorndon Baths in charge of Miss Cornwall also listened to the Proclamation from Parliament House.”

On 25 May 1953 Miss Frizzell wrote, “New term commenced. Received parcel, evidently Coronation Gifts & Pamphlets which must not be opened before 29th.” On the 28th the School Committee erected a flagpole then on the 29th. “At 2.30pm a ceremony to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was held. “God Defend N.Z.” was sung by the school. Keith Hutton recited a Declaration of Loyalty.”

All stood in silence while the flag was broken at the new masthead. The gathering was addressed by Mr Bilton, a retired school-master, who pointed out to the boys and girls their duties as citizens of the Queen in this favoured land. As the oak and birch trees ordered had not come to hand, a substitute was planted by Mrs Moreton, wife of the School Committee chairman. Five senior children will represent the school at the Coronation Service in Wellington on Tuesday next, June 2nd, a public holiday.”

On 1 and 2 June 1953 (Monday and Tuesday) there were holidays to celebrate the birthday and coronation of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II. On 3 June Miss Frizzell wrote, “Teachers and many children weary today after all night session listening to Coronation Ceremony from Westminster Abbey. Coronation and Hillary’s conquest of Everest the only topics of conversation today.”

January 9th 1954 (Saturday). “Today Her Majesty the Queen passed through Pukerua Bay on her way from Paraparaumu Airport to Wellington. The school-children and teachers assembled at the school at 4pm before proceeding to take up their position on the Main Road adjacent to the school. Fifty-one children holidaying in the Bay applied for and were given permission to assemble with our children. Flags (Union Jacks) were provided for the children by the Hutt County. The children were in a favourable position, but unfortunately the car was closed and proceeding faster than had been anticipated. Doubtless many children will have a further opportunity of seeing their Queen in Wellington.

After Her Majesty had passed all children were entertained at tea in the R.S.A. Hall by the Home and School Association.”

Thursday 6th February 1958 “Closed tomorrow, Friday in honour of Her Majesty the Queen Mother.”

Monday 10th February 1958 “We took up a position on roadside beside the school at 11am. Children were delighted when Queen Elizabeth’s car slowed as it passed us.”