History – Overcoming opposition

Successive bishops and priests of Puhoi parish attempted to establish a convent school. They were met with resistance, probably because in Bohemia, the Chotieschau Convent had been the feudal overlord of the region where Puhoi residents once lived. This meant that for centuries there had been little choice but to work for the convent and support the nuns there. The chance to own their own land was the main incentive to emigrate to New Zealand.

In August 1922, the Puhoi parish priest, Father D.V. Silk, called a meeting of all parishioners from Maungaturoto to Silverdale and invited Bishop Liston to be present. At least 80 per cent of those who attended initially opposed the building of a convent school. Father Silk spoke eloquently of the duty of Catholic parents to provide an education for their children, where they would be trained to hold any position in this country, and at the same time trained to keep their faith and live up to the teachings of the Church.

He challenged them to build a convent school for the celebration of the settlement’s Diamond Jubilee on June 29, 1923 – as a perpetual monument to the faith handed down to them by the founders of the settlement. He assured them that they could afford to undertake this task and that he would visit every parishioner and accept donations, however great or small. Building materials, all native timber, would be sourced within the parish. Erection of the building would be by local contractors. He hoped every penny spent on the building would be earned by the men of the district.

By the end of the meeting, the parishioners were 100 per cent in favour. Mr Mahoney was approved as the architect and plans and specifications were drawn up. Charlie Becher was engaged as the builder with local men as his labour. The secretary of the building committee, inspector of works and advisor was William Schollum. Father Silk and William Schollum’s visitation raised the £2000 estimated to complete the project.

At the beginning of the 1923 school year, the convent school with its necessary outbuildings was ready to receive 73 pupils. The motto ‘Gratia et Veritas’ – grace and truth was added to the white-painted exterior; the corrugated iron roof painted the usual red. Sisters of the Order of St Joseph, Cletus and Pelagia, were engaged as teachers, along with music teacher and junior mistress Sister Kevin. The sisters were brought from Auckland by Charlie Straka. A large villa was soon built for their home.

A high level of education was provided, regular concerts were presented in the village hall and sports visits arranged with other schools. But by 1964 the numbers of children attending had fallen to a low level and the decision was made to close. The school building continues to serve the community, being the home of Puhoi Playgroup. It’s also where, on a short-term basis, the Puhoi Heritage Museum preserves and displays artefacts to help many visitors appreciate the history of the area.

Jenny Schollum, Puhoi Historical Society
www.puhoihistoricalsociety.org.nz

Puhoi celebrates 156th anniversary

Puhoi will celebrate the 156th anniversary of  the arrival of settlers from Bohemia on Saturday, June 29.

A lunch is being organised in the Puhoi Hall for descendants and their families.

Anyone who has connections to Puhoi is most welcome.

After lunch, it is traditional to head to the Puhoi Pub for more celebrations and catch-up time. In the evening, there is a dance in the hall featuring Roger and the Ramjets.

Tickets are $20. Bring a plate for supper.

On Sunday, June 30, there will be a mass at Puhoi church at 11am followed by shared lunch in the hall with traditional dancing and music.

Puhoi Heritage Museum will be open throughout the weekend.

Info: Phone 422 0852 or email puhoibohemianmuseum@gmail.com