Whakarongo, New Zealand
A Time of Transition: Acknowledgements
(Acknowledgement section from 'A Time of Transition')
Since
this book was first proposed in 1996, the word ‘transition’ has applied to
more than just its title. Originally it was to confine itself fairly strictly to
the years’ 1977-1997. However, it was clear that with so many new people in
the district and associated with the school, combined with the fact that From
Stoney Creek to Whakarongo was no longer available, the book, like Topsy,
‘growed’ somewhat. I would like therefore to acknowledge the following for
their contributions:
*
For their tolerance, the long-suffering members of the 120th Jubilee
Committee, without whom this book may have taken a year or two longer to
research, write, proof-read, and get around to finishing.
*
For their willingness to drop whatever important things they were doing,
to assist me, Kevin & Kathryn Payne (Principal & Secretary, Whakarongo
School); Ian Matheson & Barbara Olsen (Palmerston North City Archives), and
the great range of people many of whom are personally acknowledged elsewhere,
who once lived at Whakarongo, or who once knew someone who lived at Whakarongo,
or who once heard of Whakarongo, or who had no idea until contacted in relation
to this book that Whakarongo even existed, but who proved to have some vital
snippet of information, without which this book may never have been written.
*
For their comments, without which I would be totally oblivious to the way
books should be laid-out and printed, the long-suffering staff of Stylex.
*
For their various efforts (like being the only kid to play up during the
taking of the Jubilee photos!), my children, Tanya and Kieran, without whom my
contact with the school might have been lost decades ago.
*
For struggling through miles of mud and dirt from Roberts Line to attend
Stoney Creek School in 1888 (as her older brothers and sisters had previously
done under their birthname of Christensen), thereby adding an extra incentive to
explore the school records, my grandmother, Lydia Nicoline Burr (1880-1952), née
Dahlstrom (by adoption), formerly Christensen.
*
For her constant readiness to share information gained by personal
experience in the district or in the course of her own research, Vera McLennan-Boman,
my Aunt. Vera unfortunately died in the last days of this book’s preparation,
after a long illness that saw her daughter, Rosemary, attend the 120th Reunion
in her place.
In most cases, especially where extensive coverage is included, the
information donors have proofread their contribution. Naturally though, while
expecting readers to familiarise themselves with the phrase ‘there but for the
grace of God go I’, I accept responsibility for and apologise for any errors
that remain in this book.
- Val Burr, Kelvin Grove. June 1999.
Last Updated: 23/7/2001