PORT WAKEFIELD: Lt. Gen. Sir Charles Norrie speaking to Tommy McGregor during a visit on Tuesday, 16th October 1945

Prior to the Education Act of 1875 schools at Port Wakefield were privately run by men and women interested in the welfare and education of the young. The first government school was built in the late 1870s with the first government inspection being carried out in 1878. At that time there were five classes from Junior to fourth class with 90 students. At this time few students stayed beyond the age of 13 years. The photograph of 1932 shows a substantial stone building with generous verandahs. The photo with Sir Charles Norrie reviewing the students reveals bland school grounds with what is possibly a toilet block in the background.

Sir Charles Norrie was appointed Governor of South Australia from December 1944 to June 1952. 'A handsome couple who liked meeting people, the Norries believed that their duty was to keep the 'Empire spirit alive'. Within two years he had visited every local government area and mining district in the State, and as many as three hundred schools, delivering up to ten speeches a day.' (ADB Online).

He also sent messages to school children through the Children's Hour published by the Education Department and distributed to schools from 1889 to 1963. In May 1950(p. 50) he wrote about a visit he would shortly be making to visit King George VI and Queen Mary and said 'I shall be telling Their Majesties about their young subjects--the boys and girls of the many schools I have visited with Lady Norrie...' and in a farewell message published in May 1952 (p. 50) on the eve of his departure as Governor of the state he wrote 'When I leave this State to take up my new appointment as Governor-General of New Zealand, Lady Norrie and I will carry with us the happiest memories of countless young friends in South Australia.'

Norrie, Willoughby, Sir, 1893-1977