A Walk Down Memory Lane –Masterton Central School prefects, 1953

Masterton Central School opened on 6 February 1882 in Russell Street – between Queen and Chapel Streets.

In 1884, the school changed from Masterton Central to Masterton District High School and started to accept secondary students. At the end of 1885 and with a small secondary student roll, Masterton District, reverted back to Masterton Central to a primary school.

In 1902, Masterton District High School was re-established at Masterton Central School in Russell Street.

In 1923, Wairarapa High School opened to secondary students and as a result, Masterton District High School reverted to Masterton Central School for primary students.

In 1970, ageing buildings and increasing maintenance costs saw Masterton Central School move to South Road into new, warm, spacious surroundings. In 2004

Masterton Central School prefects, 1953.

Back row left: Charles Carlson, Deirdre Cornor, John Nini, Carol Zillwood, Robert Te Whaiti. Seated: Pam Francis, Jerry Simmonson, Carol Walker, Graham Costello, Lesley Palmer.

Masterton Central School merged with Harley Street School to form today's Masterton Primary School.

The only survivor from Masterton Central School is the 130 year or more, old school bell that sits in its new bell tower at Masterton Primary in South Road.

Ref: Wairarapa Times-Age, Wairarapa Archive, NZ Herald.