Spring Grove School

Spring Grove School and the TeeTotal Goats

In 1845, when Brightwater was still part of Spring Grove, there were a growing number of pākehā families settling on Section 34, or the ‘TeeTotal’ section as it was known. One of these settlers was William Andrews. He owned about 18 goats that he put to use on his farm in the same way other pākehā settlers used oxen or horses. The goats were harnessed as a team for pulling plows, dragging up flax stumps, carrying loads, and other heavy farm work.¹

The third Spring Grove School building, 1929. Waimea South Collection on Tasman Heritage.

Spring Grove School group, early 1900s. Waimea South Collection.

In May 1845 an unused school building in Bridge Street, Nelson, was given to the Nelson School Society. The decision was made to use it to open a school for the Waimea South children. Matthew Campbell on behalf of the Nelson School Society asked Mr Andrews to use his team of goats to transport the building almost 14 miles from Nelson to Spring Grove for a new school. The building was taken down, pulled by the team of goats to Main Street South (now Lord Rutherford Road) and rebuilt by volunteers and donated materials. At that time there were about 100 children living in the area, but no schools.^2,3

On the 18th of May 1845 Spring Grove School officially opened with 60 pupils, but only as a Sunday school to start with. Subjects taught included scripture, arithmetic and history.⁴

Story from the Brightwater Heritage Boards 2020

Updated August 16, 2022.

Story by: Tasman Libraries

Brightwater Education