THE Bega Pioneers' Museum has countless files on people and places. This history was researched and written by Robert Russell on the occasion of the Tanja Public School Centenary in 1978.
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IN APRIL, 1896, Mr George Pickering was removed as teacher because of some trouble with the parents. Mr D Johnston followed and he was very energetic in assisting the church at Tanja.
A wonderful occasion in Mr Johnston's time was the celebration held in Bega in honour of Queen Victoria's reign. In June 1897, everyone from the school got up early and set off in wagonettes, sulkies and buggies.
As the horses were getting thirsty the party went across Tarraganda crossing so they could have a drink. Tarraganda Bridge was almost finished and the group could not believe their eyes as the bridge was so large and of a beautiful design with all its trusses.
About 1000 children were entertained at the monster picnic. The procession from the town to the showground was headed by the Pambula and Candelo bands.
Thirty pupils came from Tanja School took part along with other schools: Bega Public (400), Brogo (15), North Bournda (22), Bega Grammar (8), New Town High (30), Bega Convent (200), Jellat Jellat (40), Stoney Creek (15), Merimbula (10), Coopers Glen (20), Springvale (40), Toothdale (15), Angledale ( 30), Mumbulla (15), Tarraganda (40), Greigs Flat (12), Meringo (20) and Bega Ladies' College (20).
It was estimated there were about 4000 people at the showground. Never had such a spectacular scene been witnesses before in the district.
The journey home to Tanja was slow as the horses were tired. After travelling along Tarraganda Lane, the party took them up the ridge which took them up the range to the top of Dr George Mountain.
As it was steep in places, they got out and walked to help the horses with their load. It was not until 1906 that travellers enjoyed the new deviation on a better grade past Mountain View.
About this time a cooking stove cost four pounds. One of these replaced the colonial oven at the school residence.
Mr Johnston left Tanja in March, 1900, and was replaced by Mr McIlveen, a keen cricketer. Mrs McIllveen was sewing mistress. Mr Mcillveen left in 1904 followed for a short time by Mr Chas Kable fromm Meringlo.
Mr Byron came in 1904. By October 1905 diptheria and whooping cough were causing much anxiety. There were no deaths in Tanja, as there were in other centres.
In January, 1906, extensions in the school room were carried out by Mr C Lassen, costing 96 pounds and 15 shillings. The room was lengthened by 10 feet with a six foot porch.