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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DURING Education Week, 1922, Mr Farmer was well received as was the singing of the pupils of Tanja School.
With Mr Nicholson of the Wapengo School, he organised several picnic sports on Mr Taylor's property.
Mr Mutch, Minister for Education, advised that direction had been given for the erection of a new school building by Departmental day labour as white ants were very bad in the old school building.
On January 7, 1926, the public school building was completed, costing 447 pounds.
It was situated south-east of the previous school. Four large desks, four smaller desks and forms and 14 standards were supplied.
Tennis courts were built at the Wapengo School by the children. Mr Lance Evans, with Mr Joe Sercombe’s consent, built a court across the road from the Tanja School.
Mr Chas F Miller, who came in July 1926, was the first teacher to have a car. Previous teachers had driven a horse and were restricted in their movements.
Approval was given for the installation of a wireless in the school thus beginning the electrical era.
The P and C started in 1929. A Christmas tree was held each year, with annual picnics at the beach, cracker nights and inter-school meetings.
Mr Miller, with Alby Warren's one-ton truck, Green Wonder, took Tanja children to Bega to the first PSAAA Sports.
Mr Joe Sercombe also ran his lorry to Bega on Friday night for late night shopping and cold sweet treats. Refrigerators at that time were not seen in the country.
After Wapengo School closed at about 1926, some families had correspondence lessons. Some came on the cream lorry to Tanja and walked home.
By July 1929 the salary of a teacher was 370 pounds ten shillings and the rental of his residence was 39 pounds.
In 1930 Mr Miller was asked by the Department why the Tanja School had not attended the PSAAA sports. No doubt due to the severe depression at the time.
In 1931 Mr Miller's son died of diphtheria and in January, 1937, Mr Miller left Tanja, having suffered much sickness during that time.