Reefton School of Mines facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reefton School of Mines |
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| Address | |
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22 Shiel Street
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| Coordinates | 42°07′08″S 171°52′07″E / 42.1189371715°S 171.868563678°E |
| Information | |
| Opened | 1887 |
| Closed | 1970 |
The Reefton School of Mines was a special school in Reefton, New Zealand. It operated from 1887 to 1970. This school was one of many set up during the gold rush in the 1800s. Its main goal was to teach people the science behind mining. Just like the Thames School of Mines, the Reefton School of Mines building is now a very important historical site. It is protected by Heritage New Zealand.
History of the School
A group called the Reefton Mining Institute started in March 1885. In the same year, Professor James Gow Black from the University of Otago began teaching classes there. The group asked the government for land to build a proper School of Mines. They were given land on Shiel Street, and the new building opened in 1887.
The school's main purpose was to teach students all about mining. This included both the ideas (theory) and how to actually do the work (practice). Students learned subjects like math, how to map land (surveying), chemistry, and how to test rocks for valuable metals (assaying).
Over the years, many different people led the school as directors.
Other similar mining schools were also set up in places like Coromandel, Waikato, the West Coast, Nelson, and Otago.
The Reefton School of Mines closed its doors in 1970. This happened when its last director, Jim Bolitho, retired. After the school closed, the building was used by the St John's Ambulance service from 1972 to 1989. In 1989, the Reefton School of Mines Historic Reserve was created to protect the building.
What the Building Is Now
Since 1990, the Reefton School of Mines building has been officially recognized by Heritage New Zealand. It is listed as a Category I structure, which means it's a place of great historical importance.
