State School Class Photograph
Stamped on the back of this photograph is the following information: Martin's Photographs of New Zealand State Schools, twenty-fifth thousand. State School, Palmerston North. Boys: 159. Girls: 137. Head Master, Mr F E Watson. Assistant Mistress, Mrs Watson. Pupil teachers - Miss R E Relf, Miss M H Dillon, Miss E Stevens. Photographed 23rd November 1881." The 'State School' on Princess Street, was the first school in Palmerston North and the fore-runner of Central School.