Mystery of war memorial gates confounds Kohukohu researcher

A picture tells a thousand words - at least that's what Stuart Park of the NZ Historic Places Trust is hoping.
The trust's Northland manager is on the hunt for historic photos of the war memorial gates at the original Kohukohu School, as part of research he is undertaking.
"I've looked into the history of the former Kohukohu School, though to my surprise I haven't found a single photo showing the memorial gates at the old school - despite sifting through lots of pictures," Mr Park said.
"As if that wasn't odd enough, there's also no reference to the gates in any of the published histories of Kohukohu, nor in the Education Board archives, nor even any accounts of the opening or dedication of the war memorial gates. In fact I can't even find any reference to fundraising for the gates after the war, or relocation of the gates to the new school in the 1970s."
The apparent absence of information or photos of the gates in their original position has left Mr Park scratching his head, but determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.
"I have good reason to believe that these gates originally stood at the entrance to the old Kohukohu School in Yarborough St. The marks of pipes in the gates match the pipes in the fence still at the school, and the concrete bases in the old school gateway also match the bottoms of the pillars at the new school where they now stand.
"Even so, I'm thinking there must be at least one photo or some anecdotal evidence out there that proves that theory correct."
Mr Park is appealing to anybody who might have photos or memories of their school days confirming that the gates once stood at the entrance of the old school, and whether they know of any ceremony or dedication that might have taken place in connection with the historic gates.
"The memorial gates record the names of 18 pupils of Kohukohu School who died in World War  I, and it's important that that sacrifice is commemorated," Mr Park said.
"I think it's also important that the story of the gates themselves should be recorded and remembered."

 If you can shed any light on the  memorial gates, email Mr Park on spark@historic.org.nz or write to Stuart Park, NZ Historic Places Trust, Northland office, PO Box 836, Kerikeri 0245.