Case 15
- Long Distance Walker: School Visits
Notebook used by A.H. Reed during his North Cape to Bluff walk, open at entry dated 6 November 1960.
The Reed Archive includes numerous small notebooks which Reed carried on his walking expeditions. These well-thumbed relics of his time on the road contain scribbles in his own distinctive hand, but also names and addresses, and sometimes thoughtful entries, are recorded in the hands of those he met.
Reed visited 211 schools during his north to south walk. The displayed notebook contains a passage written by a teacher at St Stephen’s School, Bombay. Surprise at the veteran walker’s mental alacrity and personable nature are a recurrent theme.
Notebook used by A.H. Reed during his North Cape to Bluff walk, open at entry dated 6 November 1960.
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Photograph of children running towards A.H. Reed at an unidentified North Island school, 1962. Photograph by Tudor Collins.
Part of Reed’s walking routine was to visit schools along the way. He would have some fun with the children but also imparted a serious message, typically with such themes as honesty, kindness, thankfulness, or cleanliness of mind and body. After speaking, Reed would be bombarded with questions about his walks, and teachers sometimes utilised his visit to inspire a school project.
Many people who met Reed in their youth recall his practice of taking a photograph outside with the school children racing towards the camera.
Photograph of children running towards A.H. Reed at an unidentified North Island school, 1962. Photograph by Tudor Collins.
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Letter, Linda Murray, Redan School, Wyndham, Southland to A.H. Reed, 18 July 1961.
