Peter James JohnsPrint Page

The garden commemorates Peter James Johns who died in 1933. The garden was opened in 1932 and the garden & archway were dedicated in 1933 in memory of Mr Johns who was a member of the Moonta Mines School Committee. 

Mr Peter James Johns died at his home, East Moonta, on October 28. He was the eldest son of Mrs. J. D. Shields and the late Mr. Peter Johns, and was born at East Moonta on January 16, 1886. For some years he was a miner, and later took part in road contracting. A few months before his illness he again worked as a miner at Moonta Mines. About 11 years ago he evinced an interest in floriculture. With Mr. P. Maddern he became the biggest exhibitor in this section at the Peninsula shows, and won hundreds of prizes. Mr. Johns was a member of the Moonta Mines school committee, and the gardens at the school are mainly due to his untiring interest and ability, and will remain as a monument to his memory. He was also a member of the Moonta A.H. and F. Society. There are left a widow, three sons (Keith, Melville, and Leighton), and three daughters (Ruth, Betty, and Shirley), all of East Moonta. His mother (Mrs. J. D. Shields) also survives. Mr. Jim Shields is a step brother and Mrs. J. Willis a stepsister.
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), 9 November 1933

At the Moonta Mines public school, the school flower garden, (to which an arbor had been added by the head teacher, staff and scholars of the school), was dedicated, and the inscribed archway, in honor of the late Mr Peter Johns was unveiled. The head teacher (Mr J. S. Lord) welcomed all those present, including Mr. R. S. Richards. M.P., the Mayor, of Moonta (Mr R. C. Kitto), the school committee, representatives of the Moonta A. H. and F. Society, and the manager of the mines (Mr S. Richards). Representatives of the committees with which Mr Johns had been associated, spoke words of appreciation of his sterling qualities, as follows:—J. S. Lord (head teacher), T. Perry (chairman of the school committee), R. C. Kitto (Mayor), G. E. Page, and L. Bennett (president and secretary respectively of the Show Society), S. Richards, Rev. T. Offler, and others.  Mr R. S.. Richards, who had opened the garden in 1932, unveiled the arch, and dedicated it on this occasion. A. minute's silence was observed, and the children sang, as a benediction "Abide With Me." Mr Frank Spry, on behalf of Mrs Johns and family, expressed thanks for the honor conferred on their late husband and father. A message of sympathy was received from the Director of Education (Mr W. Adey).
Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA ), 18 November 1933.

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