Birth registered by a school teacher

Question

Lavinia West's birth (1869, New Zealand) was registered, not by her parents, but by a nearby school teacher. (See attachment to profile given below.) Lavinia's parents were not married, and her mother had abandoned her husband the previous year. It seems they were in hiding. My guess is that the community (small and very isolated) became aware of the baby, and because the parents were reluctant to register Lavinia's birth, it was left to a person of standing, in this case a teacher, to do the right thing. Would there be some other reason for a teacher to take this action?

Answer 1

The child would not be eligible for any assistance like free milk or school enrolment, vaccinations etc., unless registered and therefore an acknowledged resident. Teacher might have thought it better to be a ‘bastard’ with rights than a non-entity.

Comments

Yes indeed. I'm about to find out how long the family stayed out on Banks Peninsula and see if she was schooled there. Thank you!

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Wrong record - removed

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Thanks Marion. Was about to say the same. 

Answer 2

I wonder if it were just practical. The Wests were at Little Akaloa, the teacher was at Okains Bay and perhaps he offered to do it when he went to Akaroa perhaps when school finished for the year? There is nothing on the birth certificate to suggest the parents weren’t married so maybe he didn’t know that. (I see James was Lavinia’s half-brother.)

Comments

Could be that the teacher didn't know. Good point. Thanks.