On November 2, 1989, the Ministry of Education established a new school in Naulu to replace Pooran Singh Nagar Primary School which had closed as a result of a dispute.

This was revealed in The Fiji Times the next day.

This action came after talks between the then permanent secretary for Education, Hari Ram, and the founder manager of the school, Pooran Singh, had failed to resolve the dispute.

The 147 children of classes one-six were transferred to the temporary school, called Bainivalu Primary School, which was to operate on November 4 from Bainivalu Methodist church and a building next to it until the end of the year.

Mr Ram said he had inspected both buildings and was satisfied they were adequate.

“In fact, there are better facilities in some of our existing schools.”

A five-member commitment had been appointed to run the school.

It comprised the chairman, Saimone Bainivalu, the secretary, Ashok Lal, Maika Draiba, Sainivalati Tuinavitilevu and Deo Karan.

The head teacher and the other five teachers of Pooran Singh Nagar Primary School, all of whom were civil servants, were to report for duty at the new school from November 4.

“Arrangements will be made for books and other requirements to be sent to the newly-opened school tomorrow, if necessary.”

The need for a new school arose because Mr Singh, the manager of Pooran Singh Nagar Primary School, had refused to allow the head teacher, Changaiya Naid, to remain at the school for the rest of the school term.

“The parents did not want to send their children to school if the head teacher was suddenly and arbitrarily removed.”

Mr Ram said he met Mr Singh and asked him to let the head teacher remain at the school for the rest of the term in the interest of all concerned but Mr Singh refused.

Mr Ram, with 10 representatives of the Parent Teachers Association, approached Mr Bainivalu, the owner of the land where the church and building were situated, for help.