Page 144 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

151.

E L LAL 0 NG S C H 0 0 L

2. Did the National State Board of Education
Grant "Aid"?

3. Did the Local Ellalong National School Board
seek "Aid" from the State Denominational Board
of Education for the establishment of the Church
of England school at Ellalong?

On 20th July 1864, Alexander Norrie, Secretary of the Ellalong National
School Board, replied to Inspector W. Johnstons's questions, so:-

1 . The Local School Board had had a building
available from 1st May 1863. It was a slab
structure, floored with a shingle roof. This
could accommodate fifty (50) pupils.

2. State National Board of Education had granted
"Aid".

3. The Local Ellalong School Board did not apply
to the State Denominational Board for "Aid" for
the Ellalong Denominational Church of England School.

On the resignation of teacher James Craig, William Moses of
Sydney was advised of his transfer to the Ellalong National School. He
accepted and wrote to the Secretary of Ellalong National School Board,
seeking information as to whether a local Ellalong dray would be available
at Morpeth to pick up and transport his furniture. Before arrangements
were finalised, William Moses declined his Ellalong appointment because
of the local opposition and friction towards the National School and the
opening of a Church of England Denominational School.

On 14th June 1864, Mr. Alexander Mc Arthur, who had become the
owner of the National schoolhouse, offered a bedroom and use of the . kitchen
as an 'attraction' to obtain a teacher. Inspector W. Johnston visited
Ellalong early in August 1864 and stressed the unsuitability of the Church
of England Denominational school. Many local disagreements and much
unpleasantness did not encourage the re-establishment of the Ellalong