Page 160 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

183.

KE ARS L E Y S CH0 0 L

(B) 29th March 1920.
Mr. R. Craig, Plumber, Cessnock.
School - £6.5.0. ($12.50)
Residence - £9.2.6. ($18.26).

However, on 9th June 1920, when the Education Department authorised the
project, due to a rise in pipe-prices and a new Water Board Regulation
Opening Fee, Mr. Craig amended his quote to:-

School - £7.10.0. ($15.00)
Residence - £11.14.6. ($23.46).

A repaint at the school and some minor repairs to the residence
were all carried out by the Education Department staff. These were valued
at £40.11.11~ ($81.20). The work was completed in July 1921.

Mr. S.A. Hauscombe, the Kearsley School Teacher, on 4th August
1921, was subpoenaed to give evidence to support the granting of an Hotel
licence at Kearsley.

Following complaints made on 24th January 1923, by the Kearsley
Progress Association on the overcrowding of pupils at the school, and
with support from the local Parliamentarians, plus a request from the
teacher, Mr. S.A. Hauscombe, for more accommodation, the Education Depart-
ment directed Inspector William James to investigate the position. On
9th March 1923, Inspector W. James submitted a report which indicated:-

"That there were 147 pupils. Although there were only two
(2) classrooms, and no weathershed, there were three (3)
teachers. One assistant teacher had one classroom for the
morning and taught his class on the verandah in the after-
noon. The other teacher taught on the verandah in the
morning and changed to the classroom in the afternoon.
Further, four visiting clergymen, each on a
different day, used the Headmaster's classroom for their
scripture lessons. The Headmaster, during such church