Page 162 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

185.

KE ARS L EY S CH 0 0 L

allowed the children to finish their school day at 2.50 p.m. in order
that they might catch the '3.00 p.m.' miner's transport train. The train
trip saved the children about two miles walk. The School Inspector on
6th September 1928, directed that the early finish was to cease.

The teacher's residence was repainted on 8th February 1929,
by the Education Department's repair staff. The work was valued at £102.9.0.
($204.90). This works section also made improvements and renovations
on 14th October 1929. These costs were assessed at £45.19.0. ($91.90).
A request made to the Education Department by the Kearsley Progress Associ-
ation for the erection of a weathershed whilst the works staff were engaged
in the area, was declined. On 2nd September 1929, a school bell was
transferred from Spicer's Creek School, and re-erected at Kearsley School.

As in other mining areas, the 'Miners' Lockout' stirred concern
for the welfare of children. Kearsley, like other areas, organised a
'Soup-kitchen' in the winter of 1929. The Committee estimated that for
this activity it required forty-five (45) gallons of water three times
a week. Because of its humane intention in a needy area, the Education
Department approved the 'Soup-kitchen' in 1929, and again in 1930.

Mr. F.H. Jones, Secretary of Kearsley Scout Group, of Tomalpin
Street, Kearsley, on 11th September 1930, made application to use the
school for the first Kearsley Boy Scouts Troop meetings. With a youth
background to the request, the Education Department acceded.

On 27th October 1930, Kearsley School received new school desks:-

6 - No. 4 Dual Desks
24 - No. 5 Dual Desks

4 - Infants Dual Desks

An application was made on 11th September 1931, for the ~rection
of a weathershed. The school had an enrolment ~f 230 pupils. Again the
application was denied, although earlier, on 21st July 1931, Inspector Cane had
suggested the use of Wattagon Creek School building for this very purpose.