Page 232 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

255.

MU L B R I NG S C H 0 0 L

On 13th December 1851, John H. Oakes, who had previously made appli-
cation to be supplied with certain school materials complained by letter to
the Department that he had only received three (3) grammar books, although he
had ordered twelve (12) and had forwarded £1.9.0. Sterling ($2.90). On 29th
December 1851, Teacher J.H. Oakes reported to his superiors that his school
enrolment at that date was 58 pupils. Their family religions were:-

26 Wesleyan Methodist
22 Church of England

6 Presbyterian
4 Roman Catholic

On 25th March 1853, Mr. Oakes made application to the National Board
of Education for an additional room to be added to his small two (2) roomed
residence (a kitchen and a bedroo~). He advised the Department that he was
obliged to keep his flour, beef and other provisions in the bedroom because
of the smallness of the kitchen. The records do not reveal whether the teacher
was successful in his application.

Teacher Oakes, on 26th March 1853, requested the supply of school
materials from his superior. This request included:-

12 First Book of Lessons
12 Second Book of Lessons
12 Third Book of Lessons

4 Fourth Book of Lessons
12 English Grammar Books

1 Map of the World.

In July 1854, Sugarloaf school had a total of forty six (46) childre~
on the Roll. These pupils had a daily ave~1ge attendance of sixteen (161 boy s
and sixteen (161 girls. Unfortunately, in July 1854, John Oakes tendered his
resignation and the school was forced to close for lack of a teacher. Mr.
Oakes resigned his position as a school teacher because he had purchased the
allotment next to the school and had decided to open a store there.