Page 241 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

264.

MU L B R I NG S C H0 0 L

Libby of Abbott Street West Maitland, for his construction of an additional
bedroom to the Mulbring schoolteacher's residence.

Miss M. Kent, on 9th March 1900, commenced a private school at her
residence at Mulbring. Miss Kent had previously been a pupil-teacher with
the Department of Public Instruction and was receiving 10/- ($1.00) a week
Superannuation payment. Her school operated on three (3) days a week -
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. She had eight (8) pupils - four (4) children
of Henry Hector, two (2) children of James Bromage and two (2) children of
George Latter. When Teacher Fredrick Bates advised his Department of the
opening of the private school, he was directed to ignore it because the
Department considered it would not last. The Department's estimation was
correct because the private school closed in September 1900.

An outbreak of 'measles' in the Mulbring area closed the school from
1st September 1902 to 3rd October 1902.

Teacher James Benton, on 10th February 1903, drew the Department's
attention to the poor condition of the teacher's residence. In his letter,
Mr. Benton said the residence was of four (4) rooms and a detached kitchen
and it had not been painted in the previous twenty (20) years. Inspector
H. McClelland made an examination and recommended the residence should be
painted. He estimated the cost at £75.0.0. ($150.00). When tenders were
called, George W. Hill of Morpeth, was the successful contractor with a quote
of £125.0.0. ($250.00). The painting was completed on 30th November 1903.
Meantime, on 12th October 1903, teacher James Benton wrote to Inspector
H. McClelland, pointing out that during rain, his household got wet when going
from the kitch~n to the dining roo~; and further, that this was not covered
in the work in progress. Mr. J. Benton suggested the problem could be
rectified by closing in the verandah.

Again, Inspector McClelland s upported the teacher with a favourable
recommendation. The Department of ?ublic Instruction engage d Mr. Joseph
Robertson of Devonshire Street, West Maitland, for his quote of £96.0.0.
($192.00).