Page 242 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

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

Teacher Benton had suggested that a verandah should be added to the
schoolhouse as a practical and useful activity for his manual training class,
and on 12th August 1904, he made a request to his Department to be supplied
with timber and materials for this purpose. The Department approved and
authorised the expenditure of £5.0.0. ($10.00) by the teacher to purchase
these.

A bush fire on 1st January 1905, burned and destroyed the school
fences. James Benton, when he reported the damage to his Department,
estimated that the eighty (80) panels of fencing would cost £13.0.0. ($26.00)
to renew. When tenders were called by the Department, J.H. Hector of
Mulbring, with a quote of £12.5.0. ($24.50), was the successful contractor.

On 4th May 1910, Tarro Shire Council served notice on the Department
of Public Instruction that the water storage tanks at Mulbring School and
teacher's residence required urgent cleaning. Mr. C. Latter of Mulbring,
for a fee of £2.7.6. ($4.76), performed the task.

Mr. William Carroll, on 3rd March 1910, was regressed from his school
at Springwood to the lesser status of Mulbring School. His regression had
been made by the Department of Public Instruction· due to Carroll's 'inefficient
management'. Mr. Carroll fought hard to remain in the Sydney area, but when
his house in Sydney was destroyed by fire, due to his urgent need for accommo-
dation, he was eventually forced by circumstances, to accept his transfer
regression. Upon his arrival at Mulbring on 18th September 1910, he
immediately complained about the condition of the residence and refused to
occupy it, but rented a house instead. Nine (9) days earlier, on 9th
September 1910, Inspector W. Cornish and Mr. A.J. Purdue, District Architect,
had jointly examined the residence following a complaint by Mr. James Benton,
the previous teacher. The Officers had recommended that the residence needed
repairs, re-lining and repainting. Their further recommendation was that
the classroom required an internal re-paint. When tenders were called the
successful contractors were Dilley and Wetzler of Maittand with their quote
of £174.12.0. ($349.20).