Page 243 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

266.

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

Teacher James Bloomfield, on 5th March 1912, made an application
to the Department of Public Instruction to have washbasins installed at
Mulbring School. Inspector W. Cornish directed the teacher to purchase
four (4) light tin dishes at a cost of 9d. ($0.09) each from A. & C. Latter;
the local Mulbring Storekeeper. Later in the same year (1912), Teacher
J. Bloomfield drew the Department's attention to the need for some repairs
to the Mulbring classroom and the poor storage for school materials. The
Department engaged Mr. George Latter of Mulbring to make the repairs, mainly
to the desk gallery, and to also provide a cupboard. Four second-hand desks
and forms were transported for 15/- ($1.50) cartage from Weston to Mulbring
by Teacher Bloomfield. On 16th December 1912, Mr. George Latter was paid
£5.18.0. ($11.80) for his work.

During the 1913-1914 summer months, Wallis Creek water was used for
drinking at the Mulbring School. To overcome this proble~, Mr. L.V.J. Bromage
of Mulbring, as part of some minor repair work, was directed by the Department,
on 31st October 1914, to supply a new 800 gallon tank, a stand and piping.
The overflow from the school tank was piped to the residence tank. Mr.
Bromage, in his fee of £12.19. 6. ($29.96) also provided a new washtub and
repaired the school windows.

Electric lighting and power was connected to the Mulbring School
and residence late in 1927.

Mr. William Clifton became the Teacher-in-Charge at Mulbring School
from 24th December 1931. Mr. Clifton belonged to one of the old Mulbring
families "Clifton" and he very enthusiastically organized a school re-union
in April 1934. It attracted quite a big attendance and from the activities
held to celebrate the re-union, sufficient funds were raised to purchase a
piano, a sewing machine and other equipment.

On 12th November 1949, the small community of Mulbring celebrated
the Centenary of its school. More than 700 ex-pupils returned for the
occasion. Mulbring's big day started with a procession and ended with a
concert. The splendour and joy of the Centenary celebrations changed to