Page 268 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

291.

OAKVALE PUBLIC SCHOOL

POSSIBLE PUPILS DISTANCE FROM HOME

NAME BOYS GIRLS FAMILY RELIGION TO MR. COX'S SCHOOL

John Colhoun 2 3 Roman Catholic l~ miles
James Cox 1 Church of England
William Br.ooks 2 1 Church of England Nil
Bridget McEarnie 1 Roman Catholic
Thomas O'Aaron 3 4 Roman Catholic l~ miles .
Patrick Ford 1 2 Roman Catholic
William Taylor 2 2 Church of England 1 mile
Edward Coolahan 2
John Smith Roman Catholic ti
Joseph Waters 2 Church of England
2 Church of England 1 mile

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In an accompanying letter with the petition, Mr. James Cox (principle
correspondent) stated that a school did commence on 19th September 1870, with
William Byron Steinbeck as teacher. This letter further indicated that there
were fifteen (15) boys an6 nineteen (19) girls, a total of thirty four (34)
pupils, in attendance on the first day. He, James Cox, had provided five (5)
desks and five (5) forms, each nine (9) feet long.

Upon receipt of the application by the Council of Public Instruction,
Inspector Dwyer was directed to investigate. He made an examination on 13th
October 1870, and his report reads:-

" Oakvale district consists of chiefly agricultural tenants

of poor to moderate circumstances. I found a school had been
in operation some four weeks and is at least three miles from
its nearest neighbouring schqol, the Church of England

Denominational School at Buchanan.

Whilst the roads and tracks are bad and in poor condition,
the school occupies a central position.

The school building is in good condition. The school
furniture is roughly constructed. The owner, Mr. Cox is