Page 273 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

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PAXT0 N S CH0 0 L

January 1924. The Hindmarsh' accommodation had been vacated in December 1923.
Later the Hindmarsh property became the premises of the Paxton Branch of the
Cessnock Co-operative Society.

The Church of England Parish Hall at Paxton was used to hold a weekly
Saturday night dance. To facilitate the clearance of the dance area, desks
were screwed to timber one (1) foot by one (1) foot l and a quarter (l~) inches
thick. In 1923, prior to its rental by the Education Department, the hall
had also been utilised as a picture show hall.

Because of no suitable disposal areas, sanitary arrangements were
costly at 6/- ($0.60) per pan clearance.

Inspector W. James, during late 1923, had recommended that a site
for a permanent school should be secured and a · school of 'Stock Plan 9A' Type
should be erected. The Department of Education accepted these recommendations.
On 29th January 1924, the Department purchased 4 acres, 2 roods, this being
part of Portion No. 107, Village of Paxton, and situated between McDonald Avenue,
Anderson Avenue, Francis Street and at a then, unnamed street. The land was
bought from the East Gr.eta Coal Mining Company for £250.0.0. ($500.00). The
transfer is registered with the Registrar-General in Volume 3555, Folio 61.

The Government Architect prepared plans for the proposed Paxton School.
He had designed a structure of two classrooms, each to accommodate forty eight
(48) pupils. It was to have a verandah and a hat room on the northern side.

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Th.e building was to be constructed of timber, on brick piers, with a galvanised
corrugated iron roof. The architect had estimated the new school should cost
£1,252.0.0. ($2,504.00). When tenders were called, Mr. Edwin R. Potter of
16 Mary Street, Lidcombe was the successful contractor with his quote of
£1,110.0.0. ($2,220.00). The building was completed and occupied on 21st
September 1924 .

. The school had been officially opened by Mr. Bruntnell, M.L.A.,
Minister fpr Education, on the pr~vious Saturday before a large crowd. Mr.
H. James ., President of Paxton Progress Association had announced at the opening
that seventy five (75) children would be enrolled.