Page 276 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

299.

PAXT 0 N SCH0 0 L

Electric lighting and power was connected to the school by contractor
Mr. Ray Smith of Cessnock, on 9th December 1934. The cost was met by the
Parents and Citizens Association.

When a School Inspector making his annual inspection late in 1935
reported that the school building was in poor condition, the Department's repair
staff, by 'Job Authority No. 4978', made the necessary repairs. These costs
were estimated at £161.2.6. ($3~2.26) and were completed on 19th February .1936.

On 5th January 1939, Mrs. A. Fitzell, widow of the late Headmaster
Robert Fitzell, offered to sell to the Department her cottage situated opposite
the school at Paxton. She had valued the .cottage at £300.0.0. ($600.00) and
suggested it could be utilised by the Department as a Headmasterts residence.
The Department declined her offer. Before leaving the district, Mrs. Fitzell
sold her cottage privately.

The Department of Education did purchase a residence on 19th October
1948, from Thomas Hourigan for £690.0.0. ($1,380.00). This property, an area
of two (2) roods, was situated on Lots 56 and 57, at Francis Street Paxton,
Deposited Plan No. 12136. Some repairs and renov~tions were made by the
Department's staff and were completed on 30th January 1952. These were
estimated to have cost £571.9.8. ($1,142.98). Mr. G.V. Carver, painti;.g
contractor of Cessnock, with a quote of £125.0.0. ($250.00), on 26th September
1958, won a contract to paint the interior of the residence.

The school, early in 1959, had been provided with outside drinking
water facilities at a cost of £575.0.0. ($1,150.00). On 26th August 1959,
the Education Department's repair staff completed the work of renovating,
repairing and repainting the school buildings. This project was value~ at
£1,365.0.0. ($2,730.00). Another works programme by this Departmental Section
in Repairs and Repaint, completed on 27th November 1968, was assessed at £766.0.0
($1,532.00).