Page 28 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

23.

ABERMAIN NO. 2 SHAFT SCHOOL

in his horse drawn vehicle for one pound ten shillings ($3.00). The
furniture consisted of six (6) double desks and seats,and one (1) table,
two (2) chairs, one (1) press, and one (1) hat rack. The furniture was
delivered on 21st February, 1912.

School commenced on 22nd February 1912, with a temporary teacher
Mr. J. Brennan from the Cessnock Primary School staff. He was soon
replaced by the appointed teacher, Henry J. Rolfe. On the first school
day fifteen (15) pupils enrolled.

The lease of A. Colton's hut was renewed for a further period
of twelve (12) months from 1st February, 1913.

Mr. F. Muir, Secretary of Abermain No. 2 Miners Lodge, who
lived at Northcote Street, Aberdare, wrote to the Department of Public
Instruction on behalf of his miner-members, who were parents of children
attending Abennain Shaft School. The parents complained of the draughty
and sub-standard condition of the classroom in ~olton's hut. Schools
Inspector, W. Cornish, after making an examination, furnished a report
on 5th August, 1913, portion of which reads:-

"The building is a slab s true tu re. It has a splendid
floor, a sound iron roof and has answered the purposes of
a school very suitably. The only weak spot in the
structure is the inner hessian walls. The teacher has
offered to re-line the internal wall with new brattice".

The Department accepted the teacher's offer and approved his
expenditure of one pound five shillings ($2.50) on new hessian. This
minor repair did not satisfy the parents and they continued their complaints
and agitated for ~new school.

Mr. William Kearsley had been ele c ted as the first member
of Parliament for the new seat of Cessnock, with a huge majority at