Page 286 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

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PELAW MAIN SCHOOL

"Visited the two new schools of Pelaw Main and Stanford
Merthyr.
Pelaw Main had 93 pupils in two rooms some distance
apart.
Stanford Merthyr had 63 pupils in one room".

The Pelaw Main School Records show the first four (4) weeks enrolments
as being:-

Monday 8th May 1903 = 93 pupils
Monday 15th May 1903
Monday 22nd May 1903 = 120 pupils
Monday 29th May 1903
= 127 pupils
= 130 pupils

The Department of Public Instruction had evidently been impressed
with the earlier inspectorial report. Steps had been taken to acquire two

(2) acres for a school site on Section No~ 52, on J. & W. Brown's Mining Lease

No. 7. This was gazetted on 3rd May 1903, being Deposited Plan N.3796-211.
The land was surveyed by Mr. Foster. The Education Department's Records advise
that because this site was on a coal lease dealt with by the Mines Department,
"no compensation was therefore payable".

Plans and Specifications were drawn up which provided for two (2)
classrooms, _each thirty three (33) feet by twenty two (22) feet, a hatroom

twenty eight (28) feet . by twelve (12) feet, a verandah forty four (44) feet

by twelve (12) feet and a second verandah twenty eight (28) feet by twelve
(12) feet. Including the lavatories, the Government Architect had estimated
the school building to cost £630.0.0. ($1,260.00).

When tenders were called, ten quotes were received, ranging from
£628.5.0. ($1,256~50) to £1,360.0.0. ($2,720.00). The successful contractor
1was James Robinson of West Maitland with his price of £628.5.0. ($1,256.50).
The school was .completed and occupied on 1st September 1903. The rented church
premises were vacated on the same date.