Page 30 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

25.

ABERMAIN NO. 2 SHAFT SCHOOL

Playground None
Remarks Arrangements for a better
building and facilities
should be made."

On 7th August 1915, by Contract No. 659, contractors Partridge-Wall
and Wall of East Maitland, were authorised to erect a two-roomed schoolhouse
and facilities. They were the successful tenderers from a group of seven,
whose prices ranged from £643.0.0. ($1,286.00) to £954.0.0. ($1,908.00). The
building was completed and ready for occupancy on 29th January 1916.

The first teacher, Henry Rolfe, had resigned on 3rd September 1915,
to become. a cordial manufacturer at Weston. He was replaced by John M. Alcie,
who was given a forage allowance of £5.0.0. ($10.00) per annum for travelling
from Cessnock to the school on his bicycle.

On Monday 24th January 1916, at the start of a new school year, 69
pupils, new and old, had assembled at the old school. The teacher and pupils
found that the structure was not in a fit condition to hold classes. Although
he had not received .instructions from the Education Department as to the date
the new school building was to be occupied, and because an opening function had
been held at the new school premises on Saturday 22nd January, at which the
Minister· for Works, accompanied by the local Member of Parliament had officially
opened the school before a gathering of the villa$e residents, Mr. John Alcie
marched his pupils from the old school to the new and held lessons whilst the
contractor, Mr. Partridge-Wall completed some minor works on the new building.
Thus, the new school of Kearsley commenced and the era·of the Abermain No. 2
Shaft School ended.

Abermain No. 2 Shaft School had only two teachers:-

Henry J. Rolfe 22nd February 1912
John M. Alcie 3rd September 1915

Till the pupils and teacher occupied the new school of
Kearsley on Monday 24th January, 1916.