Page 305 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

336.

RICHMOND VALE SCHOOL

The date of completion is not shown. However, on 14th November 1889,
Inspector J.C. Maynard requested the addition of a lavatory to the new premises.
This was approved and built by John Callaghan at a cost of £5.15.0. ($11.50).
Inspector Maynard had also suggested that the new building and school playground
should be fenced.

John Callaghan of Richmond Vale was again the successful contractor
with his quote of 5/3d. ($0.53) a rod. Mr. George Latter of Mulbring removed
a water tank from the Brokenback School and re-erected it at the Richmond Vale
site.

When in 1890, school enrolments had grown to twenty six (26) pupils,
16 boys and 10 girls, the Department of Public Instruction was encouraged to
have a new school teacher's residence constructed. The Government Architect
planned a home of five (5) rooms, a kitchen and a pantry, at an estimated cost
of £550.0.0. ($1,100.00). The successful contractor was J. Richardson of
Maitland, with his quote of £700.0.0. ($1,400.00). The residence was completed
and occupied on 23rd March 1891.

The Department of Public Instruction instructed Brunker and Wolfe,
Auctioneers of Maitland, to sell the old schoolhouse residence and building.
When it was offered at 'Auction Sale' on 15th May 1891, the very old building
did not attract any buyers and no bids were received. The Department directed
that the building should be retained and utilised as a weathershed. Mr. George
Latter of Mount Vincent, on 15th October 1894, tendered a quote of £13.6.6.
($26.66) to demolish the old school building and - with the suitable re-usable
materials plus additional timber - construct a new weathershed twenty (20) feet
by ten (10) feet and eight (8) feet high. The Department declined his offer.

George Latter of Mount Vincent, on 28th June 1895, with a quote of
£5.0.0. ($10.00), won the contract to make some repairs and re-paint the Richmond
Vale School. The specifications ir. this contract set out:-

"Walls to be scrubbed; spouting cleared and cleaned; door to
be repaired. All outside walls including the tank to receive
two coats of paint, using Char.pion's No. 1 Paint".