Page 308 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

339.

RICHMOND VALE SCHOOL

Mr. W. Craze, on behalf of the parents of the schoolchildren, on 28th
July 1909, made a strong complaint about the condition of the school and requested
the construction of a new one. Inspector Friend made an investigation and
submitted a report. Part of this report reads:-

"The building is old and not very comfortable, but I do not
think it is any worse than many others in the bush.
Further, due to the uncertainty and no finality in Richmond
Main Colliery plans and operations, I recommend that a new
building be not erected".

Shortly after Inspector Friend's investigation, a fire occurred in
the school teacher's residence, causing some damage. Mr. McTaggart, District
Public Works Officer, estimated that repairs, repaint and the erection of a new
picket fence, would cost £79.0.0. ($158.00). The successful contractor for
this job was Mr. George W. Hill of Morpeth with his quote of £52 . 10.0. ($103.00).
The work was completed on 31st January 1910.

The Richmond Vale School Parents and Citizens Association was formed
on 4th May 1912. The first officers were:-

President William Roddy
Secretary James Lane
Treasurer John Wallace.

This organization immediately canvassed and pressured for the construction of
a new school. The Department of Public Instruction finally agreed and requested
the Public Works Department to draw up plans and specifications along the lines
of a No. 1 Stock School Plan. This stock plan's design was for a classroom
twenty two (22) feet by twenty two (22) feet, with a hat room fifteen (15) feet
by eigh t (8) feet. When tenders were called, the successful contractor was
Reece Lewis of Horseshoe Bend Maitland, with his quc~e of £325.0.0. ($650.00).
The schoo l was completed and ready for occupancy on 3rd Fesruary 1914. Richmond
Vale teacher William Willis recommended to his Department that the old school
building should be retained as a weathershed and playroom. The Department