Page 309 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

340.

RICHMOND VALE SCHOOL

declined this suggestion and called tenders for its demolition and/or removal.
In May 1914, the successful purchaser was Mr. M.M. Hipwell of Cessnock with
his offer of £20.0.0. ($40.00).

Following a complaint from teacher Vernon Barwick about the condition
of the Richmond Vale school residence, the Departmental paint and repair staff
effected repairs. These were completed on 27th May 1924 and estimated to cost
£287.6.2. ($574.62).

A bush fire on 5th December 1926, destroyed the school playground
fences and the school lavatories. The Departmental repair and paint staff
replaced the damaged sections by 27th May 1927, at a cost of £80.18.9 ($161.89).

Inspector J. McDowall, on 7th February 1928, warned the parents that
if attendance and enrolment fell much ~ore, the school would be closed. On
9th July 1930, Inspector J.W. Hayes recommended to his Department that the
Richmond Vale School should be closed and the twelve (12) pupils should be trans-
ported daily to the Buchanan School. The Department declined to adopt this
course. Finally the Richmond Vale Scnool was closed on 31st March 1932.

A 'Mrs. Wilkinson', on 18th May 1932, opened a subsidised school in
the school building at Richmond Vale. Mrs. Wilkinson was allowed by the
Education Department, to have tenancy of the school teacher's residence at a
rental of 2/6d. ($0.25) per week; but the Department was not to be responsible
for repairs.

During the latter part· of 19 32, school enrolment numbers at Pelaw
Main became an embarrassment to the Ed ucation Department. An inspection had
revealed that 196 pupils from six (6) classes were being taught in three (3)
classrooms. Conditions were so cram~ed that one group (2nd class) of thirty
six (361 pupils was housed in a converted hatroom. The Department made arrange-
ments and plans to transport the Rich ~c nd Vale School to the Pelaw Main School
site. To achieve this, the subsidised school of eleven (11) pupils at Richmond
Vale was transferred to a room in the Richmond Vale School Teacher's residence.
On 16th January 1933, the work of re-siting the Richmond Vale School at Pelaw
Main was completed.