Page 31 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

26.

ABERNETHY SCHOOL
STATE ARCHIVES PAPERS - 5/14600

Like many other villages, Abernethy came into existence,
because of the coal industry development. Alexander Sheddon had obtained
a lease on this area on 4th February 1908, which he named "Abernethy
Main". Soon he commenced to sink a shaft, which progressed very slowly.
The South Australian Government was keen to obtain a coal mine on the
Maitland coalfields and showed particular interest . in Sheddon's
"Abernethy" lease. This inter-Government move met considerable N.S.W.
Government opposition. Finally, the neighbouring mining leaseh6lder,
Caledonian Collieries, took over the lease on 3rd . June 1913, and re-named
this development "Aberdare South Colliery".

The Company immediately commenced to sink a new shaft, some
little distance away from Sheddon's first workings and also set about
building a branch spur railway from the existing Aberdare Railway.
These activities, following similar mining developments, soon attracted
a small settlement of miners and their families.

On 29th March 1916, Harry Melrose, on behalf of the new little
community, forwarded a letter to the Education Department seeking a local
school. An inspector was directed to examine the area. On 2nd May 1916,
on receipt of his report, the Education Department instructed the inspector
to rent a suitable building as a classroom and intimated that a teacher
would be appointed. On 29th May 1916, Mr. S. Parnacott's property was
rented for use as a school at ten (10) shillings ($1.00) per week. It
was said to have been a two-roomed hut with a galvani~ed iron roof, no .
ceiling and only partially lined. It also had an open hearth and chimney.
School opened on 30th May 1916, with Oscar Shaft as teacher.

As early as 21st July 1914, the Lands Board had set up plans
for sub-divisions for the expected growth of these satellite mining
villages. A tracing for Abernethy shows a school site between Murray
Street, Knox Street and Munro Street. An area of land, Section No. 8