Page 319 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

350.

R0 T HBURY S C H 0 0 L

On 8th December 1926, some minor repairs, mainly to the roof, were
made by the Departmental works staff. The estimated costs were £37.7.0 ($74.701.
The boundary fence was renewed by this Works Section on 24th February 1928.
The charges were assessed as £67.0.0 ($134.00). A new eight hundred (800)
gallon tank, costing £8.0.0 ($16.00), was added to the residence on 12th August
1929. To give more ventilation in the school classroom, the Education repairs
staff remodelled the room. It was completed on 23rd January 1930 at a cost
of £59.8.0 ($118.80).

Mr. J. Mitchell, the Rothbury school teacher, took charge of his
school in August, 1934. He immediately enthused the pupils, the parents and
the local residents to build a tennis court. Mr. Mitchell proposed that the
school children could use the court during the day and the adults in the
evenings and at weekends. The idea was eagerly accepted and an excellent
court was built by volunteer labour using materials which were donated. When
completed, the court was put in great demand and used by ~oth pupils and
residents. In fact it became one of the centres of local social activities.
When a complaint was made to the Education Department by Mrs. A. V. Bridge
about an alleged shortage of drinking water for the pupils, the Department
instructed Mr. Mitchell that the tennis court was not to be used on Sundays.

On 21st December 1938, Mr. W.C. Harrison of West Street Cessnock,
renewed two five hundred (500) gallon storage drinking wc.ter tanks. The school
wea thershec was damaged by wind in May 1946, the De;::artmer. t 's work staff
completed its repairs on 17th July 1946, at an assessed cost of £28.0.0 ($56.00).
Essential repairs were also carried out to both the school and residence which
were completed on 5th February 1953. The repairs were valued at £201 .0.0
($402.00).

A new boys' outhouse was erected by the tl.S.iv. Public Works Department
and completed on 11th January 1955. On 24th April 1959, this Department built
a twenty (201 feet by twelve (12) feet weathershed. Costs for this are shown
as being £36.16.6 ($73.661.