Page 33 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

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ABE RNE T HY S C H 0 0 L

Whilst the colliery, 'Aberdare South', closed on 27th November
1927, and the devastating 'miners lock-out' followed almost immediately,
some people continued to live at Abernethy. Later, these people commuted
to other areas for employment, but were domiciled at Abernethy. A number
of minor repairs were made at the Abernethy School from 1940 to 1960.
On 21st January 1960, Mr. K.C. Harrison of West Avenue Cessnock, improved
the toilet and ablutions block at a cost of £193.15.4 ($387.54). On
2nd March 1962, on authority of Order No. 1323, a company, at a cost of
£220.0.0 ($440.00) completed a paving area. Again, whilst school enrolments
dwindled, the school continued to function until it finally closed in
December 1966.

Abernethy School and site were purchased by Belvedere Developments
at an auction sale held by Government Properties Section during 1973.

Headmasters at Abernethy School have been:-

Oscar T. Shaft 30th May 1916
G.S. Prentice 29th
Henry Macara 2nd June 1918
Terence Rogers 16th
John Mc Ilwaith 31st January 1919
Hector Mc Lean 30th
William Birrell 10th January 1925
John Tipper 16th
Alan Lew ins 30th March 1926
Adrian Budden 3rd
April 1929

May 1933

May 1938

January 1962

February 1965