Page 345 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

376.

WATT AGAN CREEK SCHOOL

Following a recommendation from Inspector J.D. Bradley, the Department
of Public Instruction approved the granting of aid for a school at Wattagan
Creek on 7th June 1880. To provide a school building, Mr. Fred Lynch transported
by bullock waggon, a disused classroom from Reedy Creek near Singleton. This
was re-erected on the earlier school site. A 'Provisional' school was opened
on 7th July 1880, with Bessie Townsend as teacher.

During the early part of 1883, Inspector R. Norris made his annual
examination of Wattagan Creek Provisional School. In view of the regular good
daily average attendances and the very poor standard of the school building,
Inspector Norris made a two part recommendation - firstly that the Wattagan
Creek 'Provisional' school should be elevated in status to that of a 'Public'
school, and secondly, that a new school building should be erected. The Depart-
ment accepted their Inspector's recommendation. Wattagan Creek became a 'Public'
school as from 30th August 1883. A temporary school was also sought and for
this purpose a house was leased from James Woodbury at an annual rental of ·
£12.0.0. ($24.00).

To achieve the second part of their Inspector's recommendation, the
Department sought a new school site. A two (2) acre site had been purchased
on 13th October 1883, for £20.0.0. ($40.00) from James Woodbury. This was
part of John Lynch's original gr~nt of one hundred (100) acres. On 18th October
1283, Miss E. K~mpe, Government Architect for Public Schools prepared plans
for a new school at Wattagan Creek. Her design was for a wooden building to
accormnoda te thirty (30) pupils. It was to be of sawn slabs with either a
shingled or galvanised corrugated iron roof. She estimated that this school
would cost £220.0.0. ($440.00).

When tenders were called the successful contractors were Chapman and
Woodbury. The Archives File Records do not show the contractor's quote price.
The new school was completed and occupied on 26th September 1884. The leased
premises were returned to the owner, James Woodbury.

William Brown gave the school an internal and external painting on
4th August 1890. For the work of putting on three (3) coats of paint he was
paid £10.0.0. ($20.00).