Page 350 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

381 .

WE S T 0 N S C H 0 0 L

was to have a seven (7) feet wide open verandah. The whole structure was of
rectangular shape and measured forty five (45) feet by thirty five (35) feet.
When tenders were called, six contractors submitted prices ranging from £399.0.0.
($798.00) to £668.0.0. ($1,336.00). The successful contractor was Henry Russell
with his quote of £399.0.0. ($798.00). In a separate contract Mr. H.Y. Russell
was also engaged to erect a split rail ironbark fence around the new school
ground. The school was completed and ready for occupancy early in January
1905.

Department of Public Instruction records show that the following
furniture was provided for the new school:-

Eight (8) Desks (Twelve (12) feet long)
Eight (8) Form·s (Twelve (12) feet long)
Four (4) Desks (Thirteen (13) feet long)
Four (4) Forms (Thirteen (13) feet long)
Twelve (12) Tablets
Two (2) Blackboards
Two (2) Easels
One (1) Table
One (1) Chair
One (1) Maphook

A notation was made that a bookpress had also been ordered.

When the Weston School opened on 23rd January 1905, the first teacher
James McKay reported to his Inspector Mr. J. McClelland that the ne~ school
only had seating for 65 pupils but that 151 pupils had enrolled on the first
day - 77 boys and 74 girls. He complained further, that the school had no
lavatory provisions.

It would appear that little was done to overcome this over-crowding
probl<::m. However, on 9th May 1905 , the Methodist Church Hall was r<::nted for
school purposes. This Hall was situated about one hundred (100) yards from
the school on Lots 7 and 8, Section 18. The Church Hall was twenty nine (29)
feet by twenty two (22) feet and did not have a ceiling. The rental was set