Page 354 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

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.W E S T 0 N S C H 0 0 L

The Department of Public Instruction then planned the setting up of
a temporary school. Two double and two single portable classrooms, each twenty
four (24) feet by twenty one (21) feet, were transported to Weston. Each had
a verandah. Some second-hand school desks were transported from East Maitland.

The contract for the clearance of fire debris and the transporting
and repainting of the portable classrooms was won by Messrs. Thomas and Sattler
of Aberdare Street Weston, with their quote of £1,189.0.0. ($2,378.00). The
specifications also required the construction of a porch and hatroom. The
Department of Public Instruction had directed that the 'portables' were to be
so placed that they would not interfere with the erection of a future new brick
school. The temporary school was completed and ready for occupancy on 20th
April 1914. Shedden's Hall was vacated on 19th April and the Methodist Church
on 24th April 1914.

In addition to the excitement of the fire, the Weston school children
i n this period, had another thrilling experience. Mr. Fred Russell of Seccnd
Street Weston, was found by his Doctor to have the disease 'Small Pox'. His
children had been attending in all sections of the temporary school. Conse-
quently, on 12th February 1914, all Weston school children were vaccinated
against 'Small Pox'.

The situation of a temporary schocl continued for some months. Local
res i dents' agitation and protests put Political pressure on the Government a:.d
the newly renamed 'Education Department' for the erection of a permanent sct~ol.
A public meeting of local parents, interested citizens and the Honourable A.C.
Car~ichael, Minister for Public Instruction, was held at Weston on 7th Dece~ber
191 4 . Finally, on 1st April 1915, tenders for a brick two-storey school tc
accommodate 400 pupils, were called. It had been estimated by the Government
Architect that such a school, including two ;1eathersheds and two separate se~s
of la vatories, would cost £5,100.0.0. ($10,200.80). Four contractors tend~red.
They '.·1ere: -

E. Legge
M. Audet
J.P. Gibson
P. McColl