Page 366 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

397.

WOLLOMBI PUBLIC SCHOOL

and that water was to the roof. Mr. E. Johnson, Council's Inspector based
in Sydney, examined the Wollombi area and proposed a choice of three positions
as the new school site:-

l. Crothers land on Maitland Road.
2. Owen and Beckels land, Prudence Street.
3. Kenny land in Challinor Street.

In his report to his superiors, Inspector Johnson recommended the purchase of
the 'Kenny' land (the present school site), at a price of £80.0.0. ($160.00)
with the local residents to contribute one third. Meanwhile he had leased
a temporary school and residence at £2.10.0. ($5.00) a month rental. A new
supply of school materials - maps, books, chalk etc., was forwarded.

On 24th June 1867, Mr. J. Brooks advised the Council that £23.6.8.
($46.68) had been collected locally. The council finalised its purchase of
the Kenny land for £70.0.0. ($140.00) and cheques to the value of £35.0.0.
($70.00) each, were sent by the Council to Dennis and John Kenny.

Government Architect G. Allen called tenders for the removal of the
school and residence and its re-erection on the new site. The successful
contractor was Robert Daly of Wollombi with his quote of £80.0.0. ($160.00).
The building was completed, re-painted and re-opened in January 1868.

Inspector Dwyer, during his annual school examinations visited Wollombj
Public School on 12th October 1868. In his report Inspector Dwyer shows that
twenty nine (29) boys and thirty (30) girls were in attendance. His report
indicates:-

"The site is now very favourable. The building is of slab
weatherboard, shingle roofed. It has three (3) small
rooms, which are moderate in essential respects, but very
uncomfortable, and in much need of improvement. The
residence is insufficient. Instruction is given carefully,
judiciously and effectively. Proficiency of pupils is
improved and now tolerable".