Page 367 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

398.

WOLLOMBI PUBLIC SCHOOL

Early in 1869, Teacher Stephen J. Smith complained to Mr. J. Brooks
of the Wollombi local School Board, that the rooms of the school residence were
not lined and the roof leaked in four (4) places. Following this information
and supported by Inspector Dwyer's (1868) report, the Council of Education
decided to build a detached kitchen sixteen (16) feet by ten (10) feet, with
a stone fireplace and a shingled roof. The Council estimated this to cost
£30.0.0. ($60.00). When tenders were called, Terence Smith of Wollombi was
the successful contractor with his quote of £23.0.0. ($46.00). The kitchen
was completed on 21st December 1869. The Council of Education directed Mr.
J. Brooks and his local Board to spend the balance of the approved money, namely
£7.0.0. ($14.00) on improvement to the residence.

During 1868, the Council of Education had authorised the sale by
auction, of the original school site which had been a Crown Grant of one (1)
acre two (2) roods (No. 118), made on 13th October 1854. A reserve of £20.0.0.
($40.00) was placed on the property. No buyers were found. However, on 18th
February 1870, Michael Bourne purchased and paid £15.0.0. ($30.00) for the land.
When Bourne's Solicitor requested the Deeds, which were forwarded by Inspector
W. Cornish, a difficulty was found in completing the Conveyance. The Council
of Education's Solicitors, Stephens and Stephens, raised the point that it was
impossible for a Corporation to make a solemn declaration. The Conveyance
was left in abeyance and not completed, but Michael Bourne made use of the land.

In September 1871, Teacher Thomas Henerie was charged with indecent
behaviour to his female servant, Frances Ockwell. As a result of the charge,
the teacher was transferred.

Two skillion roofed rooms were added to the residence in November
1871. These were built of ironbark and stringybark timber and were covered
with a corrugated galvanised iron roof. In the same period, Thomas Townsend
of Wollombi renewed the guttering. For his work he was paid £15.0.0. ($30.00).
On 18th January 1873, James Wellings of Wollombi erected a weathershed and
white-washed the schoolroom. His quote was £16.10.0. ($33.00). Robert Daly
of Wollombi, on 18th November 1873, insta lled two 500 gallon tanks for £12.14 . 0.
($37.40).