Page 370 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

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WOLLOMBI PUBLIC SCHOOL

Inspector W. Cornish, on 21st January 1914, reported to his Department
that through a grave oversight, the residence roof was not replaced when the
school was being re-roofed. Samuel Herbert, the Government Architect estimated
that the residence re-roofing could cost £135.0.0. ($270.00). Mr. J. Dean of
Wollombi was the successful contractor with a quote of £118.10.0. ($237.00).
Inspector Cornish also drew to the attention of the Department of Education the
fact that there were eighty six (86) children on the roll, but there was only
one (1) 600 gallon water storage tank. Therefore, whilst performing his
re-roofing contract at the residence, Mr. Dean was also directed to install
another tank. For this new tank work he was paid £4.15.0. ($9.50).

Wollombi School Parents and Citizens Association was formed on 2nd
May 1916. The first officers of this Association were:-

President Rev. David Thomas Rees
Secretary Richard Owens
Treasurer Arthur R. Andrews

On 20th February 1920, J. Dean renewed fourteen (14) chains of boundary
fencing. The Department had estimated this work to cost £107.5.0. ($214.50).
Mr. Dean's quote had been £114.0.8. ($228.08).

The old school site purchased by Michael Bourne in 1870, and never
really finalised, was eventually transferred on 18th April 1921, to Clara Jurd, a
descendant of Michael Bourne.

An area of one (1) acre two (2) roods twenty two (22) perches, formerly
the unused and unmarked Crawford and Cedar Streets Wollombi, was resumed,
gazetted and added on 11th November 1922, to the school ground as a horse paddock
and reserve. This had resulted from the efforts of the Wollo~bi Parents and
Citizens Association headed by Thc~as Barr, the Secretary.

In May 1929, Teacher W. Sech complained to the Education Department
of the sub-standard condition of the residence and the urgent need for repairs
to the school. His eloquent letter contained many expressive phrases such as:-