Page 46 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

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BE LLB I RD S C H 0 0 L

On 1st February 1929, an incinerator was constructed at a
cost of £4.12.4 ($9.24). On 16th March 1929, permission was sought
to use a schoolroom to train a junior choir. This was granted.

During 1929, the headmaster, Birtall Williams, applied
to the Department .of Education for an extension to the school to replace
the three portable classrooms. Approval was given. The new plans
set for the construction of four additional classrooms and one (1)
extra staff room. In reply to the call for tenders, Richard Seed,
contractor of Broadmeadow, submitted a price of £3;717.2.11 ($7,434.30)
and this was accepted. The new building was completed on 8th October
1929. Two (2) of the surplus portable classrooms were sent to Cessnock
Primary School.

The "Miners Lock-Out" saw a need at Bellbird Public School
for a 'Soup Kitchen' in both 1929 and 1930. This service has an important
place in the school history.

During October 1930, there had been some agitation for the
establishment of a school in Pelton Village. Quite a number of miners
had 'squatted' on colliery land with their families during the early
days of the establis~ment of Pelton Colliery. In April 1920, Pelton
Colliery Company made available cheap land at Pelton Village to these
miners and asked all such families to clear from the Colliery land.
This land was not such a longer distance from the Bellbird Sctool,
but it was sufficient to encourage the 'new' Pelton Vi~lage residents
to seek the establis~~ent of a school in their new village.

Mr. James, the Education Department Inspector, who handled
the above application, contacted a new bus transport company, Rover
Motors Limited, who agreed to carry the children from Pelton Village
to the Bellbird Schoel and a return journey at a very reason2ble
rate at ho extra cosc to the paren:s. This was accepted by al~ parties
in lieu of the conscruction of a ne~ school. Some five or six years