Page 50 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

45.

BLACK HILL PUBLIC SCHOOL

Despite the obvious inadequacy of their school, it was not
until August 1887 that the Department of Education authorised its
replacement. A. Mr Mc Guinnes, for only £109.0.0 ($218.00) erected
a weatherboard structure, twenty-eight (28) feet by sixteen (16)
feet and a ceiling only seven (7) feet high. It also had a verandah
twenty-eight (28) feet by six (6) feet. The building was not lined
until 1892.

Gradually, as money became available, small repair work
was made. In 1894, the school was painted and the ceiling renewed
with baltic pine and the verandah enclosed, all for a total cost of
£12.7.6 ($24.75). During 1898 the pliyground was gravelled. In 1899
some more refinements were added to the school building. Two (2)
louvres, each two (2) feet by one and a half (1~) feet were added
to the gable and also a zinc perforated ventilator to the roof.

In October 1911 more repairs were carried out, verandah
boards replaced, steps renewed, more spouting attached and the school
building painted. A six hundred (600) gallon tank was erected at
a cost of £5.5.0 ($10.50).

Mr. George Smith of Minmi, in September 1913, painted the
inside of the school at a cost of £11 .15.0 ($23.50). This was the
first time Black Hill School had been painted internally.

On 8th November 1922, the Minister of Education approved
the removal of the Blacx Hill School to its present site. This site
was on a gift of land from Reuben A. Taylor. It was described as an
area of two (2) acres three-quarters (3/4) of a perch, being part
of Portion No. 62, comprising twenty-six (26) acres, Parish of
Stoc ~ rington, County of Northumberland.

Tender of Messrs. Holmes and Keppie of Thornton was accepted
on 7th May 1924, for t~e erection of a new school building. Contract