Page 82 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

89.

CE S S N0 C K SCH0 0 L

Mr. Howard's inspector, Mr. Bradley, was not impressed by
these complaints and stated: "Black Creek, which passes within 80
or 100 yards of the school, has never been witho"ut a good supply of
water whenever I have visited Cessnock.

In December 1872, · some Cessnock residents petitioned the
Education Department, stating that "The present school does not seem
to suit the inhabitants, it being too near a public house and in the
second place, it is not in a central position". Another suggestion
made was that the school should be moved to a barn owned by Mr. James
Mc Gann of Pokolbin. In a letter to the Department indicating his
willingness, Mr. Mc Gann gave his address as 'Mount View', Millfield.

The Inspector, Mr. Bradley, was opposed to leasing another
building. He thought a new school and residence should be built.
ne nominated that the Council of 2ducation had a site granted in what
was a more eligible position, midway between Deep Creek, Lochinvar
Road and the present school.

In February 1873, the teacher Mr. Howard, again complained
to his Inspector, - "That since the termination of the Christmas vacation,
myself, wife and family have been compelled to sleep and dine in one
end of the schoolroom, measuring ten (10) feet by seven (7) feet.
Owing to the want of space, I have been forced invariably to sleep
under the verandah". Mr-. Howard also spoke of his difficulties in
collecting school fees, which were only threepence per child per week.
He advised the Inspector tha: if he insisted on the payment of fees
from some parents, he might be deprived of portion of his salary,
due to the pupils' non-attencance.

Inspector J.S. Jor.es in a report on ~ public meeting held
in the village of Cessnock or. 7:h July 1873 stated:-

"After a painful e:r.!'libi:ion of apathy and indecision
at the meeting, it ~as finally decided by those