School name: Moolarben
Other name: * Molarban until 1900
County name: Phillip
Transferred:
Location note:
URL for linking: https://nswgovschoolhistory.cese.nsw.gov.au/schoolHistory?schoolId=5409
Operating dates:
Type of school Opening date Closing date Half-time partner schools
Provisional School Jan 1881 May 1882
Public School May 1882 Feb 1885
Half-Time School Feb 1885 Dec 1892 MURRAGAMBA
Half-Time School Aug 1897 Dec 1897 DEXTER SPRINGS
Provisional School Aug 1899 Jul 1909
Half-Time School Nov 1909 Jun 1913 MURRAGAMBA
Provisional School Jul 1916 Nov 1935
Provisional School May 1950 Nov 19501
1908
20 February 1908
Whilst riding a spirited horse after some young horses at Moolarben on the 16th instant Mr. J. C. Mountford, the popular schoolteacher of that place, was thrown heavily to the ground, dislocating his left shoulder. He is under the care of Dr. Nickoll2
.
1909
14 October 1909
Moolarben. SCHOOL PICNIC.
MR. MOUNTFORD PRESENTED WITH AN ADDRESS.
A very pleasant afternoon was spent in Moolarben on Thursday last, 30th ult., the occasion being a picnic in connection with the local public school. A large crowd had gathered from all parts of the district, and games of various kinds were indulged in by young and old, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
The children took a lively interest in the races arranged for them, and nearly all became the proud possessors of prizes, won in the contests.
The next item was lunch, which was most tastefully arranged and reflected much credit on those who had this particular part of the programme in hand. After lunch, Miss G. Swords, at the request of the teacher, Mr. Mountford, presented the prizes, consisting of very nice volumes suitably selected to each pupil.
Mr. H. Swords, in a neat speech, spoke highly of Mr. Mountford's work among the children, and of the marked goodwill existing between the teacher and the parents and the pupils. He then called upon Master Roberts to read an address which was as follows: -
"To J. C. Mountford, Esq. "Dear Sir, - We, the undersigned pupils and ex-pupils of Moolarben Public School, wishing to place on record our appreciation of the years passed amongst us as our teacher join on this occasion of your earliest visit to the scene of your former la bors, in tendering our warmest and sincerest thanks for your untiring and patient efforts in imparting to us that, with which we would but imperfectly fulfil our duties as citizens of the State to which we belong, and we fervently unite in wishing you success and happiness in the new sphere of labor to which you have been removed. In the hope that it will serve as a further reminder of the term spent with us, we are offering for acceptance the accompanying gift as a token of the esteem in which the least of us hold you, and we have no doubt that small as is our offering, it will not be unwelcome, not so much on account of its value, as of the spirit that prompted the offering.
"Again wishing you health and happiness, we beg to subscribe ourselves,
"Your very affectionately,
(Here follow names of 36 pupils).
Master Roberts handed Mr. Mountford a beautiful silver-mounted ink stand, suitably inscribed. Mr. Mountford feelingly acknowledged the kindness of those who had so kindly remembered him and tendered his thanks to all who had helped to make the day so pleasant.
Mr. Coleman was then called on to speak, and after having spoken of the loss Moolarben had sustained by Mr. Mountford's removal, addressed the pupils, urging them to even greater efforts than previously. He then called upon the children to give three cheers for Mr. Mountford, and also cheers for all who had helped to give them such a pleasant day.
Mr. H. Blackman in a neat speech wished Mr. Mountford health and happiness in his new sphere of labor.
The singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow" brought a very pleasant day to a close3
.
1913
8 May 1913
Attendance rising
The attendance at Moolarben school has been small for some time now, but is on the rise again, and .there are several young children within the distance who will very soon be of school age. The rumor that the school was to be removed from there to another place is likely to 'end in smoke4
.'
12 June 1913 Teacher Transfered
Mr V Barwick, teacher at Murrragamba School and Moolarben School was transferred to Ulan School and Cooks Gap School. Moolarben School was then closed5
.
1914
20 April 1914
FROM BALLAD0RAN.
Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Mountford, of Balladoran, spent the Easter holidays at Moolarben. Mr. Mountford was formerly teacher at Moolarben, but is now stationed at Balladoran. His wife was Miss Grace Swords, a member of the well-known Moolarben family of that name. Both these ex-district people look well, and were welcomed back by a large circle of friends6
.
1915
4 March 1915
MOOLARBEN SCHOOL.
Miss Hill, of Lewisham, has taken charge of the Moolarben School. The young lady belongs to a family which has many members in the Education Department in New South Wales and Victoria7
.
1921
31 January 1921
Q.C. Examinations.
MUDGEE AND DISTRICT RESULTS.
The following are the Mudgee and district passes at the Q.C. examinations, success at which Qualifies for entrance at the High Schools: -
Moolarben Public School - Elsie Margaret Swords8
.
1922
30 January 1922
Qualifying Certificate Examinations.
MUDGEE DISTRICT.
The following conclude the list of passes:-
Moolarben - Cyril Roberts, George Linden Roberts, Freda Marie Swords9
.
1929
2 May 1929
MOOLARBEN SCHOOL.
Mr. W. F. Dunn, M.L.A., has received the following communication from the Minister for Education: "With reference to your personal representations, on behalf of Mr. C. Barton, Fern Lea, Cooyal, requesting that Moolarben School be re-opened, I desire to inform you that the teacher has been absent on sick leave. Her leave expired on April 22, on which date the school should have been re-opened10
.
1931
10 January 1931
MOOLARBEN PUBLIC SCHOOL
Mr. W. F. Dunn. M.L.A. has received advice from the Minister for Education that in response to his representations on behalf of the residents of Moolarben, he has decided to authorise the supply of two coils of wire netting and a 9ft. netted gate seeing that the parents have intimated that they are prepared to erect the fencing. Mr. Davies added that the Department appreciates the proposed action of the residents in agreeing to carry out the work11
.
1934
17 December 1934
MOOLARBEN CELEBRATES
Christmas Festivities
ON Saturday, December 8, it seemed as though all roads led to the Moolarben Public School, now prettily set, as it were, amidst a picturesque display of flower blossoms, the fragrance from which ran softly through the air. Beneath the foliage of an old gum tree, and on the green turf tables were spread at 6 o'clock. Over a cup of billy tea, parents and guests dwelt long relating stirring tales of school days long since departed. Pupils present and past also told of their exploits.
With the approach of night the folk assembled in front of the weather shed, which for the occasion had the appearance of a modern theatre. The pupils, augmented by Immediate ex-pupils, rendered a very fine programme of song, recitation and dramatisation, to an attentive and appreciative audience. The entertainment commenced with 'Advance Australia Pair,' followed by a chorus, then a recitation by a Junior pupil. The Fan Song, given by five girls daintily attired in long white frocks and fans, depicting the days of Queen Anne, was charmingly rendered and received great applause, but that, which delighted the audience most were the short plays or sketches, namely, 'The Troublesome Servant,' two characters (boys); 'The Good Old Times' (six characters, 3' boys and 3 girls); and a dialogue entitled 'The Humorous Traveller',' for two boys. The acting in each case was all that could be desired. Two solos, one by an ex-pupil, Miss Thelma Leven, and the other by a boy pupil (in character) were also splendidly received. They were followed by a tiny boy in a recitation entitled 'My Lesson.' The last number, 'The Toymakers' Dream,' in which four boys sang and six smaller boys and girls represented various toys, brought down the house. For the vocal items Misses Aveen Roberts and Thelma Leven acted as accompanistes on banjo mandolins. After the National Anthem, the most interesting part of the proceedings for the boys and girls was arrived at, for a real Santa Claus led the way to a Christmas Tree, artistically decorated and lighted with candles. From the tree Santa Claus gave a gift to all the pupils and tiny tots, and in many cases to grown ups. Everyone present received a bag of sweets and nuts and a large juicy orange. Preceding the presentation of gifts the teacher, Mr. Hunt, expressed his appreciation of the services given him by Miss Aveen Roberts and Mrs. Mountford in making the concert possible. He also thanked the Parents and Citizens' Association for once again providing for a Christmas treat for the school pupils.
In a few well chosen words the president (Mrs. J. Swords) welcomed the people and thanked all. for their support and patronage.
Mr. A. W. A. Macarthur, in a very eulogistic speech, congratulated the teacher and his staff of helpers for the entertainment just witnessed, remarking that in his travels he had never spent a more jovial hour.
Mr. Archer (Ulan P.S.) endorsed the remarks of Mr. Macarthur.
The night's entertainment concluded with a euchre party and supper12
.