Appreciation of the simple life – Huskisson 1891

  

Huskisson Public School a brief history. Huskisson Public School first opened as a half-time school in 1871, On April 21st that year an application for a provisional school was lodged with the Council of Education and it was signed by the following: C.Murray, farmer; Messrs Isaac Lee, light-keeper; E.Honner, fisherman; W.Dent shipwright; G.Dent, sen., timber merchant; Les Dent; Jacob Peak, carter; and John Matthews, shipwright.     This application was later altered to one for a half-time school, to be worked with New Bristol, 12 miles distant.      The road between Huskisson and New Bristol was not negotiable in very wet weather, and the residents promised that, at such times arrangements would be made to convey the teacher from one school to the other on alternate days by boat.  They also agreed to erect a suitable slab building at each village for school purposes.  The nearest post office at the time was Tomerong, about 6 miles distant, and this served the needs of all residents of Jervis Bay.      The application was sanctioned and the school officially  came into operation in September, 1871.  Mr R.S Mackenzie being appointed as teacher.      Mr Mackenzie was popular in the district, and had conducted school at two places concerned for three months without remuneration prior to his appointment by the Council of Education.  The school was converted to public in 1882.     The enrolment for the first year of the schools existence was 15, and the average attendance 12.

The Shoalhaven News and South Coast Districts Advertiser 1891.

On Tuesday last, 6th inst., the teacher, Mr J.J.Emery, assisted by the residents, united in giving a school treat to the pupils of the public schools at New Bristol and North Huskisson (Jervis Bay). Notwithstanding, the excessive heat of the previous week and the numerous counter attractions of the surrounding district to the picturesque rendezvous of Jervis Bay, the day passed off most successfully to both young and old.   Ere noon arrived, vehicles from Tomerong, Nowra wended their way to the school grounds until not less than 100 persons had assembled. The site could not be excelled, owing to suitableness of shed and awning, lovely grounds, and plenty of cool water. Luncheon was provided by Mr James Dent (3), Newman, and Deutschbein, and ably assisted by the Misses Wood (3), Dent and Emery.   After ample justice had been done to the many good things provided,  the adults united in several amusing games, the principal of them being ‘rounder's,” “drop handkerchief,” “jolly miller,” “disappointment,” and “bachelor in search of a wife,”   These over the children were amused with several races for pocket knives, rounder balls, lollies and cricketing gear, one of the most pleasing being a race by the adult ladies.  The last, but most exciting was the race for the bachelors cake, which was won by a Tomerong lad.  The lady providers were each presented with a duple piece of glassware.   Tea was again supplied in order to allow those from a distance to reach their homes in good time. Sports were then resumed by those who had not dispersed, and kept up with great vim till darkness ended the day’s enjoy.  The people of Jervis Bay are to be complimented upon the manner in which they originated this their first school treat, and the unanimous way they carried it out, as was manifested by the cheerful countenances of those who assisted and by the presence of those who came from long distances.   It is hoped the same unanimity may always prevail, living in hopes of witnessing the same pleasing assembly in time to come.

What I find interesting in this story,  they were giving away pen knives as prizes to the children, as you know if your found with one in you possession now, it will be confiscated and you could be fined, how times have changed in many small ways. .

Below is an add from the same newspaper – talk about being diversified…