students for college entrance examinations or to aid slow learners.

Many restrictions were placed on teachers. Their moral character had to be beyond reproach as they were to be an example to the children. These restrictions seemed to have been especially strict for women. In some areas, a woman was not allowed to marry while under contract to the school. This would have proved difficult anyway, as she was not allowed to be seen in public with any male other than a relative.

A vast difference is seen in the salaries paid to the teachers. In 1872, first-class male teachers received an average salary of $465.46, while first- class female teachers received an average of only $360. Second—class male teachers received on average of $306.78, while second-class female teachers received an average of only $231.92. Third-class male teachers received an average of $228.64, while third-class female teachers received only $165.56. It is believed that the teachers were classed on a five-point system by school visitors from the local school board.

Some knowledge concerning these first schools can be found in the school’s visitor’s reports. From one such report, it was learned that in 1840 a school was established between the Cardigan and Brudenell Rivers. (In the Meecham’s 1880 Atlas, it indicates a school near the site of the present Consolidated School.)The report indicates this school was a good one —— there were 26 students and scholars who attended regularly and made rapid progress. Donald Gordon was the teacher.

The school visitor for Kings County in 1869 was John McSwain.

In 1849, a school was opened at Cardigan River. Donald Lamont was the teacher. The following report was given:

This school was opened a fortnight ago. In reading, the children appear rather to a disadvantage, but spell tolerably well. Only a few of the older children are instructed in writing. Those in arithmetic, read- ily worked a number of questions in the fundamental rules and under- stood them well. Good regulations prevail in the school.

A school was also established at Cardigan Head at this time. Charlotte Alley was the teacher. Miss Alley was a private tutor before this, so it appears that she was instrumental in establishing it. However, in 1859, Miss Alley was denied an allowance to teach school because of lack of attendance.

By 1863, the schools in the Cardigan area seemed to be progressing rapidly. The school visitor submitted the following report:

In Cardigan, commendable arrangements have already been made to erect a commodious schoolhouse. Thomas Owen, Esquire, has given sufficient space for the building and guaranteed liberal aid to furnish and finish it in suitable style. Similar provisions to sustain efficient schools are being made in other locations. (This school was located across the road from John Gallant’s home.)

In 1924 a new public school was built on the hill across the road from Senator John A. MacDonald’s house. This structure contained two class- rooms and a principal’s office. In 1950 another classroom was added to this structure. The “Low room” contained Grades 1-3, the “Middle room” held Grades 4-5-6 and the “High room” Grades 7-10. Graduates from this school usually completed their high school training in Souris or Charlottetown at

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