NRS-20722 | Visitors Book [Coombell Public School]

The Public Instruction Act of 1880 (Act No.23, 1880, s.17), authorised instruction by the clergyman or other religious teacher. In the case of non-attendance of the religious instructor, the time set aside was to be used for 'ordinary secular instruction'.The purpose of the visitors book was to record the persons, other than pupils or teachers, who attended the school during business hours. The books were divided into three columns: date, name and remarks. The remarks usually recorded the purpose for the visit which included religious instruction (the most usual purpose for a visit), school inspection, medical inspection, departmental officers visiting on business to inspect buildings and equipment, commemorative occasions, VIP visits, and guest speakers. Occasionally visitors (particularly inspectors) remarked briefly on the conduct or the ambience of the school.