Circa 1872, Mr Francis White left Belltrees and took up residence at the parent estate of Edinglassie, presumably for its administrative convenience, which responsibility was his and his brothers. He left his brother-in-law, George James Cobb, in charge at Belltrees, with the office of Superintendent. Obviously a progressive man, Mr Cobb saw the need and advantage of a school for the children of his employees and frieds in the area. In 1874 an application was submitted to the Council of Education (predicessor of the current Department of Education). Accompanying his signature on the application were those of R. Grahman, storekeeper, and J. Hartney, farmer.
The application was for a Provisional School, which under the constitution, required the guarantee of an average weekly attendance of 15 pupils, while that of a permanent Public School was 25 students. A resident of Scone, William Asser, was nominated as teacher, since for a Provisonal School no departmental training was required, merely the attributes of reasonable literacy and good character.
Unfortunately for Mr Cobb and his associates, Mr Asser was the rock upon which they perished.
Following normal procedure, the Council sent forth their representative, district inspector S. S. Jones, to investigate the application. Yes, with the children available in the area and the parents willing to see to their education (primary schooling at this stage was not compulsory) Mr Jones envisaged an average of 15 or better but Mr Asser, upon investigation, was found wanting.
Overflowing with references to character and ability supplied by numerous citizens and men of the cloth, Mr Asser wrote to Mr Jones on the virtues of a teacher..."patience and forebearance - industrious - upright and sober." Mr Jones sought out an appropriate candidate and in his final analyses to the Council - "Mr Asser is no more proficient than those he would teach - his only experience is teaching Sunday School...".
Application denied.
However lacking in educational matters he may have been, Mr Asser must be accorded an "A" for determination. In 1875 he set up a private school in a hut, on Belltrees, provided by Mr Cobb. Whether he was "thumbing his nose" at the Council or merely endeavouring to prove his capabilities is not recorded. Whatever his reasons, an application was again undertaken later that year.
Again denied.
Realising they were riding a tired horse, Mr Cobb and friends sought another teacher who would prove satisfactory to Mr Jones and the Council. They found him in Mr Murray Leith Allen and following an application in April 1876, the Council of Education granted Belltrees Provisional School status, with Mr Allen formally taking charge on May 1, 1876, or shortly thereafter.