Schools of arts played an important role in the lives of those living on isolated properties. The books, lectures and debates were an alternative to gambling and brawls among shearers and labourers in western Queensland. The Department of Public Instruction provided standard guidelines and a format for the establishment of schools of arts on pastoral properties. These were observed in the constitution of the school of arts of the Tandawanna Woolshed. The constitution, originally framed by the ‘Coombe-Martin Reading and Debating Club in July 1897, was revised to comply with government conditions for the state subsidy. It explained the duties of the committee and the sub-committee responsible for books and such property of the school of arts which could be loaned to other institutions with similar aims, provided they were returned in good order. There was to be no raffling, betting or gambling of any description. Abusive personalities were to be excluded from the reading room, and participants in debates were required to criticise principles rather than engage in personal abuse. Time limits were to be set for presentations and debates which were not to include religious doctrine, although quoting from the scriptures to illustrate an argument was permissible. Newspapers could be borrowed for a week by men camped in the vicinity of the woolshed with their wives, or by members whose duties prevented them from attending the woolshed. New newspapers, however, could be borrowed only overnight, and only after 9 p.m. Books, magazines and school requisites could be borrowed for a week. [1]

The department dealt with many requests from schools of arts in outlying areas. One was sent by electric telegraph in October 1901 by the school of arts in Boulia, 200 kilometres from the Northern Territory border, asking for a subsidy to purchase a gramophone and records.  The officer made a notation saying:

I understand that schools of arts were established on stations to provide intellectual amusement and instruction for the employees so they might not as readily fall prey to the professional gambler, but I doubt whether the government should subsidise donation for the purchase of gramophones and records.

Unfortunately when the request proceeded to the Auditor General it was refused.[2]

[1] Correspondence of the Department of Public Instruction, papers re Technical Education and Schools of Arts, 19139, 20 October 1901, A/16255, Queensland State Archives.

[2] Ibid.16091,17 October 1901