From the Newspaper Files 100 YEARS AGO
West Gippsland November 2,, 1920.
Gazette –
The Tennis Season
The Warragul tennis season was officially opened on Saturday afternoon in the presence of about 100 ladies and gentlemen. It was a delightful day, and many enjoyable games were played. The new President (Mr W.O. MacPherson), in opening the court, extended a cordial welcome to all present and said, “such a large gathering augured well for the success of the club.” Tennis was a very fine game to help in physical development and it also afforded an excellent opportunity for social relaxation and enjoyment. Mrs MacPherson then served the first ball to the vice president, Mr Turner, and the court was then declared open. A tournament was played and won by Mr and Mrs A.D. Thomas. Afternoon tea was served by the ladies and the function altogether was very successful. The membership is now a record.
Grand Ball
Grand Ball, now being organised by the Warragul Branch of the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League of Australia and Warragul Brass Band, to be held at Public Hall, Warragul, on the 15th November. The features will be the well-prepared floor, first class music, and efficient MC and a good supper. You can’t beat the Warragul ladies for that. Everyone asked to assist. Tickets obtainable new – double 4s, gents 2s 6d, lady 1s 6d. H Miles and H.C. King hon. Secs.
LECTURE
Tuesday,
The University Extension Centre will host the last of the present series on Thursday next, Nov 4th in the Shire Hall at 8.15 pm when Professor Meredith Atkinson will lecture on
“The World Unrest>” This subject is of the greatest interest to everyone. Professor Atkinson is one of Melbourne’s best and most popular lecturers and this is the first time in which he will be heard in Warragul.
WARRAGUL V GARFIELD
On Saturday last representatives of the above clubs met on the Longwarry oval to try conclusions, under the auspices of the West Gippsland Association. Warragul batted first, and when nine wickets had fallen for 120, and as the afternoon was getting short, the innings was declared closed. The captain (W. Monrahan) was again the highest contributor with 29. Other double figures scorers were B. Pollard (26), C Appeton (24), J Danckeril (20) and D. Colquhoun (12). With the exception of W. Robertson, who contributed 39 not out, Garfield could not make much headway against the Warragul bowling, and just seven wickets for 68 when time was called, and the game therefore ended in a draw.
50 YEARS AGO Revolution
Warragul Gazette – Tuesday, November 3, 1970.
Warragul had the potential to become the “pulsating heart” for future development east of Melbourne, Develop Victoria Council chairman Mr S. Gilmour said here last Thursday night.
Mr Gilmour said because of its geographic location, the town had “everything in its favor” to become part of a tremendous industrial revolution.
Mr Gilmour was speaking at a public meeting called to discuss ideas from promotion of Warragul during its reign as Premier Town of Victoria.
He said the proposed industrial development in the Westernport area and future population growth of the Melbourne metropolitan area, enhanced Warragul’s attractiveness as the “residential centre” for a vast area.
Mr Gilmour said that by the turn of the century, 80 per cent of Victoria’s population would be living in the metropolitan area.
“The drift to the big cities can only be checked by better amenities in country town,’ he said.
“You have everything in your favour here – only 30 miles from the Westernport development area and less than an hour’s train journey from Melbourne.
“I firmly believe that if you want your dreams to come true you must wake up.
“You must decide Warragul’s destiny and also what you – the public – are will willing to contribute toward it.
“Every factory employing 100 people which you attract multiples astoundingly in so many different aspects – education, employment, residential, financial and social.
“Warragul requires one major attraction which will bring about half a million people here every year.
“Other cities and towns have them – Ballarat and its Begonia Festival and Swan Hill and its Folk Museum.
TRIBUTE TO RON ROSS
The sudden death of R.E. Ross after playing a game of golf at Royal Melbourne at the weekend came as a great shock to his many friends here.
His association with golf at Warragul was an invaluable interest, to which he gave his time and knowledge.
Both on trees and grass, he was an expert, and after the club lost the two holes over the road, he sponsored the re-arrangement and general progress which kept the local course an inspiration for other country clubs.
His game was based on the rich verdant Gippsland turf and the care and placement of his beloved trees.
Ron’s four-ball matches over the many years make memorable local golf history.
His final round at the Royal Melbourne Club over the weekend was undoubtedly in a perfect setting.
The tragic end must be deeply felt by his many friends and his bereaved wife, to who I express my heartfelt sympathy.