From the Newspaper Files 100 YEARS AGO 50 YEARS AGO

West Gippsland November 30,, 1920.

Gazette –

Tuesday,

HALL OR MONUMENT?

A public meeting to further consider the proposal to build a memorial hall in memory of our fallen soldiers was held in the Shire Hall. The President of the Shire (Cr E. J. Erlandson) presided, and there were 12 persons present.

The President commentated upon the smallness of the meeting, and deplored the lack of interest in the proposal to build a memorial hall.

Mr Prime said those present were acquainted with the origin of this movement in February last. It was then decided that a collection should be taken up throughout the district, but when those appointed came to undertake the work they met with a very poor response indeed. They had no support whatsoever from the outside districts.

It was said then that if the committee had a definite site and plans prepared to give some idea of the proposed hall, the people would take a keener interest in the project.

Well, Mr Gay had very kindly prepared a ground plan of a building which was calculated to cost between £7000 and £8000. But it was evident that public interest in the matter was very poor indeed, as shown by that meeting.

Cr Oliver said that this project seemed impracticable, and he thought it would be better to hand the money over to the soldiers and let them build their own clubrooms.

EGGS FOR HOSPITAL

All records broken

When the egg appeal was launched in the “Gazette” this year we ventured to express the hope that last year’s total would be reached, notwithstanding the high price of eggs.

But we did not anticipate such a splendid response, which has eclipsed all previous records. And this has been accomplished in the face of the fact that the eggs could have been sold at a higher price than has prevailed for many years past.

But this consideration was not permitted to stand in the way of the people’s generosity, or the enthusiasm of the head teachers of the schools, when the gifts were for the District Hospital.

And so, while last year the contribution was 7409, we have this year reached a total (private and schools) of 9777.

Concert party

The Blind Concert Party will give another of their enjoyable concerts at Warragul and other townships as advertised.

The object of the Association is to promote the welfare of the blind, to give financial assistance in cases of emergency, and to encourage all to take an interest in their mutual welfare.

Warragul Gazette – Tuesday, December 1, 1970.

Rate rise stands

Warragul Council decided at a three-and-ahalf hour meeting that the Shire rate must go up by one cent this year to 16.5 cents in the $1 on Net Annual Valuations (NAV), but…

…another decision launched at the meeting - to raise a $40,000 – would give the shire an annual saving of about $16,000, councillors were told.

Although Cr H. R. Strugnell argued for a different means of financing the fund, all councillors voted for its establishment this financial year.

Most of the estimates meeting was devoted to an outline of the PRF proposal and consideration of its implications.

There did not appear at any stage to be any likelihood of the Council moving to strike a rate of less than 16.5 cents in the $1, although several speakers referred in passing to the possibility of a half-cent rise.

When pressed by Cr L. N. Brown to indicate how a one cent rise could have been avoided this year, Cr Young replied: “Cut down a percentage of works in each rising and put off some staff”.

Open mind

Drouin and Warragul Waterworks Trust Commissioners decided at a special meeting in Drouin to “pursue the possible introduction of fluoride into Warragul and Drouin water reticulation areas”.

Commissioners generally favoured the introduction of fluoride but were concerned at the lack of Government protection offered waterworks trusts.

The meeting was told that the Victorian Government had passed no legislation relating to the fluoridation of water supplies.

Members were concerned that objection to fluoridation could involve trusts in expensive Court hearings.

Drouin Trust, which hosted the meeting, had prepared a lengthy report on fluoridation.

Commissioner L. J. Baxter (Warragul) asked what arrangements would be made for the fluoridation of Drouin’s other water supply – from Labertouche.

YARRAGON RUN HALTS -DRAMATIC COLLAPSE

Yarragon’s great WDCA run, which slowed with a shock one-run defeat a week ago, came to a jarring halt.

The Magpies’ batting line-up collapsed completely against tight Trafalgar bowling and competent fielding for a miserable 40 runs.

In a high-scoring round, Warragul recovered magnificently to hit up 217; St Andrew’s gave themselves a good chance against Drouin with a solid 174, and two B grade teams came within five runs of double centuries.

However, Yarragon’s collapse highlighted play.

Glen Stewart (22) was the only batsman to offer any resistance to the persistent bowling of Bill Powell, 3-1 from six overs, and Ken Wadsworth, who took 3-19 from 10 overs.

CYCLING BOOM AHEAD: Warragul Velodrome seems destined to become the mecca for Australia’s pro track cycling events during the next few months.

Several of Victoria’s leading professional cyclists are seen in action preparing for a combined professional-amateur meeting at the Velodrome.