100 YEARS AGO

West Gippsland Gazette – Tuesday, January 18, 1921.

Lightning strikes stable

The heavy storm caused a good deal of damage to the electrical light system in Drouin.

The “Independent” says: “The most serious loss was sustained by Mr W. A. Righetti of Robin Hood road, about two miles from Drouin, whose stables and shed were struck by lightning and burnt to the ground.

He estimates his damage at being £100, and includes the loss of harness, a chaffcutter, and a ton of hay which were in the shed destroyed. There was no insurance on the property damaged by the storm.

Fortunately for Mr. Righetti, the wind changed and two stacks of hay were saved. His horses, which were out in the paddock, were not injured.

Mr C. Mason reports that a large tree was struck by lightning and great branches were hurled in all directions, thus imperilling human life at the end of the town.”

Dangerous driving

The danger of reckless driving of motor cars, driving on the wrong side of the road, and driving without lights, has been referred to by the Warragul Shire Council on several occasions, and the notice of the police some time ago was drawn to the matter.

At the council meeting this dangerous practice was again alluded to. Cr Prime said there should be a better regulation of traffic in the town, or they would have a serious accident.

Motor cars and motor bikes with sidecars were constantly to be seen on their wrong sides. Now even during the recent holidays, the police took no less than 40 names of those who were breaking the by-laws. Why was no action taken?

Cr Oliver said even last night a motor car went along Queen St with no lights at all.

BATHS

The Warragul Shire Council secretary reported that he had obtained several new bathing suits at a cost of 3s 6d to 6s 6d each. Several of the suits last year had been lost.

Cr Oliver said he thought it would be better if the secretary had entire charge of the baths. Then, at the end of the season, the towels, bathing suits etc, could be taken away and cared for.

The President asked if the school children were taught to swim in the baths.

Cr Oliver said they were not, and he thought the council should make the admission free for school children. Then he thought the school committees should arrange to provide teachers, say two afternoons a week.

The President said in his opinion it should be compulsory for children to be taught swimming. They had read of several fatal accidents again during the holidays.