From the Newspaper Files
100 YEARS AGO
West Gippsland Gazette – November 15, 1921.
Tuesday,
Shire valuations
The adoption of the new valuations for the Warragul Shire as discussed at the council meeting on Friday, and it was decided that although, in common with every valuation, there might be found and anomaly here and there, it was imperative to adopt the valuation.
Ratepayers were well aware of the vast improvement made in the roads of the shire, and they were also aware that these good roads had raised the values of practically every property in the shire.
In some cases, this enhancement of value was such as would pay the rates for the next 20 years and more. Rate payers as sensible men also realized that they could have the cake and eat it too.
The splendid roads were an asset for all time, and not reasonable ratepayer would decline to pay something extra for this improvement, not only to his property, but also to the social conditions of life in the country.
When these facts were contemplated, councillors felt that although the valuations had been raised and each would have to pay a little more, there should be no serious complaint in view of the tremendous improvement which everyone throughout the whole shire. If there should be any anomaly which was clearly a mistake involving injustice, the council could still rectify it though it would have to go through the court.
FRIDAY’S CONCERT
At the public hall on Friday evening next the first Chautauqua concert will be held. The first-class artists who will appear will include Gwendolyn Spanswick of whom the Adelaide Register critic wrote: - “The audience were amazed at the brilliance of her singing.” Dolly Stewart also of whom the Brisbane Standard writes: “Her songs at the piano brought forth tumultuous applause. She s a delightful and versatile entertainer. If Norman Pearce, one of Australia’s foremost humourists, the Montreal Star says, “As an artist in his line, Canada has never seen his equal.” He gripped his bearers for two hours. Then there will also be a stirring address on “Problems of the Dominions” by Private Peat of Canada on one of the greatest Canadian orators, and the organizer of the Greater War Veteran’s Association of Canada. He is a most dramatic and fiery speaker, and soldiers will especially appreciate him. The entertainment is only one of four and the season ticket is 7/- If you have not a season ticket, you may be crowded out, as all season ticket holders must be given preference. Single concert tickets are 3/- each.
CRICKET
A very large number of enthusiasts assembled on the grounds on Saturday afternoon to witness the game between Warragul and Drouin. During the progress of the contest, Warragul Brass Band rendered a good programme of music. The visiting players were entertained at afternoon tea by the Warragul ladies and their kind action was very much appreciated.
Owing to wet weather setting in, the match did not progress as far as was anticipated and a draw was the result. The new wicket was used for the first time and was very satisfactory.
50 YEARS AGO Storm damage
Warragul Gazette – Tuesday, November 16, 1971
The severe electrical storm which lashed Warragul and district last Saturday cause widespread minor damage and flooding.
The storm, which brought large hailstones and up to half an inch of rain in half an hour some areas, hit the town at about 5 p.m.
Although it lasted only a short period, its severity halted traffic, flooded shops, caused havoc with gardens “blacked out” some areas south of the town, and,brought sporting fixtures to a sudden halt for the day.
The commercial area and south of the railway line felt the full impact of the storm.
Woolworths’ Supermarket was flooded by a torrent of water rushing down Victoria St.
Manager Mr J Gilan said yesterday that the entire floor areas of the store was covered by about three inches of water.
Stormwater also flowed up to 16 inches deep through the Warragul Cordial Co’s building in Gladstone St, causing damage to cartooned stock and some equipment.
State Electricity Commission officials reported that several high-voltage fuses in rural sub stations were “blown” during the storm.
Warragul Post Office recorded 94 points of rain from 10am Saturday to 10am Sunday.
Drouin shop robbed
A Drouin store was robbed of $2,300 worth of goods early last Friday morning…
… but an attempt to break into a second shop was unsuccessful.
Electrical goods, watches and cigarette lighters were stolen from Eldama Electrix in Main St.
The goods were insured.
The thieves entered by climbing over a rear fence and cutting a 15-inch square hole in a rear cement sheet wall.
The property was stolen from the front display room and removed through a rear door. Stolen were: Seven portable television receivers, total value $1,155.50
Two three-piece stereograms, $313.25
Seven transistor radios, $336.70
Six men’s Seiko watches and five women’s watches, $377.
Eight Ronson gas cigarette lighters
However, an attempt to break into the chemist shop of Mr G. Wadham failed.
A inch lever or similar instrument had been used to try and force the front and rear doors.
Warragul detectives, who are investigating, believe the offences are connected.’
A hunger strike
A hunger strike to aid Pakistani refugees, will begin at Warragul on December 10.
The “fast” will be conducted by members of the Warragul Rotaract Club.
The club intended to begin the hunger strike at about 5 p.m. on Friday, December 10, and to continue throughout the next day.
Warragul Council last week refused to permit fasters to use the cenotaph site at the junction of Smith and Victoria Sts as their “headquarters.”
But it did say it would give its sanction if the hunger strike were conducted in Queen St Park. All councillors disagreed with the suggestion that the strikers “set up house” at the cenotaph.
Cr D.J. Young voiced objection to the staging of a hunger strike, which he described as “stupid” – although he said he was “sympathetic to the cause.”
Cr Young said he believed the Rotaract Club had good intentions but should not raise funds in such a manner.
The Shire President, Cr M.A. McCarthy, said he had been impressed with the sincerity of Rotaract members he had spoken with about the “fast.”
Other expressions of support were from Cr H.A. Hewson and
Cr F.T. Davey.
Stealing
Five charged with breaking, stealing
Five youths have been charged with shop breaking and stealing from a Warragul mixed business last Saturday.
Four youths were apprehended on the premises. Liberty In”, in Queen St, about 3 a.m. Police later arrested a fifth youth.
A side door was forced and two packets of cigarettes were stolen.
Two imitation silver grey mag wheels with tyres were stolen Anketell Motors’ Queen St Warragul premises between midnight last Saturday and 7.30 a.m. on Sunday.
A new Holden Monaro was jacked up in the car and the wheels removed.
Total value of the wheels and tyres was $150. Two other thefts occurred in Warragul last week.
They were at T and M Schreyer’s hairdressing salon in Victoria St, and the 1st Warragul Scout Troop pavilion in Bourke St.
A man’s leather wallet and an off-white spectacle case, valued at $12, were stolen from Schreyer’s between midday and 5.15 p.m. last Friday.
The scout hall was entered between Wednesday and Friday and a Swedish army compass valued at $6 was stolen.