from the Newspaper Files
100 years ago
The Gazette, October 31, 1922
SPELLING BEE
At a recent meeting of the Warragul branch of the A.N.A. it was decided to hold a spelling bee and elecutionary competition for all school children. This eventuated last Tuesday evening at the Shire Hall before a good attendance. The successful competitors were invited to the anniversary celebrations on the following evening when Mr Bremner, the Chief President, in a few well chosen remarks, distributed the awards as follows.
SPELLING
Under 10 - Master T. Scott
10-12 - Master Orme Matchett 1; Master T. Scott 2.
12-14 - Miss Mary Massey 1; Master Hubert O’Connor 2 .
14-17 - Miss Alice Ezard 1; Miss Monica Massey 2.
ELOCUTIONARY
Under 12 - Miss Dulcie Friend
12-17 - Miss Phyllis Terry.
The judges were Messrs. T.F. Scott and T.J. Woolf, of the High School.
SKATING CARNIVAL
Since Messrs. MacGavan & Harris have secured the lease of the public hall, they have endeavoured to the best of their ability to cater for the amusement of the public. In addition to the screening of good pictures they have launched out in various other directions. Last Tuesday evening they conducted a skating carnival, where there was a fair attendance present. The prize winners were as follows:Best fancy dress lady - Mrs McCartin (Ranee) Best dressed gent - Mr Kendall (The Sheik) Most graceful couple - Miss Weidner and Mr Ashcroft.
Best skating team - Miss Weidner, Miss McKenzie and Mr Ashcroft.
Best sustained character - Mr Urquart.
DARNUM
The recreation club’s grand ball deservedly enjoyed a wide patronage. Towns from Yallourn on the east to Bunyip on the west were represented. The committee had spared no efforts to to gratify the dancers.
The interior of the hall had been tastefully decorated with greenery and coloured streamers; the floor had received preparation, and was in fine trim; Mr Hawkins’ orchestra provided excellent music; and a tasty supper was provided. Mr Lord made an efficient and courteous M.C.
Among other features of the entertainment were a waltzing competition, and a “moonlight mystery waltz.” Mr and Mrs Falconer, of Trafalgar, winning the former, were recipients of the gold medal and a gold necklett-medallion; while Miss M. Cooke and Mr Metzenthen carried off the prizes for the latter. The gross takings were £28, and the recreation reserve committee are to be congratulated on the success of their efforts.
Under the supervision of Mr Lord, the honorary secretary preparations of the reserve are so far advanced that there is talk of a sports meeting being held on the ground in the near future.
50 years ago
The Gazette, October 31, 1972
NEWS IN BRIEF
A car was stolen outside the Yarragon Hotel at 7 p.m. last Thursday while the owner was having a quiet drink inside.
The car, owned by Mr Frank Keighran, Mills Rd, Trafalgar, is a 1967 Holden HR model, brown with a white top.
Registration number is KSX 540.
The Shire of Buln Buln is urgently seeking a male leader for 15 boys who will be attending the Lord Mayor’s Children’s Camp at Portsea from December 11 to December 21.
The Shire secretary, Mr K.A. Pretty, said today the boys are aged 9 years to 13.
The leader’s camp fees will be paid by the Shire.
Mr Frank O’Brien jr., of Cropley’s Rd, Darnum, is in Prince Henry’s Hospital in a satisfactory condition following a car accident last Friday night.
Mr O’Brien suffered severe head injuries when the car he was driving ran off East-West Rd, Bona Vista - half a mile east of Bona Vista Rd - and crashed into a tree.
Warragul CIB is investigating the theft of a Massey Ferguson three-cylinder tractor from David Brown Tractors Pty Ltd showrooms in Warragul last Tuesday night.
Acting inspector K. Kidd said yesterday that thieves entered the premises by cutting out a section of cyclone wire fence.
Drouin Police are investigating the theft of a wheel from a car parked behind Gleeson’s Family Hotel in Drouin last Friday night.
The car, owned by hotel licensee Mr Pat Gleeson, was jacked up and the wheel removed.
A similar theft took place during a greyhound meeting in Warragul the same night.
Showgrounds packed
An estimated 7000 people watched the finish of the 1972 Sun Tour cycle race at Warragul Showground last Sunday.
Gate Takings for a gala sporting carnival staged in conjunction with the finish were a record $1174.
The carnival, which featured something to interest all members of the family, was staged in perfect weather conditions.
Organiser, Shire President N.O Cottrell described the event as “one of the greatest days ever held on the Showground.”
Prior to the arrival of the Sun Tour riders, the huge crowd watched a gymkhana, Little Athletics, professional and amateur cycling, woodchopping, dog parade, poultry show and square dancing display.
The tour convoy was led on to the Showground track by the Hotchin & Boyer Valiant used through the Tour as a Warragul promotional vehicle.
Eighteen-year-old student nurse Vicki Kettyle, of Orbost, was chosen “Miss Sun Tour Carnival Girl.”
Ken Evans, who scored an easy win in the race, was content to “coast along” during the 24-lap tour of the Showground trotting track.
Factory opening a new era
The official opening of G.A. Williames Design and Construction factory next Thursday will herald a major milestone in the company’s rise to success.
The factory will be officially opened at 1pm by the Leader of the Country Party, Mr J.D. Anthony.
The opening will coincide with the unveiling of the company-designed and manufactured all-terrain tractor.
It will be the first of its type ever produced in Victoria and the only general purpose farm vehicle manufactured in Gippsland.
Production of the tractor marks the beginning of a new era in industrial development in Warragul.
It also fulfils a lifelong dream for the company’s manufacturing Mr Geoff Williames.
In a little more than 12 months, he has developed one of the town’s most progressive decentralised secondary industries.
Mr Williames first came to Warragul in July last year to seek Warragul Shire Council help in establishing an industry.
The Shire assisted him in obtaining suitable land in the town’s new industrial subdivision and with arranging finance to construct a factory.
Work began on building the factory in October last year and Mr Williames took occupation with a staff of three in November.
The $44,000 factory contains $15,000 worth of sophisticated engineering equipment and employs a staff of 16.
A wide variety of custom-built machinery produced in the factory will be on display at the opening.
The all-terrain tractor will be available for inspection and test drives.