From the Newspaper Files
100 YEARS AGO
West Gippsland Gazette – Tuesday, January 24, 1922
WARRAGUL BATHS
Although the fine concrete baths built by the Warragul Shire Council some years ago have been taken advantage of by enthusiastic swimmers at every bathing season, the number of bathers attending has never been large, and certainly not commensurate with the amount of money spent in the erection of the baths.
It is generally acknowledged that the lack of patronage is partly attributable to the fact that the baths are not cleaned as frequently as they should be. Although good showers are provided for bathers for use before dressing, they do not compensate, in the minds of many people, for the doubtful pleasure of swimming in water that has been in constant use for several weeks.
While everyone would like the water in the baths changed every week, it has to be admitted that the expenditure incurred would be prohibitive.
The baths contain many thousands of gallons of water, and while this is supplied by the Warragul Water Trust at a considerable concession on ordinary rates, it means the expenditure of several pounds everytime the baths are emptied.
A USEFUL VEHICLE
Labor saving device are in urgent demand on every farm in Australia, and that is probably the reason why the long distance test of the International Harvester Co. speed truck from Melbourne to Brisbane attracted so much attention.
Great interest was manifested in the projected tour both in Melbourne and in the regional towns along the route, including Seymour, Euroa, Benalla, Wangaratta, Albury and other towns to
Toowoomba and Ipswich on the second and final stage to Brisbane.
The distance covered – 1300 miles – is the greatest recorded for a commercial motor vehicle in this country and the successful performance shows how far modern motor trucks can go toward solving the transport problems of producers and commercial houses in every part of the continent.
Tennis success
Several interesting matches have been played between Warragul Tennis Club and other clubs in competition for the a’Beckett shield presented to the West Gippsland Association by Mr a’Beckett of Bunyip and so far Warragul has made a good showing.
On Saturday last, Warragul players visited Drouin and returned home with the highest score. An enjoyable afternoon tea provided by the ladies of the respective clubs was thoroughly appreciated.
RATS AND PLAGUE
Notice is hearby given that all shopkeepers, household and others are urged to declare a relentless campaign against rats on the following lines:
(a) cutting off their food supplies; (b) eliminating their harborages and excluding them from buildings; (c) destroying them by every practicable means.
The Act requires every person becoming aware of any sickness or morality among rats to inform the council.
It is the duty of every occupier to destroy rats on his premises.
If any occupier fails or neglects to destroy rats, an inspector may enter and take such action as is necessary, and the occupier is responsible for the expenses incurred.
50 YEARS AGO
Warragul Gazette – Tuesday, January 18, 1972
LOAN FOR LIGHTS
The future of a $100,000 lighting proposal for the warragul Showground will depend on a Warragul Council decision this afternoon.
The sportsground improvement committee has asked council to raise a loan for $55,000 to allow the project to proceed. Already the lighting project, described as the “most up-to-date in Australia,” is well behind schedule.
The next stage of development at the showground also includes construction of a cantilever at the front of the grandstand.
HSC results
Warragul and Drouin High School students obtained excellent results in Higher School Certificate examinations for 1971. Eighty three of the 119 candidates at the two schools were successful.
There was a total of 96 honors at Warragul High School and 143 at Drouin.
Five Warragul High School and seven Drouin HS students gained Commonwealth University scholarships including:
Warragul – Jayne Becker, Dianne Colls, Heather Davidson, Jillian Flowers and Meredith Mountford.
Drouin – Noelene Barnes, Robin Blackley, David Eckel, Martina Kooloos, Jenny McGookin, Ken Scott and Regina Ziero.
THRILLS AND SPILLS
Warragul Apex Club will receive about $200 from a successful rodeo at Darnum last Sunday.
West Gippsland branch of the Uncle Bobs club will also benefit financially.
The rodeo, staged by Gills Bros, in conjunction with the Apex Club, attracted a crowd of about 600.
UBC members operated a water dunking machine. The crowd was treated to a thrilling display of bronc riding and steer roping.
Alcohol contributes to car crashes
The biggest road accident problem in the northern area of Buln Buln Shire was driving under the influence of alcohol, Dr J. E. Murtagh, of Neerim South, alleged in a report to Buln Buln Shire Council last week.
Dr Murtagh, medical officer of health for the northern area of the shire, submitted a lengthy report to the council on the happenings of 1971.
“It seems a pity that our community has a tendency to ‘hush’ the evidence that one of the local identities was driving under the influence of alcohol when he or she was involved in an accident,” Dr Murtagh said.
He said he was concerned about the number of unfit persons driving motor vehicles.
This referred particularly to aged persons with impaired judgement.
“I would not care to drive on the same roads on which some of my patients drive,” Dr Murtagh commented.
Big Bowen St job
Work has begun on the first stage of Warragul Shire Council’s project to reconstruct Bowen St. The first stage of the project will cost $55,000.
It involves construction of a split level, dual carriageway street between Albert and Sutton Streets and general reconstruction from Queen St to Albert St.
Council workmen last week removed several large trees on the western side of Bowen St to allow for construction of the dual carriageway.
Canteens inspected
School canteens, cafeterias and tuck shops are now open to inspection by municipal health inspectors and are subject to Health Act requirements.
The Commission of Public Health advised Buln Buln Shire Council at its meeting at Drouin last week that the Minister of Education had approved this.
However the approval was limited to canteen premises.
Inspection of other school premises remained outside the jurisdiction of health inspectors and was subject only to supervision by medical officers of health in relation to infectious disease investigations.