IURP WKH 1HZVSDSHU )LOHV 100 years ago
The Gazette, June 20, 1922
PATTERN
There is a general impression that it is impossible to hold a meeting in Warragul at the time announced. If a meeting is advertised to commence at 8.15pm, is generally 8.30 or later, before a start is made.
This is so generally recognised that no one complains, and if it is a farmer’s meeting, called for one o’clock no comment is made if those present at the hour appointed are kept waiting half an hour.
DISPUTED MATCH
Some few weeks back Yarragon and Drouin had the result of their match brought before the local Association to settle a disputed point. After hearing both sides’s version of the affair, the evidence was forwarded to the Victorian Football Association for settlement. Last week word was received to the effect that the protest was dismissed, which means that Yarragon are entitled to the game.
ELECTRIC LIGHT
To the Editor of the Gazette.
Sir, - I wish to express the appreciation which is felt by every progressive person who has interests of our town and district at heart at seeing electric light and power now available in Warragul.
No word of praise has so far been extended to the plucky men who have stood behind the hydroelectric scheme. They have had difficulties to face which would have frightened many, but in spite of this, the object they set out to accomplish has not been completed.
Details of the scheme have been criticised, and mistakes may have been made, but there is no doubt in my mind that Warragul and district will benefit largely through the work carried out by the Hydro Electric Co.
The directors of the company may be reminded that nothing progressive has yet been accomplished in Warragul without opposition.
The establishment of our fine water supply met with a lot of opposition before it was carried out, and met with a lot of opposition before it was carried out and a number of short sighted individuals banded together at the time in order to try and keep the place back.
Our municipal baths would never have been in existence if the non progressied had been allowed to have their way.
If it had not been for enthusiastic works there would have been no public hospital in Warragul, nor would an approximate amount of £3,000 for its maintenance be spent in the town every year. Other instances might be mentioned if space permitted, but, in spite of those who stood in the way of progress and not in any way because of them, we have one of the finest towns in Gippsland, and Warragul, before long with all the facilities and advantages we now possess, with the main line electrified (as it doubtless will be), will become a suburb of Melbourne.
It is my intention to organise a demonstration shortly, and to ask every citizen to attend, in order that the moral support of the whole community may be offered to those men amongst us who have, in the face of great difficulties, provided the town with such an important utility as electric, light and power.
Yours etc,
HUGH COPELAND.
50 years ago
The Gazette, June 20, 1972
DROUGHT BROKEN
Winning a football match is not so unusual … but for members of Warranor Tigers - who play in the Warragul Junior Football League - victory last Saturday meant the end of a three-year losing streak.
After several near misses, including a onepoint defeat earlier this year, the Tigers broke through to defeat V.R.I. 4.3 to 2.2 in the league’s under 12 section.
Apart from the four premiership points, the match brought a more tangible award when Warragul North shop proprietor Mr Geoff Kelsey shouted drinks “on the house” for the victorious team.
Coach Maurie Young rewarded the team with a pie lunch.
The Tigers will need to be at their top next Saturday when they clash with Warranor Hawks, the top team in the section and favourite for the premiership.
FRENCH TESTING
The proposed nuclear tests in the South Pacific scheduled for later this month have come under strong attack in Gippsland.
The Latrobe Valley Presbytery (Presbyterian Church) last week objected strongly to the tests; endorsed by A.L.P. candidate Mr F Mountford condemned them and criticised the Federal Government’s lack of positive action, and the Young Country Party - at its annual conference - called for the immediate breaking-off of diplomatic relations with France.
In its resolution, the Young Country Party also called on the Federal Country Party to seek an end to all trade with France.
Mr Mountford described as “weak kneed” the Australian Government’s failure to take positive action.
“We should have supported New Zealand earlier in the Stockholm conference on the Environment.
“Clearly, it was only Australian public opinion which forced a change. Once again, the Federal Government is seen to be reacting to a situation instead of taking initiatives at the appropriate time,” Mr Mountford said.
Mr Mountford said that the warning from Nobel Peace Prize winner Sir Macfarlane Burnet was convincing evidence that the tests involved serious risks for Australians and others near the test area.
The Latrobe Valley Presbytery decided to “express its real concern” to the Prime Minister, Mr McMahon; the French Consul-General, and to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
COUNCILLOR SPEAKS OUT
A call for “direct action to halt the utter slaughter” on Princes Highway between Warragul and Drouin was made last Tuesday by a Warragul councillor.
Cr H.R. Strugnell, who referred to “the needless loss of life,” said the council should press the Country Roads Board to immediately make improvements to the highway.
During the discussion, Cr T.W. Adkins - who commented on the high road accident death rate among under 25 drivers - suggested the removal of “roadside obstacles.”
He referred to poles and trees.
Cr Adkins also called for double lane highways to lessen the risk of head on collision.
The “appalling road toll” among under 25 drivers worried the whole community, Cr Adkins said.
“How do we get the message on road safety to them… they only listen to their own ‘jam sessions’ and apparently don’t see road safety material,” he said.
It was when Cr Adkins posed the question of road safety lectures for the young that Cr Strugnell referred to the state of Princes Highway.
On “getting the message” to young drivers, Cr Strugnell said that he could not speak too highly of the work of the magistrates and Justices of the Peace at Warragul.
He said that by bringing down firm penalties for driving offences, the Courts were “doing young people and the community a service.