THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Thousands of Perth citizens last night prayed to God for victory. In King Edward Street, at the Mercat Cross, where an open-air service was held, an impressive scene was presented. From end to end the thoroughfare was crowded. The King Edward Memorial was utilised as a pulpit. Praise was led by the Perth Municipal Band under the leadership of Mr Fred Gorin. Within the railings stood the ministers of all denominations in the city. Bishop Plumb said it was a day full of anxiety.

50 years ago

A 61-year-old British migrant, William Sweeting, refused an assisted £30 passage to Australia because he could not take his two dogs with him on the same ship. Instead, Mr Sweeting paid the full fare for himself, his wife Florence and their son Charles, plus the freight for his dogs, amounting to £480 sterling. Love for his dogs therefore cost him £450. Mr Sweeting, who retired from the British police force with the rank of divisional detective inspector, arrived in Melbourne at the weekend.

25 years ago

Forfar people are on the warpath over the condition of the town’s loch which has deteriorated into a “stinking cesspool”. When it was designated a countryside park three years ago, the image of pure, clean, crystal-clear water was offered as an enticement to stifle opposition to the change and to the appointment of a countryside ranger. So incensed is retired policeman Jim Maison about the condition of the loch that he is circulating a petition demanding some form of action.

One year ago

A project to honour every man from Arbroath who died during the First World War with a handmade poppy starts next week. There are approximately 830 men on the Roll of Honour and over the next four years the Signal Tower Museum would like each person to be remembered. The museum is calling on members of the public to help with the ambitious project. The commemorative poppies will have the man’s name, age, rank and regiment written on their backs and will be put on display.