Presented by Mildura & District Historical Society and compiled by Mildura Rural City Council Libraries.
100 years ago
FRUIT FLIES: Mr Alfred E Lloyd, secretary of the Mildura Vineyards Protection Board, has received from the Department of Agriculture some large posters, describing and illustrating the fruit-fly in its different stages. The Mildura postmaster has consented to hang up one of these posters in the post-office for the education of growers. Mr Lloyd is also displaying one in his office window. Mr Lloyd has been informed by the Superintendent of Horticulture, Mr J M Ward, that there was no fruit-fly visible in Shepparton and Mildura when he visited early this month, and he was very optimistic regarding the effect of the clean-up last autumn.
NEW HEARSE: A handsome appearance and the embodiment of modern conveniences are the main features of the fine new Dodge motor-hearse which Mr York has installed at his undertaking business, 60 Pine Avenue, Mildura. The innovation is the first of its kind in the part of Victoria, and the hearse was built in Mildura from the latest model. A trial run on Monday greatly pleased the owner and convinced him that the principle of applying the most modern appliances to a business is necessary for the fullest measure of success.
CHEVROLET REVOLUTION: In Mildura for some weeks past, the increase in the number of Chevrolet cars has been particularly noticeable and many remarks have been passed regarding the way that sales have been affected at a time when money was so tight in Mildura. Mr J H Bayliss, the district agent for the Chevrolet said that since January 1 last until Saturday last, he had booked 57 Chevrolet cars, and in his opinion, the reason for the popularity of the Chevrolet was on account of its peculiar features that suit the district so well. The roads of the district demand a car of quality, strong and sturdy, as well as being comfortable to ride in, and economical in use. The Chevrolet has proved that it fills the bill in this direction.
75 years ago
SNAKES PLAGUE: At least one man has been bitten in what is believed to be a near-plague of snakes at Werrimull. The Forestry Officer for the Werrimull district was bitten on Sunday but did not need to seek hospital treatment. Mr J J Russell, carrier of Werrimull, said last night that he had never seen snakes so prevalent. On his bus run between Werrimull and Meringur he saw dozens on the side of the road and crossing the road. On one trip last week, Mr Russell ran his bus over four snakes. “I killed four or five with sticks last week and ran over many with the bus” he said.
POND TO PADDLING POOL?: The reed-covered pond in Quandong Park, Red Cliffs, was a “white elephant” at present, but could be made into something useful, a Red Cliffs woman said yesterday. “Would it not be much nicer for the children to use as a paddling pool?” the woman asked. “With a concrete kerbing around it what fun small boys could have sailing their toy boats on it. Most parks provide some entertainment for children, including a swing or two under the trees. There needs to be something to keep them happy while grown-ups watch a cricket match or a tennis tournament” she said. “I am sure that mothers would support this suggestion.”
LAKE STORAGE: The New South Wales Government today will officially launch the £2,3000,000 Menindee Lake storage project – the biggest water conservation scheme yet undertaken on the Darling River. The work will entail the creation of storages totalling two million acre feet by diverting the flow of the Darling into Lakes Tandure, Pamamaroo, Menindee and Cawndilla. It is proposed to construct a block dam in the river, with regulators to control the inflow and outflow of each lake, as well as the storage in the river channel and Lake Bijijie. A weir will be built to pass large flood waters which might be in excess of the capacity of the inlet channels in the lakes. After making allowances for evaporation, the storages will give a regulated flow of at least 630 cusecs, which will provide for the present and future requirements of the Lower Darling and Anabranch, and irrigation areas in the Wentworth area.
50 years ago
KANGAROO RESCUE: “Operation Kangaroo Rescue” will be attempted by wildlife officers and helpers working in floodwaters on the NSW side of the Murray River opposite Karadoc. At least eight kangaroos are known to be trapped on small islands by floodwaters 1 and a half miles from the nearest dry land. Five kangaroos were rescued from another nearby area the weekend before last by Terry and Russell Pate, who used a boat, ropes and a net to get the animals to dry land. Mr Bill Kelly, the Victorian Fisheries and Wildlife officer stationed at Mildura and his NSW counterpart stationed at Buronga went to inspect the area and talk to Mr Pate. They decided that with the help of the Pate brothers that they would go out on Sunday to try and get the rest of the kangaroos to dry land.
WINE NOT WATER: About one million gallons of wine has been saved from Murray River floods. Winegrowers at Waikerie, South Australia, were warned they had five weeks to shift their winery, on the Murray banks, before it was covered up by nine feet of water. But the winery’s managing director, Mr Frank Hall, said last night that work on a new winery on high ground would beat the flood, expected within a fortnight. “Two big sheds have been built on high ground and a stainless-steel storage tank which can hold nearly one million gallons is in place. A service tunnel has been dug from the crushing area and the whole winery is being reconstructed. Now it’s just a matter of pumping out the wine when the panic button is hit.”
BILLABONG ATTRACTION: A three-man investigation team has suggested a practical scheme for preservation of King’s Billabong as a top tourist attraction. As a start the historic pump house, a regular target for vandals, will be bricked up at a cost of $1000. Mr Lloyd, Shire Engineer was asked to prepare a report on behalf of the team, comprising himself, manager of First Mildura Irrigation Trust, Mr S Nice, and president of Mildura and District Historical Society, Mr R R Etherington. Council has decided to act on the report immediately. Mr Lloyd said features of the area were its bird life and aquatic life. Its natural state made it ideal for hiking, parties, barbecuing, bush walks, nature study and the challenges of interesting development. Only site works needed were roads or tracks, and these were inexpensive to build and maintain. “At all times, it would be kept strictly as a sanctuary so that the wildlife can be preserved as well as the native flora peculiar to this area.
25 years ago
PASSENGER TRAIN: The restoration of the passenger rail service to Mildura remains a possibility, according to the V/Line passenger service. The service, which is managed by the National Express Group, is undertaking an extensive review of operations throughout Victoria – and is looking for public feedback. Regional residents are encouraged to indicate how they would like to see the train and coach services improved. Director Geoff Smithwick said he was aware there was “a bit of a groundswell” in the Mildura region for the return of the passenger train. “At this stage we haven’t closed the door on anything … anything’s possible” he said.
HOSPITAL HISTORY: “Beyond the Call of Duty,” a book detailing the history of the Red Cliffs District Hospital, was officially launched on Sunday. About 110 people attended the launch at the Red Cliffs Nursing Home, including the author Vince Tassone, Member for Mallee John Forest and most of the people mentioned in the book. Mr Tassone, who worked in a variety of senior positions at the Base hospital for 31 years, was commissioned to write the history of the Red Cliffs District Hospital from 1922 to 1999.
WATER RESTRICTIONS: With Grampians water storages at their lowest level for 32 years, water restrictions have been imposed for both farms and towns within the Wimmera-Mallee region. Northern Mallee towns affected include Ouyen, Walpeup, Underbool, Speed, Tempy, Patchewollock and Nandally. The only exception will be those towns supplied with groundwater and those connected to the Northern Mallee Pipeline (such as Manangatang, Sea Lake, Chinkapook, Chillingollah and Ultima). The water restrictions come into force as of midnight next Monday.
