PRESENTED by Mildura & District Historical Society compiled by Mildura Rural City Council Libraries.
100 YEARS AGO
FERRY: It was previously stated in the Sunraysia Daily that a rowing boat is provided by the Wentworth hospital committee and that the would-be patient or interested visitor is speedily ferried across the Darling. The hospital authorities desire it to be understood that the regulations are that the boat is provided for the use of the medical officers and other members of the staff, visiting committee or visiting clergymen.
POTATO: Messrs Duncan and Bert Smith of Irymple have grown a sweet potato weighing 13 1/2 pounds. Mr Smith stated that it was the largest they had grown, it beat the previous one by a quarter of a pound. Sweet potatoes do not keep as well as other varieties, but in the loose sandy soil common in the Mildura district, they yield well and require no attention after planting.
AUCTION: More than 200 settlers and district residents attended the Water Commission’s dispersal sale, which was held at Red Cliffs, Crouch Brothers being the auctioneers. The big number of motorcars and horse vehicles, together with the large crowd, made an unusual sight on the west side of the line, where the Commissioners store is situated. The lots offered were without reserve, and included horses, trollies, carts, cultivators, ploughs, tools and block material of all kinds. Big prices were realised and everything was sold.
75 YEARS AGO
BOOKS: More than 450 books were taken to Wentworth yesterday from Mildura Carnegie Library to be made available to borrowers in Wentworth Council’s free library scheme which opens tomorrow at Wentworth and Dareton. These will be added to the 300 books received last week from the New South Wales Library Services Board and will be changed every four months. Application cards are being taken out and borrowers tickets issued; cards are available at Wentworth Town Hall and Division’s Dareton.
SHOW: A number of exhibits at this year’s Mildura District Show will be displayed in a prefabricated building to be purchased by the show society. After erection by a working-bee, the building is expected to cost about 175 pounds. It will have semi-circular walls and ceiling and will be 60 feet long and 24 feet wide. The building was originally used by the Royal Air Force in England and has been reconditioned. The decision to buy the building was made as no materials were available to enlarge existing pavilions.
MEETING: The future of greyhound racing in Mildura will be decided when a further meeting of the Mildura Owner’s and Trainers’ Association is held. Last night’s meeting was so poorly attended that it was decided to postpone further discussion until the next meeting. If this meeting is not successful, speed coursing in Mildura will probably be abandoned.
50 YEARS AGO
FRUIT: Carina, the new currant variety perfected this year, is being evaluated by a group of pastrycooks and cake makers. Carina, a larger berry fruit than the conventional currant, is also claimed to be more resistant to rain damage. The new variety, produced at the Merbein research station has been forwarded to the manufacturers by the Australian Dried Fruits Association. The ADFA has sought the assistance of selected cake makers and pastry cooks to try Carinas in a variety of products. It is hoped the manufactures will be able to assess the likely value of new variety compared to ordinary currants.
MEDAL: Dynamic Sunraysia footballer Kevin Coleman will go down in the Sunraysia Football League’s history books following the counting in the 1974 McLeod Medal. Coleman’s win in this year’s McLeod Medal is his third consecutive win, setting an SFL record. He polled four first votes, each worth three points. These added to his second and third votes added up to 28.
ANTENNA: A NASA tracking antenna rescued from the scrapheap is being used to track a 3.1 million cubic foot balloon launched from Mildura last night. It will track the balloon to a height of 111,000 feet – almost 21 miles. The antenna was previously used for tracking spacecraft. Station director Mr Oats said many man hours had been spent modifying the equipment for balloon work. It has eight separate antennas for tracking and is mounted in a paddock next to the balloon launching station. The launch was the first of three planned by the Hibal crew for Melbourne University’s department of physics.
25 YEARS AGO
STRIKE: Industrial action at Southcorp Wines Karadoc facility escalated yesterday as striking workers threatened to disrupt the Olympic Torch Relay when it arrives in Mildura on Saturday. Australian Workers Union Mildura branch organiser Mick Chopping said if no breakthrough was achieved by Friday, union members would be prepared to protest against Southcorp – a major sponsor of the Olympic Games – on Saturday alongside the Olympic Torch Relay as it makes its way through the streets of Mildura. Mr Chopping said banners displaying words similar to “We’re not happy with one of your sponsors” would be a possible tool for unionists to use in the demonstration to draw attention to their dispute. According to Mr Chopping, he would have preferred to start negotiations with Southcorp management prior to industrial action occurring, but said he received no co-operation from the company.
SHELTER: The Sunraysia branch of the RSPCA will build their own premises within two years, according to the Australian president Dr Hugh Wirth. “The RSPCA is committed to building a brand-new shelter, including all of the modern facilities,” Dr Worth said. “We are committed to the ownership of the land and building a modern shelter.” The current premises are leased from the Mildura Rural City Council and the contract has recently been extended for two years. Dr Wirth said the group hoped to have the new facilities built by the end of the contract.
REFUGEES: Close to 50 Iraqi and Afghan refugees have arrived in Mildura via South Australia and Melbourne welfare agencies. At least seven Iraqis spent the night at a backpacker establishment and were then directed to Nangiloc/Colignan Farms for employment. Walid Al Ayyashi, affectionately nicknamed Wally, yesterday said he was very happy to be working in the district. At least two of the seven working at the citrus property have arrived from Melbourne, where 192 refugees on Temporary Protection Visas have been transported. The refugees working at Nangiloc/Colignan Farms have visas valid until 2003, when they are then able to apply for citizenship.
