PEEPS INTO THE PAST7 – 13 February 2021Presented by Mildura and District Historical Society.
Compiled by Judi Hyde and Sue Kelly for the Mildura Rural City Council Library Service.100 years ago
SHIRE COUNCIL: The Mildura Shire Council did not come existence until two years after the birth of the settlement. It was gazetted on January 10 1890 and the first meeting was held on April 1, 1890. The original nine councillors were Messrs H. Chitty, H. Izard, F.G. Lodge, N. Jamieson, P. McLaren, W. M. Patterson, C. Trevatt and H. and P. Wilson, of these only Mr Trevatt still remains in Mildura. In the first years of the shire’s existence the council’s chamber was a very modest weatherboard building standing upon the site now occupied by the Carnegie Library and the council directed its activities from this unpretentious centre for nearly 11 years, from the first of the texts of those meetings the subjects were roads, roads and roads. The successful development of the settlement was so intimately bound up in the making of proper thoroughfares that it is little wonder that the councillors’ chief endeavours were bent upon the attempt to secure them. The outback settlers were especially concerned in the matter for the heavy sand on the unmade tracks that were their only connection with the town handicapped them severely by reducing tile loads that they were able to bring into the packing sheds. They were also hampered by the lack of proper road-making material. Eventually, for lack of anything better, the Koorlong limestone quarries were opened in 1908 and this material became the base for most local roads. (7.2.1921)
SHIRE DIVISION: In 1902 the shire was divided into four ridings as they exist today: Mildura, Sandalong, The Lake and Koorlong, with the councillors being increased to 12 – three per riding. Presidents were Patterson, Johnston, Williams and De Garis. Mr H. Williams, the shire’s first president, was Mildura’s first storekeeper and was also elected to the Legislative Council’s north-west province. Mr W. Crocket, councillor for the Lake riding, also attained the honour in 1914. Mr H. Izard was distinguished as the planter of the first block in Irymple that was often the show block. In 1901 a sum was raised in debentures to erect a new shire hall and offices. The shire council played a big part in bringing the railway to Mildura and the first sod of the railway soil was turned by Mr Pickering, the shire president, in 1901 but the railway was held up when it reached halfway for lack of funds. (7.2.1921)
CLUB: The Workers Club has the largest membership, 1200, and it is the youngest of the three clubs. Its population grew quickly as Mildura had large gangs of men coming here that were engaged in clearing, grading etc., the land for settlement – thirsty men so the demand was there. This club was opened as a “soil-drink shop” in 1894 in a house in Madden Avenue rented from Mr Hogg, members one pound each. It was recently occupied as a boarding house by Mrs Rae. Some members recalled its opening as an unfurnished house – the furniture and fittings came as the membership income grew. Drinks in the first few months of the club’s history were dispersed at a counter consisting of two boards supported by a row of barrels – but that did not affect either the quality or the flavour of the liquor. A licence was granted in 1895 – the growth has been rapid, the club furnished and within a year or two the house and property were bought. Of the original members only 17 are still living – 13 remain in Mildura. One of those, a Mr J. Green who arrived here in 1888, said only three buildings were here: Williams store, Miss Murphy’s house – now the “Warren” – and Mr G. Butcher’s residence, which for a number of years occupied where the Settlers’ Club now is. The first chairman was Mr Jeffreys, a well-known tailor. Mr G. Leonard was the club’s first secretary. With more convenient and larger premises needed, a block of land in Deakin Avenue was acquired. A loan of 3000 pounds was obtained to defray the cost of erection and the building was opened the next year. The building was undertaken by Messrs Hobbs and Wells. The club has its own plant for bottling beer and making soft stuff. The club regularly cashes cheques too. The yard contains long rows of horse and buggy sheds for those who live on the outskirts of town – these are filled every Saturday. There are lockers for country members to leave parcels while they shop etc. There is a reading room, card rooms, a billiard room with three tables, said to be the best in Australia. There is a reading room erected in 1901 to the memory of Mr “Ted” Tophani, a Mildurian who enlisted for service in the Boer War, the only local soldier to lose his life in that war. (8.2.1921)75 years ago
SOCIAL CLUB: The Sunraysia Social Club, Deakin Avenue, was officially opened on Saturday. In declaring the club open, the president (Mr J. Egan) stated that it was strictly a temperance club and he trusted that members would appreciate and make the most of facilities available, which included a reading and writing room, showers, a billiard room and the provision of soft drinks.
ANSETT: It is understood in Melbourne that Ansett Airways has made arrangements for a regular twice daily service to and from Mildura-Melbourne, starting in the near future. Before Japan’s entry into war, Ansett Airways conducted a daily service between Melbourne and Adelaide via Mildura.
WATER POLO: The Sunraysia District Swimming and Life Saving Association has decided to form a Water Polo Association. The reason behind this decision being the Curlwaa Swimming Club has obtained the services of an ex-international player who is prepared to devote a considerable amount of his spare time to coaching teams who wish to compete.50 years ago
MR. HARVEY: Mr A.D. Harvey has been elected for his 26th term of secretary of the Mildura branch of the Country Party. He has held the office longer than any other official in the branch’s history. Mr Harvey also is serving his 15th term as secretary of the Mildura Electorate District Council of the Country Party. Mr Harvey is Mildura Shire secretary. Recently, he was appointment to his 25th term as Mildura Show treasurer.
SWIMMING CLUB: Mildura Amateur Swimming Club staged a swimathon at Mildura Olympic Pool to raise funds to send club members to the Country Championships. All children were sponsored five cents a lap and more than $250 was raised.
WERRIMULL: A Werrimull wheat farmer and an engineer have designed a tractor attachment for the laying of flexible irrigation lines. The men, Lance Fraser and engineer Sandy Simpson, have spent months building the digger.25 years ago
CAT REGISTRATIONS: New laws, which will come into effect on April 10, 1996, will give legal recognition to cats and require owners to register their cats before this date. Mildura Rural City Council’s Community Services director Leonie Burrows said the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act had been introduced throughout Victoria to minimise the nuisance caused by irresponsible pet ownership. Mildura’s Ilma Homes moved swiftly to have her cat Nia registered in wake of the new legislation. Nia will wear registration tag No. 1. (9.02.1996)
FIRE BRIGADE: Mildura retained its title as the champion brigade when it took out the Northern Zone Fire Brigades Association’s 20th annual competition at No.1 Oval yesterday. Records tumbled as the day unfolded, with nine new times being set. (12.02.1996)
REGATTA: Lake Hawthorn sailors acquitted themselves well at various South Australian championships over the Australia Day weekend. Phillip Mansell and Richard Lyons teamed up again to win a state championship in the mosquito class, this time a South Australian title to go with the three past Victorian crowns. (7.2.1996)
