Compiled by Judy Hyde for Mildura Rural City Council Libraries
100 years ago
CURRANTS: There is “large” and “small” grading of currants at some of the sheds. At the Chateau Mildura private shed the other day there were some very nice examples of large and small currants the result of this kind of grading with riddles that separate the large and small. The small stuff made a most acceptable manufacturer’s sample. The separate riddle would seem to be a distinct advantage.
CANDLE: Until the time that gas and electricity light took the place of candles many a woman was her own candlemaker. During the past few years candles have become popular again for table illumination. To live in Cromwellian and Jacobean eras there are handmade replicas of taper candles and with modern rooms candles can be used to introduce the right colour on the mantlepiece or dining-table. These handmade candles are scented with essence of some special berry and when snuffed out they leave a delicious odour. They are made from six to 30 inches high in bright red and look very well in carved gilt wood Italian candlesticks. The candles also come in colours of rose, pink, deep orange, daffodil, exquisite blues, gold and silver.
STATISTICS: For the quarter ended March 31, 25 births were registered at Merbein and four deaths. Of the registered births 14 were males and 11 were females. The deaths of two children, a boy and a girl, were registered and the passing of Messrs W Smith and C Weir placed on record.
75 years ago
WILLOWS: The Murray River could be beautified with willow trees as the Derwent River in Tasmania has been. Mildura is a pretty town, beautifully laid out, but something should to be done to beautify the riverfront with more foliage as the only trees along the Murray frontage now are dead gums. Willows would be ideal as they grow anywhere there is water. Said a visitor from Derwent, Tasmania, the trees there were planted in the convict days.
BOAT: The paddleboat Wanera, which is being refitted as a modern cargo vessel after 20 years of idleness, is to be given an official trial on April 10, said Mr J Searle, its owner. Wanera weighs 120 tons and the hull measures 112ft by 20ft. The new diesel engine will give more power than the steam plant and will be more economical with the high price of firewood.
RIVER MEN: The discovery of a large and apparently ancient Aboriginal burial ground 30 miles west of Mildura and a mile from the riverbank may excite not only local interest but also that of Australian ethnologists as this cemetery has existed for centuries. There were many populous tribes along the Murray, all speaking different languages. They were of two castes: Mak-quarra, the eagle, and Kilparra, the crow. These two tribes occupied the riverbank where Mildura now stands. The Yerre Yerre ranged the front of the old Mildura pastoral run-; the Yaako-Yaako of Yelta roamed about 10 miles above the junction to just below the Rufus River. Mr J Douglas, a Werrimull farmer, said that in 23 years in the Millewa he found many traces of former Aboriginal inhabitants.
50 years ago
CART: Mildura Primary School has the usual raffles to assist in fundraising but one raffle is selling like hot cakes. A bills cart painted in green and gold is the prize with a $30 retail value. With “billy carts” coming back into fashion tickets are keenly sought-after. Admirers Ian Driscoll, Timothy Horbury, Steven Smith, Tim Kerridge and Phillip Margan are keen to win it.
ANNIE: It was cold yesterday, what did you do – spend the day in an air-conditioned office or a warm kitchen? Annie didn’t. She spent the day sitting on a piece of tin in the cold wet clay river flats, smoking roll-your-owns and patting her dog. Annie would be classed as a Bohemian if she was well off but the over-100-year-old isn’t. She says she is older than this town, pointing to Gol Gol. In the olden days she was a horse breaker and fruit picker. She lives in a piece of canvas, sleeps on a mattress on the ground – it all got wet yesterday but that doesn’t bother her. She seemed content in a way that would make you feel guilty. She can’t walk far now. Her weather-beaten hands raised 10 children. But don’t feel sorry for Annie Warton – she doesn’t.
PLANE: The air search for a missing Cessna 310H aircraft will become one of Australia’s biggest today when 29 planes and a helicopter will be used. The pilot, Mr Antcliff, was supposed to make contact with Mildura when the plane reached Frank’s Plains 35 miles north of Mildura but didn’t and no trace has been found in the area of floodwater and thick scrub. A road tanker carrying aviation fuel was being rushed to Mildura for searching aircraft. Fourteen planes carried over 40 observers that covered 12,500 miles of scrub and open paddocks yesterday. A Fokker Friendship is also now searching the area.
25 YEARS AGO
EASTER: Sunraysia is overflowing with people here to make the most of what is expected to be the biggest Easter break the district has seen for years. Parks Victoria expects thousands of campers to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. The RACV warns everyone to lock up or lose it as burglars are most active at Easter time, knowing many are going away for Easter. There is much demand for our dried fruits and winery tours and our Country Music Festival. The river is a focal point for many with the ski racing events.
ATHLETE: News of Peter Harding’s achievement in snaring a place on the Australian wheelchair rugby team has prompted locals Don and Margret Turvey to create a fundraising effort in support of Peter’s needs. A story in the Sunraysia Daily highlighted Peter’s tremendous achievement and also his need for sponsorship and ongoing expenses. North West Country Credit opened an account in Peter’s name where people can donate to ongoing treatment and upgrading of his wheelchair, enabling him to improve his skills, hopefully allowing him to reach his potential in time to compete in the Paralympics next year.
CARS: Over 70 illegal motor car traders in Victoria have been identified in a crackdown on unlicensed operators. Illegally selling motor vehicles carries a maximum penalty of $10,000 for each car sold and, if convicted, up to 15 per cent of the sale price of each car can also be imposed.
