100 years ago
IN THE DARK: Residents of Merbein who returned to the township by the evening trains on Saturday last were loud with their complaints as to the lack of illumination provided in the carriages by the Railway Department. A number of the compartments were without illumination of any kind, and in others the dim light was very discouraging for ladies that were travelling alone.
FAIR EFFORT: A wild animal competition is something of a novelty, and the people of Merbein are looking forward with come interest to ascertaining which boys have the most initiative in getting themselves up as dogs, sheep, tigers or elephants, on Wednesday next. As the judge is to take noise and action into account, an education in roars and animal sound is expected as the sheep “baa-s” and the dog attempts to get his teeth into the hind leg of an elephant. The schedule’ of the Scots’ Church Spring fair and cake show also includes some time honoured competitions; the tug-of-war at 4.30, for teams of four boys, should bring out many competitors, as a prize without entry fee is like “something for nothing.”
ROLLING: The new 35-horse power Reo motor coach which Mr F J Maiden has added to the Mildura-Renmark fleet, made a trial run to Wentworth yesterday afternoon. A load of 19 was carried on the outward journey which was completed a few minutes under the hour. The coach behaved excellently, the passengers enjoying a very comfortable ride. The roads were rough in some places as a result of the rains of the previous day, but the designers of the vehicle have succeeded in eliminating all semblance of shock, and vibration has been reduced to the absolute minimum.
75 years ago
SEND IT: A new non-official Post Office will open at 71, 7th Street, Mildura, today, the Acting Mildura Postmaster (Mr J Crotty) announced yesterday. The office is at the store of Mrs O M Collie, who has been appointed post mistress. All classes of post and telegraph business, with the exception of money order and saving bank business, will be transacted. The letter receive formerly at the corner of San Mateo Avenue and 7th Street, has been re-erected in front of the office. Recently a petition urging establishment of a post office in that part of the city was presented in the House of Representatives by Mr Winton G Turnbull, member for Wimmera.
CLASS: The District Inspector of Schools (Mr R Blackburne) yesterday urged parents and others interested to take advantage of the opportunity this week to see what is being done in district schools. Each district school will be open one day this week, generally in the afternoon, as part of Education Week, which began yesterday. Mr Blackburne said it was hoped that all parents could visit their children’s schools and see them work. It was an excellent opportunity to see what was actually being done, and obtain a better understanding of schoolwork. IRONY: Halfway through the first part of the picture programme at the Ozone Theatre, Wentworth, on Saturday night the clanging of the fire bell brought most of the audience streaming from the theatre. When the nature of the fire was learned, those who did not return to the theatre stumbled in the wake of the fire engine to watch the brigade deal with a burning chimney in a house at the corner of Adams and Sandwych Streets. The feature showing at the theatre at the time of the alarm: a semi-documentary on how to prevent fire.
50 years ago
BIG SCREEN: Sunraysia people may see up to five shows a day in the proposed new $170,00 picture theatre. The theatre to be called ”Cinema Deakin” will feature all types of movies – from special school educational shows to “R” certificate films. Manager Mr Nulty said that during school holidays, good children’s shows, such as Walt Disney films, would be shown four times a day, with an adult film at night. Work is scheduled to begin any day on brickwork for the theatre, which will be built opposite Mildura Working Man’s Club. The cinema will have double brick walls, a lined ceiling for better acoustics, seating for 400 people, a candy bar and be fully air conditioned. “With a little luck – and good weather – the theatre could be open by Christmas,” Mr Nulty said.
LET IT FLOW: The completion of the Millewa pipeline scheme would ensure that heartbreak would never occur again, the Premier, Mr Hamer said yesterday. He was speaking at the official opening of the pipeline scheme at Lake Cullulleraine. He said there was time when the Millewa was known as “Heartbreak Corner.” “What was always lacking was an assured water supply on which the farmers could formulate their plans. The farmers could never be sure if a drought would occur when the dam was emptied.” Mr Hamer said it was fitting the opening ceremony should be on the shores of Lake Cullulleraine which was the central point of the area. “Millewa people now have an ample and ready water supply which can produce amenities for life. You can plan gardens, and the whole area will take on a new lease of life” he said.
BLOCKED: Plastic bags are gumming up the works at Mildura Sewerage Authority’s treatment plant. The bags slightly larger than milk bags – but not milk bags – have been creating a nuisance at the works over the past six to eight weeks. Engineer Mr Alex Thompson said yesterday the bags were separated from liquids with other solid material and deposited in tanks. Once in the tanks the bags settled at the bottom and covered pumping outlets. The pumps had been unable to operate and become blocked, causing considerable extra expense and work. Mr Thompson said it appeared as if someone had been inadvertently flushing them back into the system.
25 years ago
ACCOMMODATING: Wentworth’s Urumba Backpackers Hostel opened its doors for the first time last week with an immediate intake of 12 guests. Taking its name from the Barkindji description of the Wentworth area, the hostel is situated in one of Sunraysia’s oldest and historic buildings, the Old Rectory. Manager Peter Kiely said the newly opened hostel would provide a multitude of benefits for Wentworth. “Firstly, a lot of backpackers will come here to get cashed up. This means during their stay they will not only be providing a workforce for local growers but spending money in local shops and establishments while they are here.” Uramba provides guests with spacious sleeping areas by backpacker standards, featuring secure lockers for guests’ belongings and ample amenities.
TONE IT DOWN: Patrons at this year’s Sunraysia Football League finals will be able to buy only two cans of heavy beer at a time. The cans will be opened at the point of sale to stop patrons from stockpiling them. SFL administration officer Roger Laity said that the restrictions on alcohol purchases were part of a combined initiative of the league and the police and were put in place after ugly scenes at last year’s grand final. “There will be no BYO liquor and booths will be strictly policed.” Mr Laity said security officers would be employed to ensure no alcohol entered the grounds and patrons not allowing cars or personal effects to be searched would not be allowed entry.
WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS: Removing the railway along 7th Street to incorporate the riverfront into the City Heart is a vital step to help “kick start” Mildura’s development according to a local businessman. Peter Saunder, the proprietor of York Glass, said he was concerned Mildura was in “danger of being stifled” and that it needed a new focus. He called on local community leaders and residents to unite and “show some Chaffey vision”. “Our city and the river – our lifeblood – have been separated for most of this century. The rail track and sheds and the mound they are built on is a very ugly sight,” he said. “Their removal would allow a well-designed landscape that would flow down to the riverbanks. This would enable the creation of a beautiful environment and the river would become part of our city’s heart.
