Presented by Mildura and District Historical Society. Compiled by Heather Moser for Mildura Rural City Council Library Service.100 years ago – 1912
GLOOMY REPORT: From Wentworth in last week’s Leader is a report which stated that owing to mismanagement and an irregular water service, tons of gordos, sultanas and currants are dying on almost every block, never to recover. Fruit is withered and black. It is imperative that water supply should be better regulated, and if possible, cheapened. (21/2/1912)
LAND BOARD: A Land Board to deal with the applications lately lodged for Mallee allotments will commence sittings at Bendigo in February. The board will sit in Mildura in March, and in Ouyen later. The Lands Department has thrown open for prospective settlers a varied schedule of areas in different parts of the State. (21/2/1912)
75 years ago – 1937
HOSPITAL RADIOS: The Settlers’ Club and the Working Man’s Club jointly donated two radio receiving sets to the Base Hospital for installation in the sisters’ and nurses sitting rooms. They were free of all charge and greatly appreciated as entertainment by those they were provided for. (19/2/1937)
MEET STEELE: During my quarter century of jogging about the settlement with my pony and gig I often think of the good observation or talk I must be missing from some grower or farmer who tells me he would have liked to meet me long before – but meeting “Steele Blayde” is an easy matter, just “say the word” by note or telephone, and S. B. will jog out at the first opportunity, being always glad to meet any man on the land who has something worthwhile to tell or show me. (20/1/1937)
OUYEN ROBBERY: Thieves broke into the Arnold Corner Store at Ouyen and stole two pairs of trousers, 5/- in cash, a 3 lb fruit cake, 10 tins of cigarettes and a quantity of tobacco and cigarette papers. Entrance was gained by breaking a pane of glass. Ouyen police are investigating. (21/2/1937)
50 years ago – 1962
MIXED FARMS: Fourteen mixed farms, similar to those in the Mourquong settlement near Buronga, will be opened up at Boeil Creek. Settlers will be required to provide their own pumping plants and obtain a joint water supply authority or licence under the NSW Water Act. (22/2/1962)
SHIRE MOURNS: Mr M. K. N. Johansen, the Mildura Shire engineer, died yesterday. He had served Mildura shire for more than 41 years. Cr Cramp, Shire President, said thousands would mourn his passing. Every sealed road, playing field, swimming pool and all facilities provided by council were reminders of the work of a man who had the interests of the shire at heart. (23/2/1962)
TAXI HERO: A toddler from Hornsey Park owes his life to a casual glance by a Mildura taxi driver, Des McMillan of Cabarita. Helping a lady load her parcels, he happened to glance over at the fountain and saw a pair of tiny hands on the surface of the pool. He immediately grabbed the little boy’s hands and tipped him up, and emptied out what seemed to be about a gallon of water. (24/2/1962)
25 years ago – 1987
ESCAPE: Federal Member for Farrer, Mr Tim Fischer, and a colleague escaped by only minutes from being caught up in a Manila massacre. The two said they saw people dropping to the street as armed forces opened fire. Philippines police and the military were on full alert after farmers tried to storm the Presidential Palace. (24/2/1987)
HOURS AND HOURS: You couldn’t count the hours Kaye Gambetta devotes to serving the Mildura community. This “way of life” – tireless service to Local Government and the community – is now officially recognised as Kathleen Mary Gambetta, Mildura’s first woman Mayor, received a Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours. (26/2/1987)
This article appeared in Wednesday's Sunraysia Daily 22/2/12
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