11th July 2020 – In Wagga’s Past – 25 and 50 Years ago.

compiled from the Daily Advertiser

by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society

25 Years Ago

• After 31 years of business in Baylis Street, Michael and Dawn Georgiou have decided to sell Michael’s Delicatessen.

• Southern Riverina Electricity and Water (SREW) held its last board meeting with chairman, Bob Osborne presiding before it dissolves due to forced amalgamation later this week.

• Fifteen members of the Wagga and District Trades and Labour Council led by council secretary, Geoff Lawler, protested French nuclear tests in the South Pacific at a rally outside the French Embassy in Canberra.

• Wagga solicitor, Tim Abbott said a proposal to restrict Supreme Court sittings in Wagga would be “disastrous”.

• Kendell Airlines is providing more flights and reduced fares on its new services from Wagga to Sydney using SAAB 340 airliners.

• Knights Meats are selling fresh chicken drumsticks for $3.95 kg, Sirloin Steak for 9.90 kg and Lamb Shoulders for $5.00 each.

• Senior Sergeant, Peter “PJ” Lowrey who has served in the NSW police force for 35 years was among those presented with outstanding service awards by Chief Superintendent Eric Gollan at a special ceremony.

• Wagga’s Church of Christ inducted its new associate Pastor, Alan Brockwell to ministry.

• Organiser of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), Michael Lane confirmed that Asset Services will axe 36 jobs in Wagga and Albury.

• Henriette Cox celebrated her 103^rd birthday at the Loretto Home of Compassion.

• Popular Turvey Park, captain-coach Pat Gribble has re-signed with the Bulldogs for another 12 months.

• 15-year-old, Brad Kahlefeldt who won the first event of the Wagga Triants Triathlon Club duathlon will be unable to compete in the second event this weekend at Pomingalarna Park.

• Cannons Supermarket are selling Johnnie Walker Red Label whiskey 700ml for $23.95, Stones Green Ginger Wine 750ml for $5.49 and Melbourne Bitter stubbies for $23.95 per case.

50 Years Ago

• Asian Flu has reached epidemic proportions in the southern Riverina with a reduction in the workforce of more than 10 per cent and reduced attendances at district schools by up to 40 per cent.

• Former Wagga Jeweller, Mr J J (Jim) Speirs has died at the age of 68.

• 109 people have died in road accidents in the Riverina and South West Slopes in the 12 months to June 30 this year which is 18 more than the previous year.

• Three Wagga men were killed instantly when their light plane crashed into a hill near Ardlethan.

• Wagga High held on doggedly to defeat the Christian Brothers 7-4 and retain the Scot’s Shield at the Eric Weissel Oval.

• A special function was held at the Wagga RSL Club to thank those who assisted with the 1970 Anzac Day march.

• Former Director of Education, Mr J F Bingham is pictured in the Daily Advertiser opening the door of the Turvey Park Demonstration School library which was recently named after him.

• Colombo Plan Students from India and Iran who have been attending a special conservation course in Wagga organised a special evening for Wagga residents who have been assisting them.

• RSL representative, Mr Sel Rawlings, presented prizes to winners of the recent Anzac Day essay competition at Wagga High School.

• Huthwaites are selling Eveready Lantern batteries for $1.20 each. D size batteries are 18 cents each and C size 21 cents each.

• Mrs Jean Stokes who is leaving to compete in the Commonwealth Paraplegic Games at Edinburgh was presented with the 2WG sportsman of the month award by Ken Buntain, manager of 2WG and the stations sports director Mr Barry Haydon.

• The Col Joye Show is this weeks Special Sunday entertainment at the Wagga RSL Club.

• The NRMA mobile technical unit is at Wagga Motors in Fitzmaurice Street for this week only.

Membership of the Wagga Wagga and District Historical Society is open to anyone with an interest in the local and regional history of Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.  For more information about us and information on how to join our Society visit our website at https://www.wwdhs.org.au/about-us/members