Compiled from the Daily Advertiser
by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society
25 Years Ago
- Wagga Base Hospital has closed 32 surgical beds and three of its five operating theatres for three weeks over Easter.
- Fears of child molestation, risks to health and falling house values drew more than 50 people to a public meeting to protest a bid to set up Wagga’s first legal brothel.
- Kooringal Tigers defeated newly formed Turvey Tavern Knights in the Kennedy Shield sevens grand final at Eric Weissel Oval.
- A public reserve on the corner of Telopea and Oleander Crescents at Lake Albert was named in honour of Jack Skeers, by Wagga’s Mayor, Peter Dale who was joined by Mr Skeers’ widow, Alma, and brother Dudley.
- Pay TV is now officially online in Wagga with 65 Wagga families signing up for 12 channels of ad-free television, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- David Connell has retired as a partner of Easdown Connell & Co with a new partnership of A J Easdown & Partners established by Tony Easdown, Jan Pallister, Damien Molloy, and Andrew Robertson at Best Place on the corner of Baylis and Morrow Streets.
- Kooringal Colts first grade team captained by Peter Gerhard captured its third successive WDCA first grade premiership with an easy win over Lake Albert.
- At least 20 Oliver Place residents vented their anger at hooliganism and undesirable characters attracted to Oliver Park.
- Wagga Pitch ‘n’ Putt in Narrung Street is hosting a Good Friday family fun day.
- A thirteen-year-old boy was allegedly caught early in the morning joyriding in a stolen car in the central business district.
- After 19 years livestock marketing reporter, Laurie Hull gave his final sale summary before officially retiring.
- Two racing motorcycles worth more than $7500 were stolen from Lloyds Motorcycle wreckers after two young men asked if they could take the motorcycles for a test ride.
- Maisie Cormack celebrated 45 years in the same unit with area manager of the Department of Housing, Michael Singh, and other Housing Department staff.
- Construction of Wagga’s first private day surgery in Edward Street is proceeding on schedule with its opening expected in May.
50 Years Ago
- Fire caused at least $120,000 damage to six business premises and a large warehouse in Baylis Street, including Jack Skeers’ motor-cycle shop, Riverina Business Supplies and Peacock’s second-hand furniture store.
- The Australian Power Boat Association championships are being held at Lake Albert.
- The Oberburgermeister and Burgermeister of Nordlingen, Dr H Kessler and Mr H Schneider were welcomed to Wagga by the Mayor, Ald Morris Gissing and Deputy Mayor, Ald E M Geaghegan.
- Turvey Park Methodist Youth Fellowship have claimed a world record for scooter riding with 25 fellowship members covering 276½ miles in 24 hours.
- Fourteen Wagga, Quota Club members led by District Governor, Mrs M Hamill were among 500 women attending an Australian Combined Conference of Quota in Canberra.
- Member for Wagga, Mr Wal Fife, presented Miss Jennifer Clark with her award as dux of first year 1970 at Wagga Teachers College.
- Peter Billingham, 11, of Kooringal Public School was one of only two Riverina swimmers who won medals at the recent Public Schools Sporting Association swimming championships at North Sydney.
- Mrs Jean Stokes won two trophies at the NSW Paraplegic Games held at Royal North Shore Hospital.
- Riverina Gardens new store in Kincaid Street has grapes 2lb for 28 cents, pears for 25 cents a dozen and ½ gallon ice cream for 56 cents.
- Police Traffic Supervisor, Sgt. Les Robinson said that more than 300 drivers were booked for various driving offences on Riverina roads in a 24-hour period.
- Good Friday services attracted near-capacity congregations including more than 700 people who filled St Michael’s Cathedral.
- Edmondson’s Wines and Spirits Department are selling 26 oz bottles of South Australian Champagne style wine for $1.70 per bottle.
- Ladies Night at the RSL Club this week features popular TV vocalist, Julie Anthony and the RSL Townsmen.
- Brigadier V E Dowdy (retired), the first commanding officer, attended a passing out parade at Kapooka Military Camp.
- Edmondson’s are selling Buttercup Yellow cake mix for 19 cents each, Peck’s Anchovette 2 oz jars for 20 cents and Arnott’s Potato Chips or Straws for 16 cents a packet.
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
