In Wagga’s Past – 25 and 50 Years ago.

1st April 2023

Compiled from the Daily Advertiser by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society.


25 Years Ago

  • A severe shortage of water is forcing some farmers including Doug Brunskill of Brunslea near Forest Hill to send stock to greener pastures as water in dams quickly evaporates.
  • The popular Sunday Markets held by the Wollundry Rotary Club which were displaced to the Showgrounds from Woolworth’s carpark because of the Marketplace construction two years ago have applied to Council for permission to relocate back to the city’s central business district in the Grace Brothers carpark.
  • Surgeon Timothy Porter, who for family reasons is leaving for Queensland after nine years in Wagga expressed his frustrations over continuing indecision regarding a radiotherapy clinic for the area.
  • Hazelton and Kendell airlines are urging passengers to catch their planes on time or face the risk of missing out following changes at Sydney airport which could result in airlines being fined if they are late to land or depart.
  • Wagga City Council is in a very secure financial position with a working capital of $70 million according to auditors Adams Kenneally White.
  • Wagga Christian College officially opened its primary school department.
  • Three former long-serving committeemen, Ian Lamont, Robert McMeekin, and Garry Towzell were awarded life membership at the annual general meeting of the Wagga Amateur Picnic Race Club.
  • Former Kapooka Commandant, David Kibbey announced that he would stand for Liberal Party pre-selection in the Federal seat of Riverina.
  • More than 35 concerned business people including Alison McGraw, Joan Morgan, and Raif Stumpf held a meeting to discuss Wagga City Council’s plans to consider a median strip in Lake Albert Road between the Sturt Highway and Copland Street.
  • A man aged in his 40s threatened a volunteer with a knife before escaping from the Salvation Army opportunity shop with a small amount of money.
  • Maria Podger and Robyn Paton have each been awarded $3000 scholarships to enrol in CSU’s postgraduate courses in Asthma Education.
  • Mount Austin captain, Mal Noack won the Wagga and District Cricket Association’s cricketer of the year award.
  • Wagga Lutheran Pastor Emeritus, Clem Zanker is celebrating the fiftieth year since his ordination.
  • The Royal Blind Society is seeking local volunteers to assist in transcribing Daily Advertiser stories onto cassette tape for vision-impaired and print-handicapped people.
  • Superintendent Stephen Bradshaw has been appointed as head of the Wagga Local Area Police Command.

50 Years Ago

  • Methodist minister, Rev Keith Brooks has arranged a “Salute to Mrs Lina Boswell” who celebrates this month her 85th birthday and 60th year as the regular and official organist at the Wesley Methodist Church.
  • The Wagga and District Highland Pipe Band has been reformed after a recess of seven years.
  • President of the Wagga branch of the Liberal Party, Mr Henry Gissing, said that this week’s visit to Wagga by Mr Billy Sneddon, Leader of the Federal Opposition was part of an Australia-wide plan to re-vitalise interest in the Liberal Party.
  • Dr Ken Rew, representing Wagga’s three Rotary Clubs said that six young Wagga men and women aged between 18 and 24 would be selected to attend this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards seminar to be held in Goulburn.
  • Neil McMullen, Jan Bragg, Barbara Nixon, and Brian Roberts were among 650 people attending the first Wagga Bachelor Birds Ball held at the Kyeamba Smith Hall.
  • Four generations were present for the diamond wedding celebrations of Mr and Mrs Lou Loiterton at the RSL Club Pacific Lounge.
  • Val Brown’s Petite Salon in the Australian Arcade is advertising “Quick Service for Business Girls” in blow Combing or Jet Set with a special rate for weekly clients.
  • Wagga’s Mayor, Alderman Dick Gorman is appealing a $200 fine and nine months disqualification as a driver imposed following the hearing of a dangerous driving charge in West Wyalong Court last week.
  • Top television, stage, and recording star, Judy Stone is featured along with “Scattered Aces” this Saturday night at the Wagga Leagues Club.
  • The new assembly hall, library, and laboratory block at Wagga High School was officially opened by the Minister for Mines and Power and Member for Wagga, Mr Wal Fife.
  • The Wagga Commercial Club is holding a Chicken and Champagne Night on Saturday and on Sunday a Smorgasbord Dinner will be followed by a film evening commencing at 7.45 pm.
  • Mr and Mrs Barney Rooke were given a surprise 25th anniversary party by their seven children.
  • Mr Arthur Steele, retiring Southern Divisional Manager of the CBC Bank, was farewelled at a cocktail party and dinner at the Zebra Club Motel.
  • Edmondson’s is advertising low-cost BP Oil heaters with immediate and expert installation.
  • Huthwaites are advertising Table Talk chickens, 3lb 6 oz for $1.59, Birds Eye Beefburgers, a packet of 8 for 49 cents, and bananas for 30 cents per dozen.

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

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