[updated 27 Feb 2003]
The Minimay - Goroke Telephone
Mr. Jas Chaston has made a start with his contract for erecting the telephone line between Goroke and Minimay. On Monday and Tuesday week, the work of supplying the necessary poles was carried out by the residents of the district, as per agreement. There was a good muster of willing hands, and everything was finished up satisfactorily at an early hour on Tuesday afternoon. Eight four and six horse teams were provided by the following gentlemen, to whom much praise is due for their generous actions: Messrs Jelbart, J. Mulraney, E. Cross, J. Pretlove, R. Willis, Robt Willis, J. Wheeler and A. Schinckel (Morea). The thanks of the committee are also due to Mr. Perry, who kindly allowed them on to his property to cut the poles.
GOROKE A & P SOCIETY
A meeting of the above was held on last Saturday in the hall, when there were present Mr G. H. HAWKINS (in the chair), Dr. LYONS, and Messrs BEDFORD, L. M. BULL, G. ROBINSON, T. JELBART, D. WADE, and J. E. MOLLOY.
Correspondence.
From J. BRIGGS, asking for site for his merry-go-round and buck-jumping shows. Reference was made to the prominent site given the side shows last year to the detriment of certain exhibits, particularly machinery and poultry. Mr WADE was in favour of excluding the buck-jumping show, but after much
discussion it was resolved that consideration be deferred till next meeting, Mr BRIGGS to be notified accordingly. Mr BEDFORD regarded the buck-jumping show as a nuisance. Dr. LYONS : it is one of the draws. Mr BEDFORD : yes, it draws the money.
From Department of Agriculture, that Mr LEE would shortly inspect the site.
Received.
From Chas. BLOCK, stating that he did not intend to support the Society till the Government regulations re: subsidy were adopted The chairman explained that as the Society was doing it's best to carry out the regulations, Mr BLOCK would no doubt continue his support.
Wyn HEDLEY, eccentric comedian, offering to provide an entertainment on show night for 35s-- it was resolved, on motion of Messrs BEDFORD and BULL, that the matter be referred to the concert committee. HEDLEY to be notified accordingly.
C. W. CHAPMAN, enclosing £1/1/, membership.
Yarrawonga Agricultural Society, to be represented at a conference re; Government subsidy regulations Mr F. R. G. ROBERTSON to be asked to act as delegate.
Chas WALKER, stating that he had decided to sever his connections with the Society, and asking that his name be removed from the list of members---received---
The Chairman said that an officer from the Department of Agriculture had visited Goroke to inspect the ground offered as an experimental plot. Mr WALKER, had offered the plot, but having resigned, the committee thought it advisable to see someone else. Mr G. ROBINSON kindly offered a paddock, and the expert approved of it. Mr BEDFORD moved that the action of the president be endorsed, and that Mr ROBINSON be thanked for his generosity.
Seconded by Mr WADE and carried.
Obituary
The death took place at Nhill last week of Mr Bernard Mulraney at the advanced age of 100 years. The deceased old gentleman was the father of Mr John Mulraney, of Minimay.
RAILWAY DISASTER
ONE TRAIN RUNS INTO ANOTHER AT SUNSHINE NEAR MELBOURNE
AN AWFUL CATASTROPHE
The most terrible accident that the state has yet encountered occurred at Sunshine Station (formally known as Braybrook), on Monday night, when the Bendigo express dashed into the rear of the Ballarat train as it moved along the platform, smashing three first, a second class carriage, and a guard's
van into fragments. It is believed there were 140 passengers in this part of the train, and of these 41 were killed, and 78 more or less badly injured.
The Ballarat train, crowded with holiday passengers, was a very long one, and unable to let all the passengers for Sunshine alight at once. They had got out of the first half of the train, and the rest of the carriages were just drawing alongside the platform when the Ballarat train ran up, disregarding both signals, and the terrible collision occurred.
Instantly the air was filled with the agonised groans & screams of the hapless crowd not killed in the smash outright, and to add to the horror of the scene, the debris caught fire, and some of the wounded were burnt severely before the fire was got under. The crash of the collision was heard through the town, and an anxious crowd hurried up, and gave willing help to remove the dead and injured. The local fire brigade answered the firebell so quickly that the fire was soon under. The stream of water
poured over the dead bodies and wounded for a time. The accident happened at 10.35pm and at 12.20 the undamaged part of the Ballarat train started for Melbourne. It had to travel slowly because the carriages had to be pushed ahead of the engine some of the way, and care had to be taken not to shake
the injured.
Directly news of the accident reached Spencer Street, Doctors and Nurses were rung up, and though many of the doctors were out of town, or engaged, only 35 minutes elapsed from the time the message came till the ambulance train started with doctors, nurses and members of the St John's Ambulance
Society with stretchers, rugs, first aid appliances etc. Though no time was lost, the wounded suffered terribly before they obtained medical aid, and the sight, as the rescuers hurried up and down amongst the wreckage with their lanterns, was so awful that even the strongest nerves broke down. Many of the poor mangled wretches died as soon as they were lifted out. Some were so jammed in the broken timbers that it took a long time to get them out. Some of the dead hung by their chins to the broken hat racks. One man had his head quite torn off. Most of the injured had broken limbs. The doctors say the sight was more horrible than that on a battle field because the faces of men killed in war are usually peaceful while the faces of these victims wore a look of fixed agony showing how they suffered before
death came as a relief. The wounded showed great self control. One old man under the floor of a carriage with both legs broken helped his rescuers by putting chocks under the boards to help lift them up. One badly injured mother thought only of her little son who was with her and piteously asked was he alright. The doctor soothed her by saying he was, and she could not see his body close by. In the fire brigade was a Mr. LAFFAN and when helping to lift the bodies out of the debris he found those of his two sisters Amy and Ada. The corpses were taken to the waiting rooms at Spencer Street, and all day a pale anxious crowd of inquirers swarmed around the doors, and were admitted a few at a time to identify the bodies, some of which were so battered about that recognition was almost impossible. By
evening, only 8 bodies out of the 44 laid out were not identified and these were taken to the morgue. These most likely were from the country. So harrowing was the grief as the relatives found and removed their dead that few in the crowd of spectators were able to restrain their grief in sympathy. In Ballarat and Bendigo the gloom was intense, heartfelt sympathy for the bereaved ones being felt by all.
CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT
Driver Leonard MILBURN, of the first engine of the Bendigo Express, is one of the best drivers on the Railways, and he states that when he saw the signals against him, he applied the brake (Westinghouse) and it refused to act. When at the home signal he saw the tail lights of the other train. One of the Bendigo passengers says that the brake was applied, but only as the engine crashed into the other train. The brake had worked well before the train reached Sunshine, and the representative of the Westinghouse Brake Co. demands the fullest enquiry into the statement that the brake would not act.
Chief Commissioner TAIT had the brake examined after the accident, and it was found in perfect order.. One theory current is that MILBURN seeing the signals set for the Ballarat train, and being late, put on speed, hoping to get through before the Ballarat train got in, and put on the brake when too late. Premier BENT was appalled at the disaster, and says that someone has blundered. The Coroner will hold the inquest on the catastrophe on May 4, and meantime, the officials concerned are suspended.
A late wire states that 61 deaths are reported.
GYMBOWEN
The final competition for the Gold Medal presented to the Gymbowen Rifle Club by Mrs. R. SIVEWRIGHT, was fired on the local range last Saturday week. The match resulted in a win for L. CRUSE, who reached the two possibles with handicap. His scores are for the last competition, 30, 31 plus 12 handicap, 70; for the second competition, 26, 32 plus 12 handicap, and 70. Total 140. (excess of possible does not count). F. WIDDICOMBE, E. S. BYRNE and D. BYRNE with 135 points, tied for second place. Handicaps 13, 4 and 10 respectively. Highest scores of the rifle B. BYRNE, 128; E. S. BYRNE, 127, F. MUEGEL 121; ranges were 500 and 600 yds, seven shots at each. Mrs. A. BUFFHAM and Miss KNIGHT generously entertained the shooters at afternoon tea on the range. Next Saturday, match shooting will be wound up for a term with a match for a ladies bracelet. Ladies nominating the rifleman. Ranges are 400 and 500 yds, and great interest will be attached to the competition.
Railway Disaster
The Coroner, Dr. COLE, does not want a jury to sit at the inquest on May 4, but public opinion will probably end in a jury being impaneled. MILBURN, driver of the Bendigo express on the fatal night, who was a mental and physical wreck for days after the accident, is improving. He could not rest, going in his dreams constantly over the terrible time when he saw his ninety ton engine about to crash into the other train. He was unable to move after the collision, and the doctors thought he was hurt, but it was nervous collapse. He said that he wished he had died. It transpires that he and others had been working nearly 12 hours before the accident, and feeling that the railway commissioner, Mr. TAIT, is sweating the men to make the lines pay, is running very high. The list of injured now runs at 378, and the bill for compensation will be a very big one.
MARRIAGES
A very pretty wedding took place at the residence of the bride's parents, Ozenkadnook, on Wednesday, 6th May, when Miss Sophia WILSON, eldest daughter of Mr. J. WILSON, was united in the bonds of matrimony with Mr Walter HINCH, eldest son of Mr A. HINCH, both well known residents of the district. The ceremony was performed at 3 o'clock in the afternoon by the Rev. Mr HAUSER, Anglican clergymen. The bride looked well in her wedding gown of cream, finished with the usual wreath and veil, and the bridesmaids, Miss R. HINCH, sister of the bridegroom, and Miss WILSON, sister of the bride, also wore cream dresses. The best man was Mr F. HINCH, and about 50 guests sat down afterwards to a sumptuous repast. A number of toasts were given and responded to and the evening passed pleasantly in dancing, which kept up till daylight. Mr and Mrs. HINCH left by Saturday's train from Goroke for Dooen, where they intend to reside. Following is a list of the presents:-
Unreserved CLEARING SALE
320 Acres Freehold LAND, Stock, Furniture &c. GYMBOWEN Thursday 21st May, 1908. At One o'clock sharp HAGELTHORN & BOLTON, under instructions from the Executor in the Estate of David DINGLE, deceased, will sell by public auction, as above, on the farm -
Allotment 53, parish of Gymbowen, County of Lowan, containing 319 acres 3 roods 21 perches, or thereabouts, of good grazing and agricultural land, within three miles of Gymbowen.
The property is well improved, being all securely fenced, subdivided into five paddocks, well watered by two dams, and erected thereon is a comfortable W.B. four roomed house, stables, woolshed, chaffshed &c.
The land is to be sold without reserve, and possession can be arranged immediately, This offers a good opportunity to secure a fine little farm within handy distance of the Gymbowen railway station.
SHEEP
FURNITURE &c.
Mr Robt. ALLAN, a former and well known resident of Natimuk, died at Horsham on Monday evening after a lingering illness, and much sympathy is felt for Mrs ALLAN in her sad bereavement. Deceased was born about 40 years ago and at an early age entered the drapery establishment of Messrs J. THOMPSON and Co. in that town, being subsequently transferred to the firm's Horsham branch. Some 16 or 17 years ago Mr ALLAN was engaged by Mr C. SCHURMANN as draper and book-keeper, and he held this position for 14 years. In 1902 he married Miss Marie SCHURMANN, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Rudolph SCHURMANN, of Natimuk, the issue being one child, a daughter. A little over 2 1/2 years ago Mr ALLAN secured a position as draper in a Coleraine house, resigning 12 months ago to enter into partnership with his brother as drapers at Horsham. Directly after this deceased's health began to fail seriously, and he had been invalided for six months before his death. His remains were interred in the Horsham cemetery yesterday. On Wednesday evening the members of the choir of the Presbyterian Church, Natimuk, of which he was an active member, passed a resolution of sympathy with Mrs ALLAN.
Mr DUMESNEY, snr., of Polkemmet, died on Sunday night, at the advanced age of 86 years. The remains were interred at the Polkemmet cemetery, Mr W. MOFFIT conducting the burial service. Deceased leaves a widow and grown family, amongst whom are Messrs E. and G. DUMESNEY and Mrs JAHN.
In Horsham court on Friday, before Messrs E. HARRISON, P.M., and F. WILLIAMS J.P., the following cases were dealt with :- Thos. GRACE v. A. E. BEARD, money due on dishonoured cheque, £6/10/0, order for amount with 26s costs. Jas. P. O'FARRELL v. Lawrence Brook McDONALD, board and lodging, feeding horses, and money lent, £33/10/0, order for amount with £2/7/0 costs.
Mrs R. JORY announces that she has footballs for sale from 2/- to 15/-; also a large range of 6d music.
Mr A. LOWRY, Crown Lands bailiff, has left Horsham for Sea Lake, and his successor is Mr S. HATTY, formally a warder in Pentridge.
Messrs YOUNG Bros. will conduct a clearing sale, horses, cattle, sheep and farm plant on account Mr J. J. HENNESSY of Pimpinio, on Tuesday, June 2.
Persons having claims against the estate of Margaret WHITECROSS, widow, deceased, late of Telangatuk, must send particulars to the curator on or before 29th June.
Tenders close at 12 noon on Saturday, 23rd of May, with Messrs. HAGELTHORN and BOLTON for the sale of 1600 acres of Mr Jas. KEYTE'S land at Duchembegarra. The property is well improved, and the fencing is all sheep proof.
MINIMAY NEWS
On Friday evening last the annual Bachelors Ball took place, and under the
circumstances proved most successful. The unsettled state of the weather,
and the roads, greatly interfered with the attendance. Nevertheless there
were about 38 couples present, and a very enjoyable evening was spent.
Messrs A. QUINLIVAN and P. J. CARRACHER supplied the music, and Mr N.
McINTYRE, carried out the duties of M.C. The catering for the supper was
in the capable hands of Mrs John WHEELER, who carried out her work in very
pleasing manner indeed.
Mr. F. WIDDICOMBE, J.P. of Gymbowen is having a handsome lath and plaster seven-roomed dwelling erected on his property close to the township.
Mr. Alex M'INTOSH was turning his team of plough horses to finish the last furrow in a paddock on his father's farm at Karnak, one hand holding the guiding bar and the other the reins, when a young horse plunged forward. His foot got caught under a share, which caused an extensive cut, necessitating five stitches by Dr. LYONS.
The Coroner's inquest on the Sunshine calamity is dragging along. Exception has been taken by many, among whom is Professor RENTOUL, to the record of driver MILBURN being put in as evidence before the man has had a chance to be heard. It is pointed out by those objecting, that in the British dominions it is a sacred observance to keep back previous records of those who are on trial till the verdict has been is given.
GYMBOWEN
The newly established Blacksmithing business is apparently thriving, as Mr. WATSON intends having two fires going ere long. An up-to-date device for tyre shrinking and welding is an acquisition to the shop.
Match shooting on the local rifle range has been wound up for a term with a competition for a ladies' bracelet, which took place a few weeks back. I duly reported it, but the report not having appeared must have strayed. The match was fired at 400 and 500 yards, 7 shots, and great interest attached to the event. A large gathering of ladies was present. The bracelet was won by Mr. A. MUEGEL for Miss Lizzie CRUSE with the exceptionally good score of 68 points off the rifle out of a possible 70. Mr F. MUEGEL secured second prize, for Miss BUFFHAM, Mr. J. BYRNE third, for Mrs Robt. SIVEWRIGHT, and Mr. D. BYRNE fourth, for Mrs G. T. HAASE. At the conclusion of the match the captain, Mr. F. MUEGEL, in an appropriate speech, presented the trophies, also the gold medal which was won in a previous competition by Mr. L. CRUSE, who neatly responded to the captain's remarks.
Mr. Jas. WILLIAMS formally of Wyn Wyn, but now residing at Geelong, contemplates a trip to England. Mrs WILLIAMS is not likely to go. Mr. P. WILLIAMS will go to England shortly.
Mrs Bridget RUDD, a Wimmera resident of over 50 years, died last Sunday. Deceased was caretaker for over 30 years at Horsham Lands Office. Four children are Mrs POTTER, Mrs FRANCE, Mrs MATHEWS, and Mr. E. RUDD.
Mr. W. J. MAGILL has 250 acres under crop on his property near Bogan Gate. It is so well forward that he has turned his stock on it. He and family received a pleasant surprise lately by the visit of Messrs WILLIAMS and KOENIG, who have been inspecting land in New South Wales.
At Messrs HAGELTHORN and BOLTON'S Natimuk stock sale yesterday week, there was a good yarding, particularly of sheep. Only one line of sheep was sold under the hammer, this being a draft of good merino weaners sent in by Mr. F. HAUSTORFER, which realised 8s.
MARRIAGES
A very pretty wedding was celebrated on the 28th May, at the residence of the bride's parents, Casterton, the contracting parties being Sylvia Helena HEARD, eldest daughter of Mr. J. HEARD, to Mr. Thomas James WILSON, of Nurrabiel. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. W. ALLSOP. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a handsome creme silk gown trimmed with val lace and ribbon, tucks, padded hem, and train. The bride also wore a very handsome veil with wreath and carried a bouquet of white chrysanthemums and cosmos. The bridesmaid, miss Flossie HEARD (sister of the bride), was nicely frocked in creme silk, trimmed with gnipure insertion, gathered skirt and hat of blue felt, trimmed with autumn leaves and roses. She also carried a bouquet of cloth of gold roses and blue streamers. The best man was Mr. Henry WILSON (brother of the bridegroom). The bride wore a travelling dress of brown cloth, trimmed with glace silk, overlace and fancy trimmings, brown hat t!
o match, trimmed with tulle, brown satin ribbon, ornament, and brown shaded feather. She also wore a pretty dark green coat.
The marriage of Miss Lilian Fenola SWAN, youngest daughter of the late Mr. N. Walter SWAN, author and journalist, with Mr. Charlie Stuart Francis SMITH, of Horsham, was quietly celebrated on Wednesday, at twelve o'clock noon, at "The Nest," Main Street, Stawell, the residence of the bride's sister. Only relatives were present.
ALLEGED CATTLE STEALING
At the Horsham Police Court on Friday last, before Mr. T. E. HARRISON, P.M.,
Henry BRAMFIELD, the well-known cattle dealer, was charged with having on May 20, at Dooen, feloniously stolen, driven, and taken away a red and white cow, of the value of £4, the property of Fanny MACKLEY, who keeps a dairy near Horsham. Fanny MACKLEY deposed that about two years and one month ago she bought a cow and calf from Samuel BLEAKLEY, a dealer. The calf grew up and had a calf, but being too young she dried it off in two months on September 15. She saw the cow last on the opening day of the duck shooting. Arthur FRY, butcher, Dooen, deposed that he bought the cow from BRAMFIELD for £2/12/6
on May 21. He had seen the cow running on the road and line at Dooen since the first week in March. On the same day as he bought the cow he saw MACKLEY'S son-in-law driving the cow away, so he stopped him. Next day young MACKLEY claimed the cow. BRAMFIELD who had been telephoned for, also appeared at his place, and he and MACKLEY had a conversation, both claiming the cow. MACKLEY then left, and on BRAMFIELD'S suggestion handed back the cow and receipt. David ANDERSON deposed that he saw the cow running at Dooen in December or the beginning of January. Percy D'AYMAND, porter at Dooen station, deposed that he had seen the cow at Dooen since the first of January. Accused son deposed that his father had the cow since last show time, and James WILSON, skin buyer, said he saw the cow in charge of young BRAMFIELD last October. Donald McRAE, of Tooan, deposed that he had 50 years experience with cattle. In his opinion the cow outside the court had not had a calf. It's teats were like calf's. The accused's case is that he bought the cow with a mob of others at Nhill, and when trucking them away at Dooen the cow and a bull were left behind. Under cross examination, MACKLEY, husband of Mrs. MACKLEY, said BRAMFIELD, when he found there was likely to be trouble, offered to give the cow back. He (witness) told accused he did not want to prosecute, but the matter was in the hands of the police. Accused was committed for trial at Nhill General Sessions on July 23, bail being allowed in two sureties of £50 each and himself in £100.
The 13 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Calder SMITH of Rokewood died last week, the lad was one of the cleverest scholars in Victoria. Mr. SMITH used to live in Horsham as editor of the ' Wimmera Star '. Mrs. SMITH is a sister of the Hon. F. HAGELTHORN, M.L.C.
Mr. G. MANNING, of Quantong, has been under the care of Dr. BIRD of Natimuk, but is now better.
Mr. COCKS, of Quantong, who intends to start business in town, has sold his orchard to Mr. OVERALL at a good figure.
HORSHAM POLICE Court
At this court on Friday, before Mr. T.E. HARRISON, P.M., Archie MALCOLM was fined 5/- for driving on a footpath ; Alice DOMASCHENZ was fined £1 for failing to have her child vaccinated ; Samuel TURVEY was ordered to pay £1 for a similar offence ; Mrs. Annie WYATT, for being the owner of an unregistered dog, was fined 5/-, and ordered to pay the registration fee of 5/- and 13/- costs. Hugh McKINNON obtained an order for 14/-, with £1 / 2/6 costs, against D. SEATER, for goods sold and delivered. John DAVEY obtained an order for £3 / 1/11, with 15/- costs, against Walter JENKINS, for goods sold and delivered.
MESSRS. YOUNG BROS, Auction Report - Land
During last week we effected the following sales of land, totaling 1067 acres for the sum of £7484. Account Jno. BUSHBY, Dimboola, 811 acres to P.C. PILMORE, Gerang; By auction at Casterton, account Jas. ANDERSON, Moredun Hill; 46 acres at £20 per acre to Jas. SOMERVILLE; 57 acres at £25 per acre, to T.H. NICHOLLS; 76 acres at £25 / 17/6d per acre, to Jas. SOMERVILLE; 36 acres at £24 per acre, to Thos. SOMERVILLE; D. HOGAN, Murtoa, the Strathdownie hotel and store, sheep yards and 40 acres of land to Mr. E.J. BALKIN at £800.
Attention is directed to the fact that Mr. P.E. GERLACH has placed on the market for sale by tender his farm of 261 acres, situated only 1 mile from Horsham on the Natimuk road. This is a first-class property in every respect, and we can confidently recommend inspection. Tenders close on June 13. On Saturday, June 13, tenders are returnable at our Warracknabeal office for the purchase of Mr. David McLURE'S Woodbine estate, containing 539 acres, and situated adjoining the town of Warracknabeal.
Public Notices
Kowree Shire Election, NORTH RIDING
To F. WIDDICOMBE, Esq, Gymbowen
Sir,
We, the undersigned ratepayers of the West portion of the North Riding, not with much regret your intended retirement from municipal government, and do respectfully and humbly request that you will reconsider your decision and again offer yourself for election. We sincerely hope you will allow us to induce you to again become a Candidate, and pledge you our votes and best support to secure your return.
Albert Schinckel, P.J. Lavery, Mary Schinckel, J. Carracher, C.D. Block, Jas J. Carracher, E.C. Block, A.J. Carracher, L.A. Bull, J.E. Jebart, L.M. Bull, E. Cross, M. Hickey, Sam Cross, Matthew Hickey, S.N. Cross, Margaret Hickey, J.F. Jelbart, F. Delany, B. Lavery, J.E. Molloy, Daniel Carracher, J.J. Cox, E.E. Carracher, C. Flack, P.J. Carracher, F.R.G. Robertson, Geo Bird, A. Lyons, Geo Robinson, M.J. Cumming, J.C. McDonald, J.C. Stehn, E. Lancaster, C.W. Stehn, Thomas Grace, W. Schumann, A.L. Grace, H.C. Block, W. Tully, John Mulraney, M. Kiely, W.A. Robinson, Elizabeth Kiely, Rose Mulraney, C.M. Dawe, W.A. Robinson Jnr, A. Robinson, Robt McLaughlin, Kate Lavery.
REPLY TO ABOVE REQUISITION
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It affords me much pleasure to accede to your request. Should I have the honor of being again elected I shall endeavour as in the past to deserve the confidence reposed in me.
I shall take an early opportunity to visit the various centres of the Riding to meet the ratepayers and render an account of my stewardship.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your Obedient Servant,
FRANCIS WIDDICOMBE.
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