What happened in Koo Wee Rup and surrounds in 1926

This is a look at what happened in Koo Wee Rup and on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp 100 years ago in 1926.  I write this every year for the Blackfish, the Koo Wee Rup township newsletter;  I also do a similar one for the Garfield Spectator, you can read that here.

January - The year started on a sad note with the report of the discovery of a dead body at Cardinia -
Dead Body Found - While shooting in a paddock on the property of Mr R. Brown, of Cardinia, on the day before Christmas Day, Mr J. Cox found the body of a man, who had apparently been dead for some time. Near the body was a newspaper dated November 11, and a beer bottle containing liquid. A rope was hanging from a bough of a tree nearby. It is thought possible that the man may have hanged himself, and that the rope became unfastened. The man's features were unrecognisable, and there was nothing by which his identity could be established. The matter was reported to the police, and the body was conveyed to the morgue. The dead man was described as being aged about 60 years, 5ft 4in in height, of thin build with grey hair and a moustache. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, January 7, 1926, p. 4)

February - In February  we have two railway related reports -the first on sand loadings at the local railway stations; the sand was dredged from the Main Drain and other drains and the second regarding a derailment
Large quantities of sand for building purposes in Melbourne are being forwarded from this district. During the last fortnight, 189 truck loads were despatched from Bayles railway station, and 60 tons are sent dally from the Koo wee rup station. (The Argus, February 6, 1926, see here)

February - 

Off the Line Gippsland Train. Two Hurt. Koo-wee-rup Smash.

Panic followed the derailment of the 5.5 p.m. train from Leongatha on Saturday at 7.35 p.m., while travelling over the points at Koo-wee-rup station crossing. The wheels of the tender are believed to have fouled the points. The engine and five carriages left the rails. Two people were injured. Many are suffering from shock. The damaged train blocked traffic on both the up and down lines until 7 a.m. today. Passengers both ways had to be transferred and taken on by relief trains on either side of the derailed train. Those for Korumburra got there early this morning.

The leading carriage hit 4 feet into the permanent way, and when halted had an acute slant to one side. About 100 yards of rail was torn out, and the points smashed. Springs and undergear of the carriages were extensively damaged. The rear carriages when halted had a dangerous tilt. Several passengers tried to jump from windows. Mr. H. Hanbury, who with three companions was travelling in the leading carriage, said the first warning was heavy bumping and blinding dust. He looked out of his window, but could see nothing for clouds of up-flung earth. He considered, it was fortunate that the train escaped complete wrecking. (Sun News-Pictorial, February 15, 1926, see here)

March - In March there was a complaint about the condition of local roads out of Bayles -

On the Scanlon road early last week the caving in of a rabbit burrow caused a large hole in the roadway. Later, about six or seven chains from the No.4 bridge a hole over 2ft deep appeared, and another in the vicinity of O'Brien's sand pit is also in evidence. Filling up these holes with sand is simply a waste of  time and money. Failing the use of a fumigator - the road for some chains is a warren - the burrows should be opened up from the mouth, the entrance blocked, and filled in to the breakaway. (Koo Wee Rup Sun,  March 25, 1926, p. 4)

April - Plowright's Siding between Koo Wee Rup and Bayles was completed, operations commenced there, two months later.

The new railway siding has been completed at Bayles for Messrs. Plowright Bros. Machine Washed Sand Company. Elevators are being erected for the loading into railway trucks from the tram trucks. (The Argus, April 22, 1926, see here)

Plowright Albion Sand Co. operation on the Main Drain - Sand passing through hopper onto trucks,  c. 1926-1931.

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society.

May - the need for a local High School - From May there reports in the newspapers of meetings to have a new High School. The closest High Schools were either Warragul or Dandenong, and for children who lived on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp, they were both difficult to get to,  and thus a more central location was desired. It took another 30 years before there was any progress on this front - Drouin High School opened in 1956, Koo Wee Rup in 1957 and Pakenham  in 1967. 

Proposed High School - On Thursday afternoon last a meeting was held at the Kooweerup State School, when delegates from the Garfield Women's Section of the Victorian Farmers' Union met the members of the Kooweerup branch and the local State School committee and discussed the proposal to obtain a high school for the swamp area. The suggestion was well received, and it was decided to ascertain information as to the number of scholars who were likely to seek a higher standard of education. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 20, 1926, p. 4)

The following article from August explains the travel difficulties faced by local children to attend High School -
Garfield - Parents of children attending the Dandenong and Warragul High schools are agitating to have a railway motor bus service established between the intermediate towns for the convenience of pupils attending both schools. The Warragul school has a road service, which terminates at Bunyip, but the children attending the Dandenong school have to depend on a very inconvenient train service, which necessitates leaving home at 6.30 a.m. and returning after 7 p.m. It is understood that the Commissioners are giving the proposal favorable consideration, and that the service will be established during the summer. A public meeting was held at Cora Lynn, which lies in the centre of the Kooweerup Swamp area, to urge upon the Government the necessity of erecting a high school in the district, as children living at any distance from the rail and motor service - such as they are - are debarred from attending either Warragul or Dandenong schools. (The Age, August 26, 1926, see here)  

A later report from September, suggested that a High School could be built at Cora Lynn or Bayles -  At a meeting of district representatives at Cora Lynn the high school proposal was further considered. Sites at Cora Lynn and Bayles were reviewed, and it was unanimously decided to recommend an area of Crown land at Bayles, which is above flood level and large enough for all requirements. It was resolved to ask the Education department for an early inspection of the site. An active canvass for subscriptions and guarantees from parents is to be undertaken. Mrs. Shreeves was elected president, and Mrs. Terrill secretary. (The Age, September 17, 1926, see here) 

May - other local events which took place in May included a boxing match and a fishing trip -
Koo-wee-rup - A contest for £25 a side and the heavy-weight championship of Gippsland took place between "Jack" Killeen, of Koo-wee-rup, and "Bill" Walsh, of Melbourne. At the end of the fourth round Walsh's seconds threw in the towel. (The Argus, May 4, 1926, see here)

Fishing Party - On Sunday last a party of Kooweerup fishermen went to Tooradin, and had a very successful day, bagging 140 flathead. 

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 13, 1926, p. 4)

June - In June there were complaints about the state of the main street of Bayles and the inadequate accommodation at the Bayles Railway Station -

Bayles - Owing to council operations and the recent rainfall, the main street through the township presents anything but a pleasing appearance. The road has been ploughed and crowned ready for gravelling, but owing to heavy traffic it much cut up, and in places is converted into a "glue pot." 

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, June 3, 1926, p. 4.)

Bayles - Many visitors have joined the ranks of local grousers at the present lack of decent office and passenger  accommodation at the local station. The incoming train on Monday last brought  a load of parcels which overfilled the apology for an office, and the surplus had to be stacked in the shelter shed, which also, per force, does duty as a ladies' waiting room. When the train left the platform, our popular Station Master managed to scramble back into the office, leaving behind him and effectual barrier from outside customers.  Some good humoured banter ensued, but until the bulk was reduced owners could not sign the book or the S.M. freely. From information received we are led to believe the railway chief views modest local requests favourably. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, June 3, 1926, p. 4.)

Main Street, Bayles, c. 1930s.

Image: Bayles Fauna Park Reserve.

June - In June the following statistics were published in regards to potato loadings at local railway stations -

It was estimated that the potato crop in the Koo-wee-rup area would reach £500,000, and by the record of truckings on railway this is not far short. The output of 29,403 tons from the nine stations was distributed as follow: - Koo-wee-rup, 6,952 tons; Garfield, 6,451; Bayles, 5,591; Dalmore, 3,346; Tynong, 2,580; Bunyip, 2,057; Nar-nar-goon, 1,814; Lang Lang, 443; Warragul, 169. At £10 a ton this would realise £294, 030. From December 1, 1925, to April 31, 1926, 498 trucks (6,945 tons) left Garfield, and during April 600 tons. From January 1 to May 30, 1926, 156,929 bags of potatoes left the Koo-wee-rup station. There are still many thousand bags in storage and on farms. The season so far promises to be excellent. (The Argus, June 11, 1926, see here)  

July - In July, Koo Wee Rup had a spate of burglaries.
Burglaries - On Friday evening a number of Kooweerup business people received an unpleasant surprise when they discovered articles missing from their establishments. It appears that some person or persons had decided on a raid and selected the late shopping night as the most opportune time. At most of the shops goods are left exposed outside, which gives a good opportunity to get away with them. The goods were evidently purloined early in the evening, for after having tea Mrs Gray missed a blanket and cardigan jacket. From Mr A.W. Stephens shop an oilskin overcoat was taken; Mr F. Ellis lost an oilskin and bicycle coat, and Mr C. Loveday an overcoat and rug. On the previous Wednesday several small articles were taken from Mr Stephens shop. The matter had bene placed in the hands of the police, who are endeavouring to trace the thief. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 1, 1926, p.1)

September - In September Koo Wee Rup became -
Kooweerup Premiers of South Gippsland Association.
Postponed from the previous Saturday on account of bad weather conditions, the final of the South Gippsland Association's competition was played on the Korumburra show ground in perfect weather. The ideal day could not be improved on, which no doubt helped considerably in making the attendance a record one. The gate takings amounted to £84/8/- which is a record for a football match on this line.

Both teams were well represented, and the public witnessed a good exhibition of football, which terminated with a most exciting finish, leaving Kooweerup premiers for 1926 by the narrow margin of three points.

Kooweerup played towards the town in the first quarter; they were the first to score, and put up 2 -1 before Leongatha raised a flag. From then it was a ding dong go, with Kooweerup always a few points in front. With the exception of the first quarter Leongatha had the most scoring shots each term, but their kicking was very erratic compared to their opponents. 11 - 4, Kooweerup's figures, was remarkably good kicking, but the team played to get the ball into position before shooting for goal. During the third quarter the umpire (Dunning) was knocked over and walked on by one of the players, and the game was held up for a few minutes. With only a couple of minutes to go, Leongatha only four points behind, had play well in front. The usually reliable Sinbeck had an easy shot but a roar of disappointment was the signal that only a point was scored. It was their last chance; for play then went to the centre, and Kooweerup managed to keep it there till the bell rang out. The final scores were:
Kooweerup: 11 - 4 - 70 points.
Leongatha: 9 - 13 - 67 points
It was a strenuous game, played in a good spirit and splendidly umpired by Dunning. For the winners Johnny Shelton played a great game right through. Among the best of the others were Jas Shelton, Cobb and J. Lavelle. Leongatha were best served by Boon (who brought off some wonderful marks) Crombie, Jones, Vibash and Hine. 

(Great Southern Advocate, September 23, 1926, see here)

October - In October it was reported that -

Fire - A sensation was caused at Kooweerup on Saturday morning, owing to a fire at the rear of Mr E. Cougle's store. The fire was quickly discovered and an alarm raised brought a response of fifty helpers. The fire was confined to a stack of empty boxes, luckily piled up against a galvanised iron fence. A chemical fire extinguisher was brought into play, but with little effect, owing to a strong northerly wind. A bucket brigade, however, eventually succeeded in quenching the flames. It if had not been for the timely arrival of so many willing workers a serious conflagration would have resulted. The cause of the fire is alleged to be due to the strong wind which prevailed carrying ashes from a smouldering rubbish fire to the pile of cases. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, October 7, 1926, p.2)

October - Also in October, students at Five Mile State School (also called Koo Wee Rup North) passed their Temperance Physiology examination. This seemed to be an examination conducted in conjunction with the Independent Order of Rechabites, a temperance (anti-alcohol) organization
At the examination in Temperance Physiology conducted by the Education department during July the following candidates from Five Mile School were awarded certificates - Grade 6 - James Scala, 82 marks; Freda Secomb, 70; Harry Stephens, 65; Dorothy Nicholson, 62. Grades 7 and 8 - Ronald Bethune, 81 marks; Matthew Garbellini, 80; Grace Pollock, 74; Margaret Moore, 72; Agnes Mellen, 65; Ellen McQualter, 64; Charles Law, 65. The examination, for which prizes are given, is of a competitive nature, there being more than 5000 entrants throughout the State. Successful candidates are entitled to compete for a scholarship. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, October 7, 1926, p.4)

Koo Wee Rup North School, 1927

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

October - Also in October, Koo Wee Rup had this problem -
Straying horses - Frequent complaints are being received as to the depredations carried out by straying horses in Kooweerup. It is in the evening that most of the damage is done. Yesterday morning the hon. secretary of the local branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. found the gate leading to the Soldiers' Club Room smashed, and all the evidence indicated that it was the work of straying equines.(Koo Wee Rup Sun, October 14, 1926, p.4)

December - The Bayles Progress Association was formed -
The meeting convened for the purpose of forming a local Progress Association was held on Thursday night last at the Butter Factory, the audience being limited. A motion that an association be formed, called the Bayles Progress Association, was carried. The following office-bearers were elected:- President, Mr A.T. Green; vice-president, Mr J. Egan; treasurer, Mr G. Murdoch; secretary, Mr S. Jeffers; committee Messrs Trevellyan, Woodman, McGowan, Murdock, and Ahern. On the motion of Mr Ahern, the secretary was instructed to write requesting the Cranbourne Shire Council to furnish four benzine lamps for lighting the township, the association undertaking to tend same when erected. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 9, 2026, p. 4)

December - Also in December exam results were published -

Examinations. The following are the results of the recent examinations held at the Kooweerup State School recently. For Merit certificates nine passed out of ten competitors. The one failing in one subject only is entitled to another chance. For qualifying certificates 11 were successful out of 14. Passed, Merit Certificate - William Andrews, Meryvn Bath, William Mills, Gerald Sluiter, Eric Garnham, Pierce Healy, Edna McLeod, Pauline Giles, and Catherine Healy.  Passed, Qualifying Certificate - Frank Colvin, Eric Edwards, Ronald Leydon, Ronald Mills, Lindsay Mortimer, Robert Child, James Johnston, Elizabeth Mills, Phyllis Johnston, Myra Bath, and Mary De Vries. 

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 16, 1926, p. 4)