What happened in Garfield in 1924

This is a look at what happened in Garfield and surrounds, 100 years ago, in 1924, as reported in the newspapers.

The first issue of The Age for the year reported on this snake bite incident -
A Dangerous Plaything. Child bitten by Snake - Edith Jackson, aged 6 years, was bitten by a snake on the calf of the leg whilst playing with other children on a farm at Iona, on Saturday. It appears that the children were amusing themselves with the reptile, when it attacked the little girls and struck her on the leg. Several young men who were playing cricket nearby applied first-aid measures, and motored the child to Bunyip for medical treatment. She is now out of danger. (The Age, January 1, 1924, see here)

In February the Garfield Railway Station burnt down -
The Garfield railway station, on the main Gippsland line was totally destroyed by a fire which broke out about two o'clock this morning. The station master, Mr Bartlett, locked up at 10.30 last night, when everything appeared to be safe, and the origin of the outbreak is a mystery. The crew of a goods train gave the alarm, but the fire had gained such a hold that nothing could be saved. (The Herald, February 21, 1924, see here)
Another report in The Argus gave us more information about the fire -
The Garfield railway station was completely destroyed by a fire which occurred about 2 o'clock on Thursday morning. The fire was first noticed by the crew of a goods train who awakened the station master. Owing to no water supply being available, the onlookers were unable to prevent the flames from spreading. A few milk cans were rescued from the goods shed. A number of parcels, including two bicycles and a perambulator, and a quantity of passengers' luggage, were destroyed, in addition to departmental records. The origin of the fire is unknown. (The Argus, February 25, 1924, see here)

Garfield Railway Station. I am not sure if this is the original station or the replacement.

Berwick Pakenham Historical Society photograph.

 
In March a robbery occurred at the Bunyip races – the Koo Wee Rup Sun reported –
Race meeting sensation. Man covered with revolver - A sensation was caused at the Bunyip races on Monday, when it became known that the ticket office had been robbed, and that one of the suspected thieves had been captured at the point of the revolver. While one race was being run, the clerk in charge of the ticket office, which is near the entrance gates, had his attention diverted by several strangers, who engaged him in conversation. A moment later he discovered that his cash, believed to amount to £116, was missing.

A young man was moving away from the office, and the clerk, producing a revolver, ordered him to halt. Immediate investigations were began by the police, and later arrests were made. Those arrested were William Barnett, 22 years; Maurice Brennan, 22 years; and Arthur Cohen, 24 years. They were charged with having stolen from the ticket office a sum supposed to total £116. An unsuccessful attempt was made to obtain bondsmen for the accused, who were locked up. The arrests were made by Plains-clothes Constable Lanigan, Constable Robinson (Bunyip), and Constable Barrett (Warragul). (Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 13, 1924, page 5).

The men faced trial at the end of April in the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court. Maurice Brennan was found not-guilty; and Arthur Cohen and William Barnett were convicted and, as they had prior convictions, they were both sentenced to 18 months in gaol.

March was a rainy month -
Bunyip - Since the rain commenced on Wednesday evening, 533 points have been registered. The water in the main drain, the outlet for the Bunyip River, through the swamp country, has risen 11 feet since Thursday night. Grave fears are entertained that the country around Cora Lynn will again be flooded. (The Age, March 29, 1924, see here) There are 100 points of rain in an inch and an inch of rain is 25mm.

In April there was a report of the goods traffic at the Garfield Railway Station -
During the last season 9000 tons of potatoes and 2000 tons of general merchandise and produce were consigned for the local station. (The Age, April 8, 1924, see here)

Also in April there was a serious fire at Iona -
A serious fire occurred at Iona on Monday morning, when the general store and drapery business of Messrs. Burton and Yates, together with the Iona bakery and the local branch of the E. S. and A. Bank, were destroyed. The total damage amounts to close on £2000, and is only partly covered by insurance. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is surmised that it started in the bakery, where the bread for Monday morning's rounds had been baked. (The Age, April 9, 1924, see here)

What could have been a very serious accident occurred in May -
Whilst driving along Vervale-road, Mr. W. Simpson, a local farmer, was thrown from his jinker. The horse bolted, but the driver retained the rein, and was dragged a considerable distance. He finally brought the animal to a standstill, but the horse backed, and the jinker wheel passed over the man's neck. Fortunately he escaped with a few abrasions and bruises. (The Age, May 2, 1924, see here)

In June, a tin mining venture was refused -
Opposition to Tin leases - Garfield - Some time ago a syndicate was formed to work tin bearing country in the ranges to the north, but on application to the Government it met with unexpected opposition from the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. This body opposed the granting of any tin-mining leases on the ground that the syndicate's operations would probably be carried on within the watersheds of the Bunyip and Tarago rivers, and cause a pollution of the waters destined to supply the Westernport naval base scheme. The applicants declare that such would not be the case, and consider that if a well capitalised company were allowed to go into the industry something might be done towards opening up a tract of country which at present is a "no man's land." (The Age, June 6, 1924. see here)

Local roads have always been an issue –
The Country Roads Board has refused to consider a proposal that it should take over the 13-Mile as a developmental road to link up the main Gippsland railway, at Garfield, with the Great Southern line, at Lang Lang, through the centre of the Kooweerup Swamp. The shire council has let a section of this road for metalling between Garfield and Iona. (The Age, July 12, 1924, see here)

A fatal accident occurred in July - 

Garfield - On Wednesday Mr. W. Bellman met with a serious accident whilst ploughing with a two-horse team on his farm, on the Modella-road. While turning one of the horses slipped and fell into a table drain, and in his efforts to extricate the animal Mr. Bellman was knocked on the forehead. He was taken to a private hospital at Bunyip, and immediately operated on. Little hope of his recovery is entertained. (The Age, July 18, 1924, see here) A later report said that Mr. William Bellman did sadly pass away a few days later. He was 64 years of age.

Garfield Weighbridge Directors – the weighbridge was erected in 1916.
Garfield Weighbridge Co. Ltd. Registered office, Garfield. Capital, £250 in £1 shares. Directors: John Wylie Wright Barker, Albert Stirling Barker, John Dowd, William Frederick Schmutter, Thomas Cole Green, John James O'Leary, and Charles Nicholas Barnes. (The Herald, August 4, 1924, see here). I presume that the two men named Barker and Thomas Green were connected to Barker, Green and Parke P/L - produce merchants.

Also in August was this report of a criminal case with a Garfield connection -
Country Visitor's Pistol. An expensive mistake - Harry Close, 23 years, laborer, who came to Melbourne last week from Garfield, Gippsland, was charged at the City Court yesterday with being in possession of an unregistered pistol, and also with carrying it without a permit. Plain-clothes Constable O'Connell gave evidence that in investigating a case of supposed larceny at Garfield, he arrested Close at 11 p.m. on Saturday on the arrival of the Gippsland train. Nothing was found to connect accused with the larceny, and he was allowed to go, and his swag was detained at Russell-street. When the latter was searched an old pattern revolver was found, which was loaded in one barrel and capped. When Close came to the police station next morning he said the pistol had been given him by a man named Miller at Garfield. He had tried to get it registered, but there were no police at Garfield. Close told the bench that the pistol was practically useless. When it was fired the barrel fell off. He regarded it as a keepsake. On the charge of having an unregistered pistol Close was fined £2. (The Age, August 5, 1924, see here)

 

Daniel Laurence McNamara (1876-1947)

State Library of Victoria Image H93.359/44

In August local man, Daniel Laurence McNamara (1876-1947), joined the Ministry in the Victorian Labour Government ; he was a Berwick Shire councillor 1901-1910, and in the Victorian Parliament from 1916 until 1947 (Source: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/daniel-mcnamara/)
General satisfaction is expressed at the inclusion of Mr. D. L. McNamara in the Labour Ministry. Mr. McNamara is practically a native of Iona, where his people still reside. He was one of the original pioneers, and when almost a boy was elected to the Berwick Shire Council, where he displayed sound progressive and democratic views. He was also Shire President. (The Advocate, August 7, 1924, see here)

The excellent state of the Garfield Recreation Reserve was reported on in August -
Some three years ago the Garfield Reserve and Racecourse was an eyesore to the district, but active trustees were elected and nearly £800 raised and spent on improvements, and today the football ground and racecourse is equal to anything in Gippsland. Seven trustees elected again during the week are Messrs. Parker, Crouch, Dowd, Gardner, Olson, Reidy and Waugh. (The Advocate, August 7, 1924, see here)

A shooting incident at Tynong in August -
Man shot instead of Bullock. George Cousins was accidentally shot in the thigh at Tynong (Gippsland) this morning. A relative of Cousins fired at a bullock, and Cousins, unaware of the preparations for killing the animal, walked in front of the rifle, as it was discharged. The injured man was taken to the Bunyip Hospital and, after having received treatment, returned to his home at Tynong. (The Herald, August 7, 1924, see here)

August was also a month of heavy rain and wide-spread flooding on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp -
Garfield - Further heavy rains have caused a flood on the swamp, in the vicinity of the main drain. On the 14 mile road, the paddocks of Messrs Filer, Golding, and Voll are under water. The water is a foot deep in Mrs. McLean's house, and Mr. J. Kavanagh's home is surrounded by water. In spite of the efforts of workers the waters crossed the road and the paddocks of Messrs. O'Leary, Leask, and B. Kavanagh are covered. Mr. O'Leary had 10 acres just planted with potatoes. At Vervale, the water rose over the banks of the main drain, and the properties of Messrs. Henwood, McGrath, and Baker are inundated. The Iona school-ground is under water. The flood swept across the farms of Messrs Lennox, Tyrell, and McManis. On the 13-mile road, the pipes were washed away from a new culvert, and the banks of the new subsidiary drain etc were carried away. In the township the shops of Messrs Khan, Hourigan, and Isherwood were flooded. The footpaths had to be cut in several places to turn the water from the road to the township flats. The drain through Mr. Jones's farm could not carry the flood, and portion of Garfield Reserve is submerged. Three inches of rain fell in 24 hours. (The Argus, August 28, 1924, see here)

Dingoes in the hills -
Garfield - Dingoes are more numerous in the hills to the north than they have been for years. Deer have multiplied in these timbered districts, which probably accounts for the presence of the dogs. (The Age, September 4, 1924, see here)

Women form an Association -
A Women's Progress Association has been formed at Garfield to assist in matters of benefit to the district. Mrs Limmer has been elected president, Mrs Martin secretary, and Mrs. Gardner treasurer. (The Argus, September 15, 1924, see here)

The on-going issue of the price paid to primary producers versus the retail price -
Dairymen in the Garfield district complain of the disparity between the price paid to them by wholesale metropolitan dairymen and the price charged the consumer. They state that while they are paid only 7½d. a gallon, the householder is charged 7d. a quart. The establishment of milk-cooling factories throughout dairying areas should revolutionise the milk supply. Longwarry Co-operative Factory proposes to pay suppliers 9d. a gallon, and, after treatment, to pass the milk on to the consumer at 1/3 a gallon. (Weekly Times, October 4, 1924, see here)

 Garfield Picture Theatre, 1932

Museums Victoria Collections https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/770388

On December 22, 1924 the Garfield Picture Theatre opened. It is still going strong and I wonder what gala centenary celebrations are planned for 2024.
The Garfield Picture Theatre was opened on Monday night. lt is one of the finest theatres outside the suburban area, and cost Mr. M. O'Donohue more than £5,000 to erect. In addition an electric-lighting plant, costing £1,000, has been installed. Mr. Meagher, of Collins street, was the architect, and the builders were Messrs. Rose and Wales, of Melbourne. The opening ceremony was performed by Councillor Dowd, and short addresses were delivered by Messrs. H. Coombs, H. Gardner, R. James, and H. Hourigan. Councillor P. Walsh occupied the chair. Mr. O'Donohue afterwards entertained about 700 guests, who enjoyed dancing and supper. The theatre will seat about 800 people. (The Argus, December 30, 1924, see here)  I have written about the Garfield Picture Theatre, here.

What happened in Garfield in 1923

This is a look back at what happened in Garfield, and surrounds, 100 years ago, in 1923, as reported in the newspapers. 

In February 1923, there was a complaint about progress of the works at the Garfield School - Several months ago tenders were let for additions to the local State school, and it was the intention of the Education department to have the work done during the Christmas vacation. For some unexplained reason the contract was not started. The department will now be put to the expense of hiring the local hall while the necessary additions are effected. (The Age, February 2, 1923, see here)

In the same month there was this report about the hooligan element in the town - It is the intention of the Garfield Traders' Association to urge on the Commissioner of Police the necessity of a constable being permanently stationed in the town. Since the withdrawal of the constable the hooligan element has been much in evidence. The breaking of shop windows has seemingly become a pastime. Other more serious offences have necessitated the service of the police and black trackers from Dandenong. During the potato digging season many undesirable characters visit the district. (West Gippsland Gazette,  February 6, 1923, see here)

A Sheaf-tossing prize was donated by Martin O'Donohue, the owner of the Iona Hotel at Garfield - Mr M. Donohue, of Garfield, has generously donated a valuable gold medal for the sheaf-tossing competition to be held at Garfield on 17th March. The event will be for the championship of Gippsland. (The Advocate, February 15, 1923, see here)

View of the Goods Shed at the Railway station in 1920. The Garfield Hall is in the background.

Berwick Pakenham Historical Society photograph

There was insufficient room at the Garfield Railway Station in February  - Great dissatisfaction is expressed at the lack of accommodation at the goods yard of the railway station. The existing platform is hardly sufficient to accommodate four trucks, whereon facilities for loading 14 or 15 trucks are required. Produce awaiting consignment is dumped on the ground for hundreds of yards up and down the line, where it remains for days before it can be loaded. (The Age,  February 15, 1923, see here.)

There were reports about bush fires in February and March - 
After a week of rising temperatures the climax was reached on Thursday, when 102 deg. was registered. Bush fires, driven by a hot north wind, sprang up in all directions, and a fire travelling south-easterly from North Garfield seriously threatened the buildings on the racecourse and the outskirts of Bunyip township. Fortunately a change in the wind to the west diverted the course of the fire. (The Age, February 24, 1923, see here)

A bush fire broke out about three miles north of Garfield, and, aided by a strong wind, it travelled with great rapidity towards the town. It swept through the properties of Messrs. Brennan, Robertson, Parish Bros.,and Dawes. Mr. Dawes' homestead had a narrow escape, the flames being checked within a few yards of the house. Beyond burning some hundreds of acres of scrub and short lengths of fencing, no damage resulted. Another scrub fire is burning between Garfield and Tynong. (The Argus, March 28, 1923, see here)

There was a follow-up report the next day - Smoke from bush fires is enveloping the town. Mr. H. Brew had his sheds, stables, and harness destroyed. A second fire destroyed all of Parish Bros' fencing on the Sale road, and three rows of apple trees were ruined. Mr. H. P. Hill lost a considerable amount of fencing, 150 passion fruit vines in full bearing, and several rows of apple trees. The corner of Mr. Limmer's house was burnt, and his orchard suffered severely. (The Argus, March 29, 1923, see here)

In March, there was good fishing to be had - Garfield - Good catches of blackfish are reported by parties visiting the Diamond and Back creeks. (The Age, March 1, 1923,  see here)

A farming report from March - Farmers in the Garfield district have this year gone in for cultivating field carrots on extensive lines. As from 30 to 40 tons an acre is produced, and the price generally runs from £2 to £3/10/ a ton, the crop should be very profitable. (The Weekly Times, March 10, 1923, see here)

In March there was a report about the impact of the new railway line to Strzelecki (also called the McDonald's Track railway), which had officially in June 1922, as  local farmers could now take their produce to Bayles, Catani and Yannathan.   I have written about the railway line, here.  Garfield - The Kooweerup-McDonald's track railway is making its presence felt in many towns along the main Gippsland line. Traffic and business which for years past has gone to these towns is now diverted to the new outlet, and townships with good business openings are springing up along the new railway. Land values have advanced considerably, and range from £40 to £50 per acre. (The Age,  March 10, 1923, see here)

A fund-raiser for the Recreation Reserve - Garfield Carnival was brought to a successful conclusion on Saturday evening, the queen competition realising over £190. Miss Linda Reidy was the leading queen, followed by Miss Rita Brennan. The crowning ceremony took place in Garfield Hall, in the presence of a record gathering. The promoters of the carnival expect to raise £300. All of this amount is to be spent on improving Garfield Recreation Reserve. (The Argus, April 3, 1923, see here)

Good news in April - extended telephone time and the possibility of a policeman in the town - As the result of a deputation to the Deputy Postmaster General, the Garfield telephone exchange is to remain open until 8 p.m. daily. - The police authorities are endeavouring to obtain a house in Garfield to be used as a police station. Should their efforts be successful, a married constable will be placed in charge, and the station made independent of Bunyip. (The Argus, April 7, 1923, see here)

And some bad news - Garfield - Seed oats planted for fodder crop have failed to germinate during the past two months owing to the excessively dry season. Kangaroos, driven in from the hills to the north owing to the scarcity of feed, are destroying maize crops at North Garfield (The Age,  April 12, 1923, see here)

The Burnley Brass Band, paid a visit to the area at Easter -  Following its usual custom, the Burnley Brass Band, under the conductorship of Mr. W. J. Stove, journeyed to Gippsland during the Easter holidays, and supplied the music for several functions in the Garfield district. Arriving in Garfield on Good Friday evening, the band played selections in the township for two hours, and, despite the cold weather, the programme was heard by a large number of people. The Queen Carnival sports was attended on Saturday afternoon, while in the same evening the members travelled to Cora Lynn, where the annual dance was in progress in the local hall. The latest dance music was rendered by the band. On Sunday afternoon and evening special programmes were submitted to the Cora Lynn residents, and much appreciated by them. The collection taken up at the latter recital was handed to the Cora Lynn sports committee to assist any local object it may decide upon. A programme at the annual sports on Easter Monday concluded the trip, and the band arrived home on Tuesday, well pleased with their holiday. (Richmond Guardian, April 14, 1923, see here)

A complaint about the condition of the local roads - Garfield - The roads in this district are in a dreadful condition, particularly the 13 and 14 mile roads from lona and Vervale to Garfield. The local council has called tenders for metalling, but the contract was let too late to alleviate the position this year. The roads approaching the towns of Bayles and Catani, on the McDonald's track railway, are almost impassable. (The Age, August 4, 1923, see here)

Bush-fires at the start of the year and floods in October - At Garfield North, Cannibal Creek over-flowed, and the adjoining flats were converted into a lake. When going to school on Friday morning the teacher had to be carried across the creek. No scholars put in an appearance. During the morning the flood increased. The teacher remained a prisoner in her school until the arrival of a cart enabled her to recross the flooded creek. (The Argus, October 15, 1923, see here)

A seven inch rainfall during the past five days has caused one of the most disastrous floods in the history of the Kooweerup settlement. Scores of setters have been compelled to leave their homes, and thousands of pounds worth of damage has been done to growing crops. After continual rains on Thursday and Friday, the main canal into which the waters of the Bunyip and Tarago rivers flow commenced to rise rapidly until an early hour on Saturday morning, when the 20 ft. summer level gauge on the Junction-bridge disappeared beneath the yellow flood. The water continued to rise to the decking of the bridge, five feet above the gauge, carrying away the bank on the north side, leaving the bridge suspended across the stream in a dangerous condition. The sheet piling around the edge of the 15-mile-bridge was carried away, and the structure is likely to collapse. All other bridges were submerged, and until the water recedes the damage cannot be estimated. The flood poured over the high levee banks on either side below the Iona State school, and spread over miles of cultivated farms, and residents had to abandon their homes, leaving stock, poultry and pigs to fend for themselves. Cattle could be seen standing with their heads thrust above the water on Cora Lynn farms; many of the smaller animals were drowned. The flood rose to the height of six feet in the Cora Lynn cheese factory, and the mechanics' hall. State school and convent are isolated in an inland sea. Water flowed over the levee banks to a depth of four feet for a distance of four miles, and there is a grave danger of these giving way and causing further disaster.

Throughout Iona many thousands of acres of potatoes, oats and other crops have disappeared under water, and will be utterly ruined. The main roads along either side of the canal have been damaged beyond repair, and bridges over subsidiary drains are in a state of collapse. (The Argus, October 15, 1923, see here)

Pioneers' Hall, Iona.

The Advocate November 16, 1922 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page20363246

In November and December a Queen Carnival was held to pay off the Pioneers' Hall, at Iona, I have written about the Hall, here.   Iona - To liquidate a debt of £450 on the Pioneers' Hall, a queen carnival was decided on some months ago, was successfully terminated on the 16th inst. Miss Madge Dowd represented lona; Miss Lila Gardner, Garfield; and Miss Alma Roberts, Bunyip. It was not until the last week that the carnival was taken seriously, and then action commenced in earnest. A bazaar was held in the hall, and the tug-of-war of stick-pulling was responsible for a packed house every night. The concert by Kooweerup artists eclipsed any previous entertainment. A feature of the affair was the support each queen received during the bazaar, but the lona organisation was perfect, thanks to the secretaries, Misses L. Kavanagh and H. Bennett. The crowning of the successful queen was splendidly carried out. The voting was:—Miss Madge Dowd, Iona, £191/1/4, 45, 856 votes; Miss Lila Gardner, Garfield, £139/1/9, 33,381 votes; Miss Alma Roberts, Bunyip, £95/1/11, 22,823 votes. As the major portion of the money was received during the last week, the result is regarded as highly satisfactory. Each queen was presented with a gold bangle. Miss E. Sullivan and Renie Maddigan acted as maids of honour, and Miss Frances Sullivan and Miss Lizzie Dowd train-bearers, for the successful queen, and Christopher Cooney as cushion-bearer. (The Advocate, December 6, 1923, see here)

The photograph of Carlo Catani which George Clowser presented

to the Iona Hall Committee.

My original photo of this portrait was enhanced by Paul Caine.

In December, George Clowser, Public Works Department paymaster, presented a portrait of the late Carlo Catani, Public Works Department Engineer, to the Iona Pioneers' Association. The portrait is now at the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society Museum. I have written about the portrait here and George Clowser, here. - At the annual banquet of the Pioneers' Association of Iona an enlarged  framed photograph of the late Mr Catani was presented to the hall committee by Mr G. Clowser, secretary for public works, who was formerly pay-master of the settlement when the swamp was first opened up, and Mr Catani was the engineer. Mr O. Kavanagh (president) accepted the gift on behalf on the committee. (The Argus, December 1, 1923, see here)  

What happened in Garfield in 1922

 This is a look back 100 years at what happened in Garfield and surrounds in 1922. 

The year started on a sad note with a report in February of a death -  Man’s lonely death - While looking for a cow at Garfield, Mr. R. James found the dead body of a man lying on an unused road near the 14-mile. The body was that of Mr. Patrick Hanna, who until recently had been employed by Mr. Stacey, of Bunyip. Hanna was more than 50 years old, and had been a resident of the district for many years. (The Argus February 20, 1922, see here)

There was news about the Garfield State School. In April it was reported that Miss Lindsay, who has been first assistant at the Garfield school for 4½ years, has retired. She was entertained at a social, and presented with a silver and oak tray from the scholars, and a silver biscuit trough from the parents. Her successor is Miss Honig.  Owing to the crowded state of the Garfield school, an agitation is on foot to obtain increased accommodation. The agitation paid off as, in November, the Public Works Department accepted the tender of Mr. J. Saville for additions to the school. The contract price was £540. In June it was reported that Miss D. Chappell has been appointed to the staff of Garfield school, to fill the vacancy caused by the transfer of Miss McKinnon to Yarragon. (The Age, April 25, 1922, see here; The Argus June 1, 1922, see here and The Argus, November 8, 1922, see here)

While we are on the subject of local schools The Argus reported in September that before her departure from Tynong Miss Giles, sewing mistress at the State school was presented with a gold wristlet watch by parents and residents, and with a leather suit-case by the pupils. Also in the September a concert was held at Garfield North, in aid of the piano fund of the School. (The Argus September 7, 1922, see here and The Argus, September 26, 1922, see here)

In May, a fancy dress ball was held in the Nar Nar Goon Memorial Hall by the Cora Lynn branch of the Returned Soldiers' league, The proceeds from the ball went towards the new library at Cora Lynn. The Library would have been in the Hall. (The Argus, May 2, 1922, see here)

In May there was also a report in The Age about criminal activity in the local area. These cases were heard at the Bunyip Court - For stealing a blanket from the clothes line at the Iona Hotel, Garfield, a young man named John Gilbert Drum was sentenced to ten days imprisonment. Arthur Wilson received fourteen days for stealing a hat and overcoat from a motor car at Cora Lynn on Easter Monday night. A young married man named Flynn was fined £20 for being in unlawful possession of a bag of sugar, alleged to have been stolen from the Tynong railway station. The accused denied the charge, and said the bag of sugar was given to him by the assistant at the station for some potatoes. S. Synot was fined £2 for allowing a cow to wander on to the railway at Tynong, and Jos. Hart £5 for using obscene language at Bunyip on 18th inst. (The Age, May 2, 1922, see here)

In November there was more criminal activity at Garfield when it was reported that - a large show window in the lockup shop of Mr J. W. Betts, bootmaker, was shattered on Wednesday night. A pair of men's boots is missing. The police are following a clue. (The Argus, November 11, 1922, see here)

The Pioneers' Hall at Iona (which was the public hall) opened in 1895 and was enlarged and renovated in 1922. In May, the Catholic newspaper, The Advocate,  reported - The Pioneers' Hall, which has been completely neglected for years past, has undergone a complete transformation and it is somewhat difficult now to identify the old building with the present imposing edifice. In the early days of the swamp the Government provided a very small piece of land for recreation purposes, and miserly assisted the pioneers in erecting some sort of a building for the purpose of holding meetings. The building until recently in evidence in one of the richest places in Victoria has sustained the storms for almost 30 years, and whilst other halls were erected in the adjacent townships, substantially assisted by Iona, their own hall was neglected. Some six months ago Mr.Peter Grummich, secretary of the Pioneers [Association], convened a public meeting,at which five new trustees were appointed who also are guarantors. They succeeded in obtaining £500 from the London Bank, Garfield, and immediately prepared plans, etc., for additions and renovations. Mr. J Grummich was the successful tenderer, and the committee are highly gratified at the splendid work performed by the contractor. A new light will be installed during the week, and the hall will be opened about 11th inst. All the money has been spent, apart from work computed at £100 done by the local residents.(The Advocate, May 4, 1922, see here).  

The Age of May 2, 1922  (see here) reported that the Hall opening took place on May 13 by Mr. F. Groves, M.L. A. It also said that the old hall was originally built by the settlers on the swamp. Messr J. Dowd and J. Curtain donated portions of their property to the committee for the extension.
The Hall was on the north side of the Main Drain, east of St Joseph's Catholic Church. I have written about the Hall, here.

The last day of June in 1922 was very cold and The Argus reported with unexpected snow falls throughout the State - Bitterly cold weather was again experienced throughout the State yesterday, and heavy falls of snow occurred at many places. The minimum temperature recorded at the Weather Bureau was 32.7 deg. early in the morning, and the maximum reading was 46.0 deg. at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon..... Snow fell at - Bunyip, Pakenham (only fall remembered by residents for 40 years), Mount Cannibal (near Garfield), Nar Nar Goon (first for 30 years), Tooradin, Koo-wee-rup (first time on record) (The Argus, July 1, 1922, see here).
32.7 degrees Fahrenheit is about 0 degrees Celsius and 46 degrees is about 8 degrees. 

The Advocate of October 5, 1922 (see here) had some interesting local news - Representatives from the parishes of Lang Lang, Kooweerup and Nar-Nar-Goon and Iona recently met and decided to purchase a four-cylinder Buick car for use of the priests and the Sisters. The necessity of the action has been apparent for some time, owing to the distance the priests have to travel. The sisters from Iona, who also teach at the convent school at Cora Lynn, invariably depend on the neighbours to take them to school, but the parish car will suffice for all purposes.

The Convent at Iona. I wonder if that is the new Buick car purchased for use of the Priest and the Sisters?

The Advocate November 16, 1922 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page20363246

The same paper also reported on the Garfield Recreation Reserve - The committee of the Garfield Recreation Reserve is to be congratulated for the improvements effected on the grounds. A few years ago it was completely neglected, but at a public meeting new trustees were appointed, who are responsible for collecting over £400 and spending same on improvements, with the result that two semi-final football matches have been played on the ground by visiting teams, with a possibility of a grand final. (The Advocate, October 5, 1922, see here)

Eggs were a staple diet in Hospitals in years past and they relied on the public to donate eggs. Local schools donated eggs to Hospitals and in October 1922 it was reported that Garfield State school had donated 300 eggs to the Warragul Hospital. The same report had a list of how many eggs had been donated in 1921 and Garfield State School had sent 720. Overall local schools had donated 18, 682 eggs in 1921. the eggs were preserved with Ovo, apparently a well known egg preservative. (West Gippsland Gazette, October 10, 1922, see here)

The Argus of November 11, 1922 (see here) had this news about the telephone exchange - Farmers on the Swamp are making arrangements for telephone connection with Garfield. The deputy postmaster-general is being petitioned to allow the telephone exchange to remain open to 8.pm. daily. There was also this weather and crop report in the same edition - During October nearly 4in. of rain fell, and the record for November is 206 points. Owing to floods farmers on the Six-Mile Drain have had to replant potato crops. - Cherry yields promise to be good. Loquats are a complete failure. Large consignments of asparagus are sent weekly from Garfield to a Melbourne jam company.
Four inches of rain is 100 mls. There are 100 points of rain to the inch.

What happened in Garfield in 1920

This is a look back 100 years at what happened in Garfield and surrounds in 1920.

The Bunyip and Garfield Express (BGE) of January 9, 1920 had a complaint about the slowness of the post. The publishers had received complaints about the late delivery of the paper. They wrote that the paper is mostly posted on Thursday, before the mail closes at 6pm, and subscribers should get their papers on Friday, and certainly no later than Saturday. Sometimes they do not receive them until Monday. They leave here on Thursday’s train, but owing to the absurd practice of all letters, papers etc for Garfield, Tynong, Cora Lynn, Vervale and several other places close at hand, having to go to Melbourne first, no doubt that is where the delay occurs. The paper wrote to the Deputy Postmaster-General about the matter and received a response saying that the matter would receive consideration.

Also, in January in the BGE was this – Naturalists and lovers of birds will be interested to learn that a blackbird has made its appearance near the Junction Bridge [south of Bunyip], and has been seen and heard on several occasions by residents in the locality. It is to be hoped that the rare specimen will not be destroyed. (Bunyip and Garfield Express January 30, 1920) Blackbirds were introduced to Victoria in the 1860s by the Acclimatisation Society, they were set free along with other introduced species such as starlings and skylarks in areas such as the Botanic Gardens and Phillip Island. It’s interesting it took around 60 years for the birds to acclimatise enough and make it out to this area.

In the same issue of the BGE was a report of Tobacco growing in Bunyip. It is now illegal to grow tobacco without an excise license and according to the Australian Taxation Office website there have been no licensed tobacco growers in Australia since 2006 (be interesting to know how much ‘illegal’ tobacco is grown, but that’s another story).  Anyway, in late 1919 a syndicate began growing tobacco in a plantation on Old Sale Road. The Syndicate’s tobacco expert is quoted as saying in his 30 years’ experience in the trade he has not handled a better tobacco leaf as grown at present in Bunyip. The syndicate were in the process of erecting a curing shed. (Bunyip and Garfield Express January 30, 1920)

Before trucks and decent roads, all produce was despatched by rail and there were regular complaints about the lack of rail trucks and therefore tons of potatoes just sat on the railway station for days awaiting transportation. Dairy farmers were also unhappy with the railways - a letter to The Argus signed by ‘Dairy Woman’ of Tynong said that the milk train left Nar Nar Goon at 9.00pm, but they had just been notified that for the future we would have to have the milk loaded by half-past 5 p.m. We all strongly object to such an alteration. It means beginning to milk at 3 o'clock, which leaves very little time to plough, to put in the feed to produce the milk. (The Argus August 27, 1920)

Complaint about the time of the milk train at Nar Nar Goon.

The Argus August 27, 1920.  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4587653

In other railway news the local branch of the Australian Natives Association, a Mutual Society which provided medical, sickness and funeral cover, passed a motion to have the railway line duplicated as far as Warragul. (The Age, February 20, 1920) I believe the last part of this duplication, the line between Bunyip and Longwarry, is being planned at the moment - just a mere 100 years after it was suggested. The other bit of interesting railway news took place in July when 38 empty cattle trucks became separated from the engines because the couplings broke and they travelled nine miles from the Drouin Railway Station until they finally came to a standstill between Garfield and Bunyip. No damage was done.

In August, the Traralgon Record reported on a Court case involving two Garfield North families - fifteen year old Leslie Brew sued E. R. Towt for £99 in damages in the Warragul Court. Apparently, Leslie and Mr Towt’s son were fighting and when young Brew got the best of the struggle, Mr Towt set his dogs on to him and he was bitten on both legs. The Judge awarded Leslie Brew £25 in damages, with costs, and said it was a most cowardly thing to set a dog upon a boy.

As a matter of interest when I was writing this article there was a really heavy hail storm in Melbourne being reported on the television and I came across this in The Argus of July 30, 1920. Horatio Weatherhead of North Tynong wrote into the Nature Notes and Queries column and said in January 1887 there was a hailstorm at Daylesford when jagged lumps of ice nearly a foot long and weighing up to 4lb fell. The damage to windows, roofs and crops was considerable. The remarkable thing is that no one was seriously injured. The hailstorm was referred to at the time as "falling icebergs”.

We will finish this with a report which had the headline A Pugnacious Waiter. Walwin Harold Lucas was charged with assault. This man was employed as a waiter for two days, and in that time he had twelve fights with the customers, in addition to assaulting his employer. (The Herald, April 20, 1920) He was fined 40 shillings on each of the charges or 14 days in gaol. His connection to Garfield is that he had also kept a tobacconist's shop, at Garfield, but on account of his behavior he had been warned by the police to leave. So, clearly customer service was not his strong point and neither was anger management. Plus, I did not know that the Police could ‘run you out of town’, I thought that only happened in the Wild West.

What happened in Garfield in 1919

This is a look back 100 years at what happened in Garfield and surrounds in 1919. 1919 is, of course, the year after the Great War ended on November 11, 1918 and the community was enjoying peace after four years of war. Most of these reports come from the various newspapers available on Trove.  http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/

In January, there was an interesting story in The Herald - Anxiety caused by the disappearance on November 30 from Trinity Grammar School, Kew, of Merson lnglis, one of the scholars, 14 years of age, has been removed by the return of the boy to his home at Monegetta South, Romsey. A friend of his father discovered him working in a field at Garfield, where the boy was digging potatoes. A previous report in a paper said his father had offered a reward of 25 pounds for information about his son. Hard to believe that these days a 14 year could go missing and get work on a farm, but in those days you didn’t need a tax file number or any ID. (The Herald, January 10 1919)

The Herald January 10, 1919

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article242667207

In February, the Bunyip and Garfield Express reported on some fishing trips - Last week a party of seven from Tynong proceeded to Tooradin for a fishing excursion, and had one of the most successful for the season. They landed 95 schnapper, weighing from 2 to 7 pounds in weight. On Tuesday a party from Bunyip also obtained a good haul, their catch being 150 whiting about 50 schnapper. (Bunyip & Garfield Express, February 7, 1919)

The South Bourke and Mornington Journal reported on February 27  - During last week, 150 tons of potatoes were trucked at Tynong railway station. It is estimated that the potato crop from that district will yield something like 5000 tons.

On March 13, the South Bourke & Mornington Journal reported that a weigh bridge had been erected at the Garfield Railway Station. The same report said that the Cora Lynn Cheese Factory in the past fortnight had treated 7,516 gallons of milk and the Iona factory 5,366 gallons. A gallon is the equivalent of 4.5 litres. 

Also, in March the Iona St Patricks Day annual carnival was held at the Garfield racecourse to raise funds for St Joseph’s Catholic School at Iona. There was a full race meeting under the supervision of a VRC steward, the Iona Brass Band rendered acceptable selections during the afternoon which enlivened the proceeding considerably, the Ladies Committee provided tasty eatables. The day finished off with a ball at the Columbia Hall at Iona. (South Bourke & Mornington Journal March 20, 1919)

On May 28, The Age reported that Country Roads Board has attended to the unmade portion of the main Gippsland road [Princes Highway] between Garfield and Bunyip, but in its present state it is not fit for motor traffic.

In June, many papers reported on a train accident at Tynong - this report is from The Argus of June 6 - A railway accident with peculiar features occurred at Tynong at about 5 o clock on Tuesday morning. A goods train from Melbourne was shunting at the station, and was partly on the main line, when another goods train from Warragul collided with it. The impact was sufficient to break the buffers and cow catcher of the Warragul train and to damage the cow catcher of the other engine, which with four trucks attached continued as far as the next station, Nar Nar Goon, where it was stopped by the assistant stationmaster (Mr Burge) The points near the east end of the yard were damaged, as were also some sleepers, while the cattle pits at the western crossing were badly knocked about, presumably by the damaged cow catcher of the runaway engine. When it became evident that the collision could not be averted the crews jumped from the two engines to escape injury.

Even though the War had ended soldiers were still returning home throughout the year and the towns were still holding ‘Welcome home’ functions. The Bunyip and Garfield Express on October 10, reported of an evening held at the Tynong Hall where, amongst other celebrations -  Gold medals, suitably inscribed, were then presented by the chairman to the following returned soldiers - Lieuts White and Wright and Ptes A. Martin, F. Snow, G. Rowley, E. Coombes, J. M’Walter, A. Weatherhead, P. Haines, J. Robinson and R. Thompson.

This report was in the Bunyip and Garfield Express on November 7 - During play hour this week, the [Garfield] school children stumbled across a large snake in the paddock adjoining the school ground. The reptile was quickly dispatched and was soon roasting over a big fire.  A week later, the same paper also reported on the Armistice anniversary at Garfield - The ceremony in connection with the Armistice anniversary was observed here. All work was suspended at 11am for a period of 2 minutes. At the school children were formed in a hollow square around the flag staff. The flag was dropped to half-mast and the Last Post was sounded by Lieut. Corby

Also, in November a garage opened in the town - Messrs Dessent and Doherty announce that they have opened a motor garage at Garfield, where cars can be hired and repairs effected, fishing parties arranged, oil, petrol and tubes kept in stock. (Bunyip & Garfield Express, November 21, 1919)

Bunyip & Garfield Express, December 5, 1919

We will finish the year off with the unveiling of the Garfield Honor Roll which took place on Wednesday, November 26 1919 at the Garfield Hall. It was unveiled by Mr Shreeve. - 

The following names are inscribed on the board - Fallen in Gallipoli - P. Gunnelson, W. Leeson, C. Mynard, L. Plant.

Fallen in France - E. Beswick, E. Bullock, E. Gunnelson, J. Gaghin. A. M'Donald. F. Toner, A Watson, J. Whiston, F. Whiston.

Returned - A. Boase, W. Body, W. Burnett, J Burrows, A. Barker, F. Bullock, G. Dunne, E. Edis, R. Gunnelson, G. Gillespie, E. Hobson, G. Hobson, R. James, S. King, R. Leeson, T. Lambden, R. Morgan, T. Mynard, J Mynard, F. Mynard, W. Ottoway, K. Olsson, H. Roberts,  F. Shreeve, H. Trasler, D. Tynan and T. Vaughan. (Bunyip & Garfield Express, December 5, 1919)

What happened in Garfield in 1918

Here is a look back 100 years to what happened in Garfield and surrounds in 1918. 1918 is, of course, the year the Great War ended on November 11, and the local community were still involved in fundraising for the War effort, local men were still enlisting and soldiers who had served were returning home, but this article will look at the other activities that went on in the area. Most of these reports come from the various newspapers available on Trove,  http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/

In January, the Shire of Berwick called for tenders for two bridges at Garfield, one on the 13 Mile and one on the 14 Mile. These were replacement bridges and I have found reports in a 1903 paper about the bad state of these bridges. In fact, the 14 Mile bridge was called a death trap, so whether they had been replaced in the interim (I doubt this) or just a series of repairs undertaken (more likely) I don’t know for sure. One hundred years down the track there are still issues with the 14 Mile Bridge at Iona, however the Council’s ‘solution’ is just to close the bridge to vehicular traffic, so we have not progressed at all in the past 100 years on this issue. (Pakenham Gazette, January 11 1918 and South Bourke & Mornington Journal, August 12, 1903)

The South Bourke & Mornington Journal reported on February 14 on the Berwick Shire Council meeting. Correspondence was read from a number of ratepayers of Iona and other parts of the Shire complaining of the spread of blackberries, and requesting that the council take some action in the direction of coping with the nuisance, which is causing considerable inconvenience and annoyance to landholders.  Once again 100 years on, blackberries are everywhere, so no change there!

 Dandenong Advertiser reported that on Saturday, May 22 Dr Mannix, the Catholic Archbishop, opened a bazaar in connection with St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Iona, where there was a very fine attendance. Dr Mannix gave a very powerful address, and referred to the [Conscription] referendum campaign, and to Roman Catholic schools and the education question. On Sunday, May 23, Archbishop Mannix opened the Convent School at Cora Lynn. The Advocate reported that there was a vast assemblage from the Parish at the opening. The school was located, not surprisingly, in Convent School Road and closed in 1975. (Dandenong Advertiser, May 30 1918 and The Advocate June 1, 1918)

On June 21, an Ugly Man Competition was held and raised over 50 pounds for the Red Cross. People voted for the ugliest man by donating money to each individual. The voting closed at 9.30pm and the local bank manager, Mr Gardner and his assistant Mr Fitzgerald then counted the money. The winner was Peter Pederson (dressed as Peter the Great), closely followed by Mr. G. Doherty (Kewpie), with Harold Gee (Bumper) a good third. A procession of the candidates was held and the winner, Peter the Great, was crowned with a scooped out pumpkin and then presented with the winning prize, a parcel 9 x 4 x 3 (feet or inches - it doesn’t say) which, when finally unwrapped, contained a single bank note. (Lang Lang Guardian, June 28 1918)

On August 5, the courteous and obliging, Miss Price, who had been in charge of the local Post Office for the past year was farewelled at the Garfield Hall. She was presented with a travelling rug. She said that her work in Garfield had been a pleasure and she would long remember the many kindnesses. (Pakenham Gazette August 9, 1918)

Local Cheese Factories performed well at the Royal Melbourne Show held in September. Here are some results - Cheese over six months - first, Iona Butter Factory; second, Cora Lynn Butter Factory. Cheese under four months - first, lona. Cheese suitable for export, over three months -  second, Iona. Cheese loaf, not over four mouths, second, Cora Lynn and third, Iona. (The Age September 24, 1918)

The Argus September 27, 1918

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1403533

There were reports in The Age and The Argus that a man’s skeleton, fully clothed was found in Bunyip North, in a tent in a thick belt of scrub.  The clothing was rotten and the tent was much weather beaten.  The man, described as a swagman, was about 60 years old and under his body was a newspaper dated March 13, 1917. Several articles found in the tent were marked with an M. An inquest was held on September 26, 1918 and Mr C. Pearson, J.P returned an ‘open verdict’. I wonder who the man was and if he had any relatives who wondered what happened to their son, father or brother? (The Argus September 27, 1918 and The Age September 26 1918)

The Bunyip and Garfield Express reported on the Bunyip Police Court hearing held on October 2, 1918. The hearing was to prosecute Edward Dreier, licensee of the Iona Hotel in Garfield, for serving three persons, under the age of 18, with liquor. They were Frederick Sippo, Hugh Murdoch and Stephen McMillan. The first two boys were 16 and as it turned out Stephen was actually 18, so that charge was dismissed. The licensee was away on the day of the alleged event and the boys, who had been playing billiards in another room, were served by Mrs Dreier. However, Mr Dreier did say that the three boys had previously told him that they were over 18. The charges were dismissed by the Bench as Dreier had evidently put his foot down on the matter by taking every precaution. The three boys were also at the Gippsland Hotel (Top Pub) at Bunyip on the same day with George Schmutter. We know this as the publican, Henry Wilson, was also charged with serving liquor to underage persons.  Wilson refused to serve Murdoch and McMillan, but served Schmutter who had bought a drink (a shandy) for Sippo, but as the publican could not see Sippo and did not know he was underage the charges were dismissed. Not yet finished with their pub crawl, Schmutter and Sippo then went to the Railway Hotel where they were playing cards in a room behind the bar. Schmutter bought a bottle of wine, but the Bench was satisfied that Sippo had not been served so charges against the licensee, Tom Stacey, were dismissed. (Bunyip & Garfield Express, October 4 1918)

What happened in Garfield in 1917

This is what happened in Garfield 100 years ago in 1917.  Naturally the town was still focused on the war effort, local men were still enlisting, sad news about injuries and deaths continued to arrive and the town was still raising money for the War effort and the comfort of soldiers. These reports all come from the various newspapers available on Trove,  http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/

The South Bourke and Mornington Journal reported on a divorce case on February 15. There were no privacy considerations in those days and divorces were often reported in full detail. In this case, the divorce was reported in two local papers and the Melbourne dailies, The Age and The Argus.  George Bird sought a divorce from his wife, Grace Bird, on the ground of desertion. Both the parties were 52 years of age and they had been married in October 1896 and there were two children. In January 1909, Grace had left Garfield, where they had been living for eight years taking her daughter with her. George had seen her twice since then and she stated that she would not return because she found life in the country, ‘too slow’. The divorce was granted and the alimony was fixed at the rate of 15 shillings a week. George was a baker and it was reported in a paper in August that he was building a new brick bakehouse and storeroom in Garfield.

On March 1, the Dandenong Advertiser reported on the annual excursion of children attending schools from Longwarry to Pakenham took place. The trip was to Sandringham, one of the beautiful stretches of our bay shore.  A very large number of children accompanied by their parents and friends were conveyed to the seaside in three special trains which were fully loaded. The trip being thoroughly enjoyed by the excursionists. 

There was a report in The Argus of March 22, of two house fires in Garfield.  On March 15, Mr T.W. Jefferson’s four roomed house was totally destroyed by fire caused by the wind blowing open the front door and scattering sparks from the fire. On March 19, a house owned by Mr H.A. Hourigan and occupied by Mr & Mrs Norton was set alight when Mrs Norton accidently overturned a lamp. The blaze spread quickly and the house was well alight before help was available. The report goes on to say that the house was insured for £130 and the furniture for £100.  T. W Jefferson was Thomas William Jefferson, the brick maker and H. A Hourigan was Henry Hourigan who was a coach builder.

In May, it was widely reported in many papers that Carlo Catani had retired as Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department. A function was held on May 9 and the Premier of Victoria, Sir Alexander Peacock presented Mr Catani with an ‘Illuminated address’. Catani was responsible for the all drainage works on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp from 1893 and had been employed by various Government Departments since his arrival in Melbourne from Italy (via New Zealand) in 1876.

The Cora Lynn Horticultural Show was held on May 12. The exhibits were down from previous years but they were of very good quality, in fact the fancy work was of an exceptionally fine standard a triumph of art and patient industry. (Dandenong Advertiser, May 24, 1917). Whilst on the subject of shows, the Iona Cheese Factory won a prize at the Royal Melbourne Show in September for the best cheese over 6 months old and not less than 300lbs in weight (that’s 136kg - a big cheese!) The Cora Lynn Cheese factory was second. (The Age, September 26, 1917)

Gippsland Independent June 22, 1917

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136291268

On June 8, local teachers met at Tynong and were given instruction in gardening. The instructor, Mr Lee, of the Drouin School pointed out that the geometrical style was not now encouraged, and that elaborate and complicated arrangement of flower beds should be avoided. He advised having most of the school garden laid out in grass, and flower beds distributed over those lawns. Shrubs formed a fine background for the beds.  Teachers today, should be grateful that they don’t have to plant and maintain the school gardens in addition to their many other duties! (Gippsland Independent, June 22, 1917)

In more school news on September 13, the Dandenong Advertiser reported that September, Garfield Head Teacher, Mr Thomas Loutit was transferred to Sea Lake and in December various newspapers reported that Mr William Waugh was transferred to Garfield State School from Elphinstone.

At the beginning of August, Mrs Aspinall, the wife of the Manager of the London Bank in Garfield was presented with a very chaste silver rose bowl, suitably inscribed by the members of the Church of England Sunday school.  Chaste in this case means without unnecessary ornament. Mr Aspinall was presented with a gift, a valuable case of pipes at a social evening a few weeks later.  William and Jean Aspinall were moving to Moama, they had been in Garfield since about 1913. (Dandenong Advertiser, August 9, 1917 and August 30, 1917)

Dandenong Advertiser August 9 1917

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88818504

The Pakenham Gazette of September, 14 reported that the Post Office, known as Kirwan’s was to be changed to Vervale. This is the Post Office on the corner of Main Drain Road and the Thirteen Mile. It was known as Kirwan’s after John Kirwan who ran the Post Office and general store from 1907 until 1915 when it was taken away from him as he was convicted of selling liquor without a license.

And finally in November in a report on the Berwick Shire Council meeting, Cr Pearson pointed out that owing to the different meal hours at various Post Offices the telephone service was held up from about 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day. At Nar Nar Goon, the office was closed from about 4pm to 5pm and at Bunyip from 5pm to 6pm. He moved that the Department be asked to arrange for a uniform closing hour. The motion was seconded by Cr Dore and carried. (Pakenham Gazette, November 9 1917)

What happened in Garfield in 1916

This is a look at what happened in Garfield in 1916, 100 years ago. These references all come from digitized newspapers available on Trove, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper  There were many references to the War and how the community was supporting the war effort, but this is mainly a look at the non military activities in the town.

The Dandenong Advertiser reported on January 27, 1916 that the new rifle range for the Garfield Rifle Club was formally opened on Saturday by Mr Thomas Roxburgh of Melbourne. In addressing the gathering Mr Roxburgh emphasised the necessity for all young men to fit themselves for the defence of their country. Thomas Roxburgh was a Shipping Agent who, in 1912, planted the first commercial crop of asparagus ever grown in Victoria at his farm on Fallon Road, Vervale. His property was called Cheriton Park, though locally it was referred to as Roxburgh Park.

The same article reported that bush fires have been burning in all directions around the township for the last three days. On Sunday morning they approached as close as the State School fence, but fortunately no damage was done to property. The principal sufferer was Mr T. W Jefferson, who lost about 20 cords of firewood.

The Argus reported on February 22 about another fire in Garfield  At about 1 o’clock this morning the general store occupied by Messrs E. Harcourt and Co. together with practically the whole stock, was totally destroyed by fire. The fire was first noticed by George Scotland, a baker employed by Mr G. Bird. It was then burning on the extreme eastern side of the building and had apparently started on the outside. This was the second time within eight months that Harcourt and Co have had their premises burnt.

On March 31 the Gippsland Mercury had the headline ‘A Brotherly Affray’ - Two brothers named Borthwick from England were shot today on a farm at Garfield South. A dispute is said to have arisen over farm matters. A third man is in the Warragul Hospital with a shot wound in his cheek. Neither brother is fatally injured.

Another violent incident made the news on June 9 in the Dunmumkle Standard (a newspaper based around the Murtoa, Rupanyup area). At Garfield on Sunday as a result of a quarrel, an old man named John Munro was struck on the head with an axe. Munro, in company with three others, was in his hut when a man known as “Matt the Austrian” arrived. A quarrel occurred. Munro put the Austrian outside, but finding an axe the Austrian smashed the window. Munro went to stop him and was attacked receiving a terrible gash on the left side of the head and several heavy blows with the back of the axe on the muscles of the back whilst he was on the ground. The police who were sent for are now endeavouring to trace the assailant.

The Age July 1, 1916

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155164073

On July 1, The Age reported that a Mr Hull from Garfield was walking along a lonely track when he came across the body of a dead man. Constable Anstee of Bunyip was called and the remains were conveyed to the Iona Hotel at Garfield. The body was decomposed and Dr Cowan who conducted the inquiry was of the opinion that the death took place at least a month ago. From letters on the body it is thought that the man’s name was Peter Lynch of Cork, Ireland. His remains were buried at the Bunyip cemetery. I’d imagine that the current owners of the Iona Hotel are glad that deceased bodies are no longer conveyed to their establishment.

The Dandenong Advertiser reported on another fire on August 3. Mr R. Lennox of Iona had his large hay shed containing 50 tons of prime hay, a quantity of chaff and sundry articles being consumed in the flames.  Sadly for Mr Lennox the shed was not insured and the fire had been started by his little child, a boy of tender years.

The same article also reported that Garfield residents had a very successful jumble fair; articles of every description being collected by a committee of local ladies and £40 was raised for the Red Cross.

The Dandenong Advertiser had a report on September 21 about a concert and Queen Carnival held on the 13^th. Miss Kathleen Scanlon ‘Queen of Erin’ proved to be the winner; the other contestants being Mrs Aspinall, ‘Queen of England’, Mrs M. Lennan, ‘France’ and Miss Park who represented ‘Belgium’ The competition was initiated by Mrs Aspinall and was entered into with spirit by the local ladies.  The function raised £70. Mrs Jean Aspinall was the wife of William Aspinall, the Bank Manager.

The Dandenong Advertiser of September 28 reported on recent floods which caused enormous damage and great suffering in many homes.  It reported the sad news that a son of Mr T. Cunningham of Tynong was drowned in a drain in front of his house. Mrs Cunningham saw her son disappear, but was powerless to save him.  The same flood claimed the life of a boy from Koo-Wee-Rup, Lyle Raymond Loveday, who was drowned whilst out rabbiting. The paper reports that the boy was an exceptionally promising lad and would have been 12 years old on the day after the fatality.

Finally we will end 1916 as we began with yet another fire in Garfield. The Argus of December 27 reported that at about 3 o’clock the day before a four roomed dwelling owned by Mr Gaghin and used as a men’s quarter was burnt. The building was insured for £100.

What happened in Garfield in 1915

This is what happened in Garfield in 1915, 100 years ago. These references all come from digitized newspapers available on Trove.  There were many references to the War and the soldiers who enlisted and served, but this is a look at the non military activities in the town.

January -  The building of the Iona Hotel at Garfield has just been completed. The old wooden structure which had been burnt down about six months ago has been replaced by a new brick building at a cost of £8500 containing 30 rooms, sewered and lighted by an Areogen plant, and it is without doubt one of the best and most commodious houses of its class in Gippsland. Mr T. O'Donohue is the owner and Mr T. J. Cryan licensee. (Dandenong Advertiser, January 14, 1915, see here.)  Read more about the Iona Hotel, here.

January - Mr Henwood was unfortunate enough to have a dairy cow run over by a train. Needless to say, the cow was severally damaged. (Bunyip Free Press, January 14, 1915, see here)

February - Many papers reported on the misadventures of Charles Gregory of Garfield. Charles had climbed the weight tower of the air-gas plant of the Iona Hotel, and remained at the top for some time and then jumped to the ground, a distance between 30 and 40 ft (9 to 12 metres).  His thigh and elbow were broken and his head was considerably battered.  He told Constable Anstee that he had been ‘studying astronomy’ but when he saw the moon fall, he thought ‘discretion the better part of valour and he jumped to prevent it falling upon him’. (The Age, February 26, 1915, see here)

Charles Gregory's misfortune

The Age February 26, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154929941

March - On St Patrick's Day - Late on Tuesday night two residents of Iona were driving home when they found a man lying on the road with his face considerably bruised. They drove him to the Bunyip police station and told Constable Anstee of their find. They left him with Constable Anstee and in a few hours the man began to realise it was St. Patrick's "in the morning," and was close to the lock-up.  There was scarcely any need for the man to explain that he had been ' keeping up' St. Patrick's Day, as Constable Anstee could see that without being told. On promising to go home he was allowed to depart without having to answer the common charge of being drunk. (Bunyip Free Press, March 18, 1915, see here)

May - A young man from the city named Edward Heffernan was charged with using obscene language at Garfield on May 6th. He pleaded guilty. Constable Anstee deposed that the accused was in front of the Iona hotel on race night and was using very bad language (sample produced) among a crowd. Witness arrested him, and accused bailed himself out, as he had a good sum of money on him. Accused said he did not remember anything about the matter as he had been drinking. Fined 20/- or 7 days imprisonment.  (Bunyip Free Press, May 13, 1915, see here)

June - Fire at Garfield - Shortly before 2 o'clock on Tuesday morning the. drapery, grocery and general store conducted at Garfield for many years by Messrs E. Harcourt and Co. was totally destroyed by fire, together with the whole of the contents, with the exception of a tin of kerosene and a few bags of chaff. How the fire started is at present a mystery, but as the Garfield railway station office was broken into during the night, it is thought that thieves broke into the store and afterwards set is on fire. Nothing of value was taken from the station. Harcourt and Co's. stock was insured for £400 in the New Zealand Insurance Company, and the building for £250 in the same company. As Harcourt and Co. recently went to much expense in renovating the premises, and had lately put in extra stock, their loss is a heavy one.  (Bunyip Free Press, June 24. 1915, see here.)

July - On Tuesday a young man named William McMillan was arrested at Iona by Constable Anstee, and was conveyed to Melbourne to undergo a sentence of three months' imprisonment imposed by the Carlton bench in June. It appears that McMillan was proceeded against at the Carlton court by a resident of Garfield for the maintenance of an illegitimate child, and the bench made an order that he should pay 10/- per week, and find a surety of £80 that he would comply with the order, in default three months' imprisonment. He did not attend the court when the order was made, and had been at large since, hence the arrest. (Bunyip Free Press, July 29, 1915, see here) 

September - It is apparent, by the  many visible signs, that an energetic committee has control of the Garfield Hall affairs. A good lighting system has been introduced with great success, and the interior generally has been improved. We may soon expect to see the interior proclaim the activity of the  aforementioned body. (Bunyip Free Press, September 30, 1915, see here)

October  - The young man Charles Joseph Lyons, who was arrested on the 24th September at Garfield by Constables Anstee and Allen, after his tracks had boon followed up for over 20 miles by the Dandenong black trackers, was charged with stealing two draught horses, valued at £40, the property of  Marshall Bros., of Kooweerup. He pleaded guilty. The evidence showed that accused drove the horses from Kooweerup across country to Ringwood, where he caused them to be sold by auction. Accused was committed to stand his trial in Melbourne (Bunyip Free Press, October 7, 1915, see here)

December -This is a lesson for everyone who runs a Post Office.  The Bunyip Free Press reported that for some year residents of Iona obtained their mail at Kirwans’ store. Since Mr Kirwan was fined for selling liquor without a license the Postal authorities have removed the post office to the residence of Mr Clark. (Bunyip Free Press, December 2, 1915, see here.)