Christmas Celebrations in the 1940s from the Bunyip and Garfield Express

The Bunyip and Garfield Express from 1938 to 1948 is now digitised on Trove, thanks to the effort and sponsorship of the Bunyip Historical Society. The following are reports from this paper about local Christmas celebrations, including a report of the result of a Christmas raffle, with what are now rather unusual prizes. I compiled this for the December 2025 issue of the Garfield Spectator.

Christmas 1944 at Tynong North
On 20th December a break-up concert was given by the pupils, and was greatly enjoyed by the large crowd that attended. A novel touch was put to the evening when Father Xmas made his entrance, and really did come down the chimney. A lot of work had been put into making a special chimney by one of the parents. There was great excitement among the children when he rang a bullock bell, so everyone would know of his arrival. But as he took so long to put in an appearance, Mr Sheldon, the head teacher, had to go to his assistance and found 'Santa' had got hooked up by the beard.

The children were delighted by the nice books, hankys and sweets, which Father Christmas handed to them off the beautiful decorated Xmas tree. Further excitement was in store when an enormous plum pudding was cut, and each child found a threepence in their slice. Two very nice books were presented from the teacher to Betty Abreheart and Ron Cooper for good conduct during the past four years. A most enjoyable evening came to a close, when the ladies of the committee served soft drinks, sandwiches and cakes. 

(Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 19, 1945, see here)  

Christmas 1945 at Bunyip
There was a pre-war atmosphere surrounding the Christmas Party arranged by the Bunyip Mothers' Club in the hall on December 18th, and the children had a wonderful time. Miss Lennox's pupils presented a delightful little programme, one of its charms being the complete unselfconsciousness of the young performers. "Jingle Bells" was the signal for the eagerly awaited arrival of Father Christmas, who was soon surrounded by little ones anxious to make known their wishes, many of which were realised later in the evening.

The Christmas Tree in the centre of the hall, with its branches laden with treasures was, of course, the centre of attraction, and when Father Christmas distributed the attractive gifts the children's joy was complete. Pre-school toddlers were not forgotten, and each received a present from the magic branches. There were gifts, also for the teachers, Misses Lennox, Robertson and Mr. C. J. Rootsey.

In acknowledgment of her active leadership Mrs. Hemming, president of the club, was presented with a gift of Carlton ware from her fellow members - a tribute well merited. Mr. Rootsey expressed sincere appreciation of the excellent service rendered by the 'Mothers' Club to the school. Their support was invaluable. He also thanked the members of the school committee for their keen interest in its welfare. Mr. Else was retiring after 18 years unselfish service and he thought that must constitute a record hard to beat. He wished one and all the compliments of the season.

Merit certificates were afterwards presented to the successful scholars by Mrs. Hemming amidst applause – Yvonne Chapman, Reg Caudrey and Ken Russell. Awards books provided by the Mothers' Club were also handed to the following scholars, head of their respective grades: 8th Grade, Ken Russell; 7th grade, David Rootsey; 6th, Betty Jackson; 5th, Shirley Brown; 4th, Valerie Jones; 3rd, Mina Johnson; 2nd, Ron Ruff; 1st, Francis Rye.

The children afterwards sat down to a bountiful supper, with all manner of dainties, on the prettily decorated tables. Sweeps wrapped in cellophane were handed to each child as they left the tables. Supper was also provided for adults, a big undertaking, but there were still cakes for sale at the close of the evening. Altogether it was a very festive 
gathering and one that should bring back very happy recollections for many years to come. 

(Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 11, 1946, see here)

Raffle results in aid of the Presbytery ay Iona.

Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 11, 1946 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article282205103

 
Christmas 1945 at Iona
Results of Iona Competition for Christmas. Following list contains the prize winners in the Christmas hamper competition in aid of Presbytery building fund lona, (1) Christmas Ham, J. Savage, jnr., Kooweerup; (2) Fat Lamb, Gerdne Schmutter, Kooweerup; (3) 10 lbs. Coffee, N. Phayer, Bunyip; (4) Side of Lamb, Pauline O'Connor, Cora Lynn; (5) Bag of Sugar, M. Fitzgerald, lona; (6) Pair of Roosters, Mrs. Frost, Kerr St., Fitzroy (7) Pair Drakelings, Mary Cunningham, Nar Nar Goon; (8) Fat Lamb, Pat. Ruston, Kooweerup; (9) Christmas Cake, Mrs. A. Fahey, Cora Lynn; (10) Pair Drakelings, Kevin Reidy, Tynong; (11) 10lb Kraft Cheese, Mrs.Grantley, Kooweerup; (12) Pair of Roosters, Mrs. W. Barnes, Garfield; (13) Goose, Mr. A. Pisa, Bunyip; (14) 2 Canteen Orders, Mrs. M. Whelan, Garfield; (15) 6 tins Assorted Fruit, S. M. Breheny, lona; (16) 6 tins Jam, Mr. F. Clancy, Bunyip; (17) Christmas Cake, Mrs. E. Dwyer, Catani; (18) Bag of Flour, Maureen Shade, Cora Lynn.

(Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 11, 1946, see here) 

Christmas 1945 at Tynong
Christmas Festivities. The Children spent a very merry time at the Christmas party, which featured a very decorative tree, adorned with fascinating gifts. A very bright concert, organised by Mrs. Stidwell and Mrs. Taylor preceded the distribution of presents by Santa Claus to some 80 juveniles. Gifts were also presented to Mr. McLenehan, Miss Cunningham, Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Stidwell. 

Merit certificates were won by Pat McLean and Ron Whilk, while prizes for Dux of school went to Ian Parker and Pat McLean. Terry Bennet won the prize for best attendance among the boys, while Margaret Ryan, Nola Mosley and Judith McLenehan tied for the same honor in the girls. Best writer was Roma Regnier and best speller Ron Whilks, while Tony Fitzgerald was the most improved scholar.

The supper was a gay affair, all children donning caps, and the table was laden with choice dainties, decorations being green fern and red balloons. The happy function, over which Mr. Riches presided, was a credit to the Mothers' Club, and a real joy to the children. 
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 18, 1946, see here)

Christmas 1946 at Iona
Christmas Night Dance at Iona – There was an excellent attendance at the Christmas night dance in Columba Hall, Iona, and a very friendly and care-free atmosphere prevailed. The music was very good and the floor in great order. Miss Beryl Heyfron, of Garfield, proved the most popular girl and received an attractive silver comport. Miss Peggy Kavanagh was a close second. Miss Heyfron and Ray Maybury were the winners of the Monte Carlo. Mr. J. Fallon and Mrs. W. Fallon were the leading players when the euchre tournament ended. The ladies provided a wonderful supper and the annual dance was freely conceded to be the most sociable and successful yet held. The proceeds were entirely satisfactory as a profit of £37/1/- resulted.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 10, 1947, see here) 

Christmas 1947 at Garfield
Garfield State School Christmas Treat - On Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 17th a splendid afternoon treat was prepared, and carried out by the Mother's Club. Although the afternoon was very hot and sultry, it did not stop any of the fun. Under a big tree, trestle tables were put up, and drinks and ice cream were served by an energetic band of workers. There seemed to be an unlimited quantity of these much loved commodities, and mothers and children alike were treated well.

The highlight of the afternoon was the arrival of Father Christmas in a horse drawn decorated float! As he came into view the children cheered loudly, and were highly excited. They all behaved well though, and looked as brown as berries most of them, and were really a beautiful band of children. The first gifts to be distributed by Father Christmas were trumpets and little hats, and in less than three minutes the air was filled with a din such as the Garfield school grounds have not heard for many years. Everyone was friendly and happy; mothers and tiny tots with big eyes, seeing life for the first time.

A vote of thanks was passed to Father Christmas, by the Head Master, Mr. C. Fisher, after Santa had performed the big task of presenting every child present with a gift from the well laden Christmas Tree. It was a wonderful afternoon, and reflects great credit on Garfield's Mothers' Club, and all who were present.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, December 26, 1947, see here)  

Christmas 1947 at Garfield
Rain restricted activities at the Garfield Christmas Eve Carnival, but it was a good natured and happy crowd that thronged the streets in the evening. Before the shops opened on the morning of Christmas eve, the main street was decorated with the branches of gum leaves, and so early the whole town presented a festive appearance. The greenery was brought in by Messrs. J. Jolly and J. Tutton – a voluntary effort much appreciated by the local townspeople.

At night the main street was lit up with colored electric lights in festoons across the street, and the crowd passing to and fro along the street, reminded many of Bourke street on the old Friday night. Although no band turned up, a piano was playing merry tunes under the shelter of a verandah in the street while Mr. Kendall played popular numbers on his accordion.

The best decorated bicycle competition, judged by Mr. Shreeve, was won by Margaret Scealy. The raffia shopping basket, made and decorated by Mr. W. Walker, of Garfield, was won by Mrs. Edney.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express,  January 16, 1948, see here) 

RAAF Plane damaged in forced landing at Iona

On April 27, 1934 a Royal Australian Air Force Moth was damaged after a forced landing in a paddock at Iona. The pilot Squadron-Leader E. Daley and the observer Flight-Lieutenant J. Swift escaped injury. Here are some reports of the incident.

Caption:  A picture of the Royal Australian Air Force Moth, showing the damage which occurred when it made a forced descent in a paddock at lona, Gippsland, yesterday afternoon. It was going to Lake Reeve to assist in salvaging the seaplane which made a forced landing there recently. The occupants were unhurt.

The Herald, April 27, 1934 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243253316

The Argus newspaper of April 27, 1934 had the following report -
'Plane Damaged in Forced Landing. Air force Men Escape - One wing and the undercarriage were damaged, and the propeller was smashed, when a Moth aeroplane made a forced landing in a paddock about half a mile from the Iona post-office, at 11.30 a.m. yesterday. The pilot (Squadron-Leader Daley) and the observer (Flight-Lieutenant Swift) escaped injury. The aeroplane was being flown from Point Cooke to Seaspray, where a seaplane was damaged a fortnight ago, when the pilot lost his bearings in the clouds, and decided to land in the paddock. Two aeroplanes from Point Cooke later took the pilot and his companion back to Point Cooke, but the damaged machine will not be carried in for repairs until to-day. (The Argus, April 27, 1934 see here)

The Sun News-Pictorial of April 27, 1934 published this report -
Plane lands in Paddock. Damage To Air Force Machine. Occupants Unhurt - Royal Air Force Moth was damaged yesterday afternoon when it made a forced landing through engine trouble in a ploughed paddock at Iona, Gippsland. Two officers in the plane escaped injury. The plane was on its way to Lake Reeve, Gippsland Lakes, to assist in the salvaging of the seaplane that made a forced landing in the lake and contained Squadron-Leader Daley and Flight-Lieutenant Swift. The two airmen were brought back to Point Cook in two planes sent to the scene of the mishap. A motor tender reached the plane last night, which will be dismantled and brought back to Point Cook. (Sun News-Pictorial, April 27, 1934 see here)

Caption: Dismantled at Iona, Gippsland, where it made a forced landing on Thursday, this R.A.A.F. Moth plane was taken back to Point Cook by a motor tender yesterday. The photograph was taken at Dandenong.

The Sun News-Pictorial, April 28, 1934 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276359452 

The incident was also reported in interstate newspapers and some of these had extra information, not published in the Victorian papers, such as this report from the Brisbane Courier Mail -

Plane crashes in Fog. Air Force Pilots' Escape - An R.A.A.F. Moth 'plane, from the Point Cook Training School, made a forced landing in a heavy fog in a ploughed field at Iona, near Bunyip, Gippsland, to-day. The 'plane was badly damaged, but the two pilots, Squadron-Leader E. Daly and Flight Lieutenant J. Swift, were not hurt. According to eye-witnesses, the machine seemed to circle around as if the pilots were looking for a landing ground. Suddenly the 'plane dived to the ground and crashed with a terrific roar, in a rough paddock. The propeller was smashed, the lower wing was crumpled, and the undercarriage was completely wrecked. A light tender was sent from Point Cook to transport the damaged machine back to the aerodrome. The machine was on its way to Lake Reeve, near Sale, where the crew of the Southampton supermarine flying boat, which was forced down a fortnight ago, has dismantled it for transport to Point Cook. (Brisbane Courier Mail, April 27, 1934, see here)

Who were the two pilots involved in the incident? 

Squadron-Leader E. Daley was possibly Edward Alfred Daley, born January 23, 1901, enlisted July 1928, retired in 1961 with the rank of Air Commander. His file at the National Archives of Australia is not digitised but there is a summary of his service here. 

I believe Flight-Lieutenant J. Swift was John Joseph Swift, born in England on March 24, 1885, enlisted in the RAAF in July 1921, became a Flight-Lieutenant in July 1928, rose to the rank of Wing Commander and retired from the RAAF in 1946. You can read his service file at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

I found 14 reports of the incident all up - four of them, as referenced above in the Victorian newspapers; eight from Queensland newspapers - the one from the Brisbane Courier Mail is transcribed above and  the following seven articles  - Cairns Post, April 27, 1934, see here; Mackay Daily Mercury, April 27, 1934, see here; Rockhampton Morning Bulletin, April 27, 1934, see here; Charters Towers Northern Miner, April 27, 1934, see here; Townsville Daily Bulletin, April 27, 1934, see here; Bundaberg Daily News and Mail, April 27, 1934, see here; Ipswich Queensland Times, April 27, 1934, see here. There were two reports in the New South Wales papers -  Sydney Daily Telegraph, April 27, 1934, see here; Murwillumbah Tweed Daily, April 27, 1934, see here.

Stormy Weather

Here are some reports, from one hundred or so years ago, of fierce storms on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp and surrounding Shire of Berwick and Shire of Cranbourne

Longwarry and Yannathan - February 1885
A very heavy storm is reported to have passed over Longwarry, Yannathan and Poowong on Tuesday last. The afternoon train from Melbourne caught the full force of the storm shortly after leaving Longwarry, the rain descending by the bucket. The guard of the train states that he never before saw such heavy rain, which he thought would break in the top of the van. It is said that seven inches fell in twenty minutes, but this statement is very doubtful. Some idea may however be imagined of the downpour when we state that the rails were several inches under water in less than half an hour.
(Warragul Guardian, February 19, 1885, see here)

Pakenham - October 1892
Tuesday's storm in the country. A hurricane storm passed over the township on Tuesday, and residents here of 40 years' standing never remember such a storm. Fences were laid flat, and trees by the hundreds were broken and uprooted in all directions. Many houses were damaged by the roofs being blown off. Great anxiety was felt for Robertson's Gembrook coach. Happily the driver and horses returned after having an exceedingly rough trip, and it was a miracle that they escaped from the falling timber.
(The Argus, October 13, 1892, see here)

Berwick - September 1898
A terrific storm. Damage by wind, hail and lightning. One of the severest storms experienced for years passed over the colony on Saturday, and left wreckage in its track from Portland to Gabo Island.... Forty-four points of rain were registered in the city, but in some of the country districts the downpour was much heavier. At Berwick 118 points fell. Vivid lightning, with loud thunder, accompanied the downpour, and although in the city the lightning had no very serious effect, houses were damaged and many trees were splintered. At the telegraph office, according to the statements of some of the employes, a blinding flash of lightning travelled from one end of the room to the other, almost paralysing one of the messengers with fear, and setting the switch board rattling like the noise of exploding crackers. The office was immediately "cut off" and no business could be done for nearly an hour.
(The Age, September 19, 1898 see here)

Pakenham - January 1902
Remarkable Dust storm. The whole State affected. Damage to property.  The heavy gale which raged throughout Tuesday night swept over the greater part of the state, and caused considerable damage in many places, principally in the unroofing of houses, blowing down of light buildings, and the destruction of orchards and gardens. The dust-storms were the worst experienced for a very long time, and extraordinary effects are reported from various places in the country. At Pakenham - The orchards suffered very severely. At Toomuc Valley orchard and also at Mr. Hatfield's, the ground is covered with fruit. It is estimated there are 2,000 to 3,000 cases of fruit blown off the trees at these orchards alone. It will be a total loss.
(The Argus, January 23, 1902, see here)

Pakenham - February 1903
The weather last week was very unseasonable, and terminated on Saturday in a violent n.w. hurricane, carrying clouds of dust, and finally a welcome downpour of muddy rain fell, registering 90 points.
(South Bourke & Mornington Journal, February 18, 1903, see here)

Gembrook - March 1903
Cyclonic in places. Sharp downpour of rain. A terrific storm occurred this afternoon, and great damage was done by a cyclone half a mile wide. In its course trees were blown down, roofs torn off houses, sheds and outbuildings destroyed. The roads on the track of the cyclone are all blocked with fallen trees. It is still raining. More than one inch has been recorded.
(The Age, March 4, 1903, see here)

Pakenham and Koo Wee Rup - February 1905
Gale at Pakenham. Last night a heavy storm passed over here. The wind blew furiously, and 106 points of rain fell. At Koo-wee-rup South* a regular cyclone passed over the place. At the state school two outhouses were blown over and smashed to pieces, and a bedroom window was blown from the head master's house into the school yard. Some of the weatherboards were also torn off. The school is in an exposed position.
(The Argus, February 13, 1905, see here).

There was a follow-up report to the article above -
State School needing repair. During a storm on February 11, the outhouses at the Koo-wee-rup South state school, together with a window in the residence of the school-master, were demolished. Though close on six weeks as a lapse, the remains of the at houses are still lying as they fell, and the window in the residents simply as a few boards nailed over it. A large number of children are attending the school (the attendance to-day being 72). Church service is also held in the building.

(The Argus, March 24, 1905, see here.)

Nar Nar Goon - September 1907

Struck by Lightning. Marvellous escapes. During the storm on Monday afternoon Mr and Mrs H.W. Startup, of Nar-Nar-Goon, a workman named R. Jones, and an infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Startup had a narrow escape from instant death. Mr. Startup was engaged shearing his sheep in a shed on his premises, Jones assisting in the work. Mrs. Startup, with the child in her arms, was watching the men at work. The lady had just passed through a small gate, when a flash of lightning struck the end of the shed

and completely shattered it. The gate Mrs. Startup had just passed through was also shattered. The shears were knocked out of Jones's hands and throw some distance. Mrs. Startup and the two men were all thrown to the ground. Mrs Startup sustained a rather severe shock, but was otherwise unhurt, while the child was uninjured. Mr. Startup had his hair singed, and was somewhat burned down the left side. He was still in bed yesterday. Jones was also injured about the legs.

(The Argus, September 26, 1907, see here)

Koo Wee Rup - December 1912
A terrific storm struck this district at 10.30 on Monday night and lasted about 20 minutes. The rain came down in torrents and the wind made houses shake, but not much damage was done to buildings. The weather we are getting is like that of two years ago, when a wet summer followed by a wet winter caused a heavy flood here and brought down a lot of sand, which is now lying in large heaps on the banks of the canal. It would make a splendid top dressing for our roads. The road on east aide of canal between Denham's road and Commercial road badly wants sanding.

(South Bourke and Mornington Journal, December 12, 1912, see here)

Yannathan - February 1915
A Severe Storm. Man struck by Lightning. On Saturday afternoon last a storm of unprecedented violence swept across the district, and was particularly severe at Yannathan. All day the weather had been threatening, and thunder showers which visited other parts of the district left this locality untouched. But at about 4 o'clock, while about 30 ladies and gentlemen were witnessing a cricket match in Mr Stewart's paddock between the Lang Lang and Yannathan teams, a densely black cloud, lit up constantly by vivid flashes of lightning, was seen approaching from the south-west. When the first drops of rain fell players and spectators left the field for the shelter of the Mechanics' Hall, and while there the storm burst, and for about ten minutes the elements were in almost indescribable tumult. A hurricane blew jinkers about the hall yard, and everything in the shape of boxes and loose timber was lifted by its violence. Then something in the nature of a cloud-burst descended, and rain and pieces of ice fell in such density that looking across towards the Union Church, only a shadowy outline of the building could, be seen, and the hall yard was soon under water. Deafening peals of thunder and constant flames of lightning combined with the downpour, and twice the crash of a falling tree was heard. The door of the church being opened, all made a dash from the hall and entered, but were drenched in doing so. As suddenly as it broke, the storm abated, and very little rain fell during the remainder of the afternoon.

At Yallock the storm was also very severe. Mr Bourke, of Monomeith Park, registered 68 points of rain But, strange to state, practically no rain fell at Lang Lang, while along the coast the storm was of exceptional severity. Near Mr Pearson's it did some damage by washing away the road formation. The hurricane appears to have divided itself into two channels, one sweeping across Cranbourne, Clyde and the Swamp, and culminating at Yannathan in the severest storm ever known there, while the other portion followed a track along the coast.

During the afternoon we regret to state that a young man named Dan Cameron, 17 years of age, employed by Mr W. H. Gardiner, of Yannathan, was struck by lightning and killed instantly. He had been employed off and on by Mr Gardiner for some years past and for the past eight or nine months had been at work constantly at his place. He was out in the paddock, and between 4 and 5 p.m. he was evidently caught in the storm, and found shelter under a tree - a very dangerous situation during the occurrence of lightning. While there he was struck by a lightning flash,and it is thought that death must have been instantaneous, because his hand was found placed behind his back, a favorite attitude of the deceased. The tree under which he had been standing was shattered to pieces and deceased's clothing was torn to shreds, down his breast being a distinct impress of the tree beneath which he was standing. The parents of the deceased, who reside at Beaconsfield, were communicated with, and the interment took place in the Berwick cemetery.

The same afternoon four sheep belonging to LeRoux Bros, at the Red Bluff were struck by lightning and killed.
(Lang Lang Guardian, February 24, 1915, see here)

Yallock - October 1917
During a violent thunder-storm on Sunday afternoon, Mr J. Orchard, of Yallock, had the misfortune to have a horse struck with lightning, and the animal was killed instantly.
(Lang Lang Guardian, October 17, 1917, see here)

Clyde - June 1919
Squally, stormy weather was experienced here during the week-end. On Sunday at about 7.30, the strong N E wind which had been blowing all day increased to a hurricane, and travelling in a south westerly direction, and for a width of about 3 chains carried everything before it. Limbs of trees were seen lying in all directions, and the iron roof of Mr Hunter's barn was lifted bodily, and some of the iron sheets was carried for a distance of 100 yards.
(South Bourke & Mornington Journal, June 19, 1919, see here)

Bayles - May 1928
Cyclone at Bayles. Roof carried half a mile. Butter Factory workers terrified. At 12.30 p.m. to day some men working in a butter and cheese factory owned by Sage and Co. Pty. Ltd, Melbourne, heard an extraordinary noise, which appeared to be caused by a sudden roar of wind, ending in a thunderclap. They rushed out of the factory, and as they did so the roof seemed to be lifted bodily and was swept away at a terrific speed. Later on the greater portion of the tin roof, measuring 60 feet by 20 feet, was found half a mile away. The cyclone was awe inspiring, and struck terror into the hearts of those who witnessed it. The men working in the factory were not injured, and after finding out where the rest of the roof had landed they returned to work. The machinery was not damaged. The weather had been fine up to the time of the cyclone, but after that it rained heavily.
(The Age, May 12, 1928, see here)

Bayles and Cora Lynn - May 1928
Cyclone causes damage. Shortly after midday on Friday a cyclone, travelling from the coast, passed through Bayles in the direction of Cora Lynn, a few miles from Koo-wee-rup, leaving wreckage in its trail. The roof of Sage and Co.'s butter factory lifted off, and portion carried in the air for half a mile. Stables, in, which horses were feeding, were swept away, haystacks and telegraph poles blown down. The horses in the stable were not harmed.
(Weekly Times, May 19, 1928, see here)

Yannathan - July 1931

Thunder Storm at Yannathan.  A thunderstorm, accompanied by heavy rain and hail, passed over the district. Acres of low-lying funds are flooded and drains over flowing. Farming operations are suspended.

(The Age, July 28, 1931, see here)

Bayles - January 1935

A recent severe storm passed over Bayles, when 12 inches of rain fell, and two stooks of hay in the paddock of Mr. W. Fink were fired. 

(Dandenong Journal, January 24, 1935, see here)

Cora Lynn - February 1937

Goldbag Killed. Struck by Lightning. During the heavy thunderstorm last night, Goldbag, who was Windbag's first foal, was killed by lightning in a paddock at Cora Lynn, Gippsland. The same flash killed another horse who had been grazing with Goldbag. Goldbag was an aged gelding from Mystic Light. He had been spelling at Cora Lynn, and was to have been brought to Melbourne next week to commence training. [Wingbag won the 1925 Melbourne Cup]

(Hobart Mercury, February 20, 1937, see here.)

We will finish up with not only a storm but an earth tremor - the town of Cardinia is spelt as Kardinia in this report.

Tooradin and Cardinia - August 1935
Storm at Tooradin. Earth Tremors reported. Flood danger imminent. About 8 p.m. on Saturday a violent electrical storm at Tooradin was heralded by two distinct earth tremors. During the earlier part of the evening what is described by local residents as an eerie light was visible in the sky to the southward, extending over Bass Strait. At 8 p.m. Mr. J. Conroy, farmer, of Kardinia, seven miles from Tooradin, was sitting at home with one foot on the chimney ledge when he felt the chimney distinctly sway. Doors and windows throughout the house rattled, and about ten minutes after the tremor had subsided the thunder storm broke. Heavy peals of thunder shook the house, and heavy rain set in, which continued throughout the night.

At Tooradin the earth tremor was also reported by Mr. D. M. Henderson and Mr. McFarlane, the local station master. It was followed almost immediately by the breaking of the thunder storm. The storm was the most severe experienced in the district for a number of years. The thunder was particularly violent and the lightning of an unusual type. It appeared in the form of a centre of fire, gradually widening laterally until the whole vicinity was illuminated.

Torrential rain fell for about twenty minutes, and then steadied to a downpour, which continued through the night. The storm worked southward, and appeared to lose its intensity over Bass Strait. Rain fell intermittently throughout yesterday, and it was still raining at 6 p.m. Should this continue throughout to-night flood conditions will be imminent. The "canal" and local main drains are already running bankers and cannot accommodate any further falls.

No damage is reported from the earth tremor, which was felt over a wide area. Some settlers in outlying portions report two distinct shocks.
(The Age, August 5, 1935, see here)

Footnote
* You may find it hard to believe but Koo Wee Rup South was actually Koo Wee Rup North. There have been five primary schools called Koo Wee Rup and ironically the original Koo Wee Rup State School, No.2629, was actually called Yallock, until 1903 when it was changed to Koo Wee Rup. The Cora Lynn State School, No. 3502, was known as Koo Wee Rup Central when it opened in January 1907 and changed its named to Cora Lynn in September of that year. The Modella State School, No.3456, was known as Koo Wee Rup East when it opened in January 1904. The Koo Wee Rup North State School, No.3198, at Five Mile, was initially called Koo Wee Rup South when it opened in July 1894. Finally, the Iona State School, No. 3201, was originally known as Koo Wee Rup North. (Source https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2022/10/state-primary-schools-called-koo-wee-rup.html)


This is an expanded version of  a post which I researched and which appeared on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past