This is a look at what happened in Koo Wee Rup and surrounds 100 years ago in 1925.
February 1925 - Dr Andrews leaves and Dr Hewitt arrives
Departure of Dr Andrews. A host of friends throughout the Kooweerup district will learn with keen regret the contemplated departure of Dr Lyell Andrews, who has sold his practice and is shortly proceeding to England to undergo a further course of training. During the short time he has been here he has increased his popularity by taking an active interest in public matters affecting the welfare of the district. Being a keen athlete, he took a prominent part in football and tennis, and was ever ready to assist any particular form of sport along. In his profession as a medical practitioner he earned the unbounded confidence and admiration of all with whom he associated, his skill, courtesy and kindly disposition being appreciated by his numerous patients. He will leave here at the end of the month, but at present does not know when he will take his departure for England. He intends to pursue a certain line of study with the object of becoming a specialist. His successor will be Dr A.B. Hewitt, who was a fellow student with Dr Andrews at University. The latter has high opinions of the qualifications of Dr Hewett and predicts he will win a high place in the regards of the people of the district, where at University the new medico was a popular sport especially in pedestrian events. Dr Hewitt is to be married next Saturday in Melbourne to Miss Mann, and we extend to the couple a cordial welcome. to the district and trust their future will be filled with joy and happiness.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 5, 1925, p. 1)
Dr Alan Hewitt practiced in Koo Wee Rup until 1963; his son Dr John worked in Koo Wee Rup from 1951 until 1955 and another son, Dr Ian, commenced practice in the town in 1955 and retired in 1995. (1)
The wedding photo of Miss Vera Mann, who married Dr Alan Hewitt on
February 7, 1925. They then made their home at Koo Wee Rup.
A full report of the wedding and this image from Table Talk, May 21 1925,
Last week four motor cars laden with turf devotees blew into Kooweerup and desired to be informed where the racecourse was. When informed that there was nothing on, they were astonished. They said the races had been advertised to eventuate at Kooweerup, and thought some practical joke had been played. On perusing several newspapers it was discovered the venue for the race meeting was Wee-Wee-Rup. It was more than Wee-Wee-Rough for the party.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 12, 1925, p. 4)
Wee Wee Rup is near Cohuna, close to the Murray River.
April 1925 - New Lock-up for Koo Wee Rup
While building operations are a sign of the progress of a township, it must be queried whether the erection of a lock-up comes within that category. Nevertheless it a necessary adjunct to meet the social conditions of society. Our civilisation is such that there are numbers who refuse to conform with the laws society says are needed for its protection and safety, and there must exist an abode where delinquents should be retained with the object of paying the penalty for their misbehaviour. This week a lock-up was erected at the Kooweerup Police Station. Perhaps to some this will be unwelcome news. In the past offenders have had to be taken to the Lang Lang lock-up, which meant a strain on their financial position, for the usual custom had been to not only inflict a fine, but the costs of an exhilarating "joy ride" by car had to be met. There is also another side with regard to the elimination of the use of the car, in that the individual who "looks upon the wine when it is red" will have more money to satisfy his craving. Others, again, may act more discretely, as no doubt owing to the cost and trouble of getting to Lang Lang, only worse and most abusive cases were apprehended, but now with better facilities, the police will not be handicapped in discharging their duties. So far we have not heard when the opening ceremony of this new residence is to take place.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 9, 1925, p. 4)
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 9, 1925, p. 4)
The Lock-up is now located at the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society Museum in Rossiter Road.
Photo taken in 2010.
April 1925 - Street Lighting
With the approach of the winter season it is most opportune to point out the unsatisfactory condition of the street lighting in Kooweerup Township. The Cranbourne Shire Council has gone to the expense of erecting a number of lamps, and also endeavoured to get a lamplighter, but without success. The Kooweerup Progress Association's efforts in the same direction has also proved abortive. So the position has reached a climax. Some practical solution out of the difficulty is imperative. The amount on the council estimate for lamp lighting is £45, but this is not sufficient inducement, as all mantles etc., has also to be found. It has been suggested that to have the effulgent rays at night a higher amount should be offered, and that business people ought to contribute something towards that end. It is most urgent that something should be done immediately to obviate pedestrians' difficulty in negotiating the streets at night.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 16, 1925, p. 4)
April 1925 - an interesting tale of some adventurous lads
Boy Stowaways. Discovered at Koo Wee Rup.
Last Saturday afternoon a porter, while attending to a coal train which had arrived at the Kooweerup station, received a surprise by discovering four boy stowaways. The porter had occasion to put some sheep skins in a truck, and this action led to the juveniles being captured. The names of the lads, as given to the police are –
FRANK BORHAM, 22 Ross street, South Melbourne, 12 years.
FRANK GRANT, 124 Barkley street, Carlton, 14 years.
WILLIAM KENDLE, Best street, Reservoir, Preston, 13 years.
ALLAN LEWIS, 522 Drummond street, Carlton, 14 years.
It appears it is the custom of city newsboys to form parties and to sojourn in the country. To them it is a change and relaxation from the rush and bustle of their avocation. This party was composed of five youngsters, who left Melbourne a fortnight ago and went to Glen Forbes. One lad must have acted as cashier, as the others state they had given their money to him. On Friday they desired a return home, but the lad with the money, they allege, left them. They awaited their opportunity and at 4 p.m. on Friday got on to a coal train, attached to which was one truck carrying sheep skins.
Right from the start misfortune dogged their movements. First, they were penniless, and only had one pound of butter to eat between them; secondly, a serious accident befell young Borham. The boy, in attempting to board the train, had three fingers of his right hand badly crushed by the buffers. Another lad (Grant) had a narrow escape, as the buffer just caught the top of his third finger; thirdly, they experienced a cold, frosty night. However, despite these facts, they showed stoical fortitude by remaining “in smoke” until found at Kooweerup.
When the discovery was made, Constable Whiteside was informed and he took charge of the lads. Borham was immediately taken to Dr. Hewitt, who stated the fingers would have to be removed. He dressed the wounds, and the lad was sent to Melbourne, where the police met him and took the sufferer to the Children’s Hospital. Constable Whiteside then sent messages to the addresses which were given, and pending instructions from their guardians they were taken care of by a local resident. On Monday Lewis’ father arrived and took him back, and on Tuesday the two remaining boys were sent home.
The painful and trying experience will leave no doubt and indelible impression on the memories of the party.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 30, 1925, p. 3)
Last Saturday afternoon a porter, while attending to a coal train which had arrived at the Kooweerup station, received a surprise by discovering four boy stowaways. The porter had occasion to put some sheep skins in a truck, and this action led to the juveniles being captured. The names of the lads, as given to the police are –
FRANK BORHAM, 22 Ross street, South Melbourne, 12 years.
FRANK GRANT, 124 Barkley street, Carlton, 14 years.
WILLIAM KENDLE, Best street, Reservoir, Preston, 13 years.
ALLAN LEWIS, 522 Drummond street, Carlton, 14 years.
It appears it is the custom of city newsboys to form parties and to sojourn in the country. To them it is a change and relaxation from the rush and bustle of their avocation. This party was composed of five youngsters, who left Melbourne a fortnight ago and went to Glen Forbes. One lad must have acted as cashier, as the others state they had given their money to him. On Friday they desired a return home, but the lad with the money, they allege, left them. They awaited their opportunity and at 4 p.m. on Friday got on to a coal train, attached to which was one truck carrying sheep skins.
Right from the start misfortune dogged their movements. First, they were penniless, and only had one pound of butter to eat between them; secondly, a serious accident befell young Borham. The boy, in attempting to board the train, had three fingers of his right hand badly crushed by the buffers. Another lad (Grant) had a narrow escape, as the buffer just caught the top of his third finger; thirdly, they experienced a cold, frosty night. However, despite these facts, they showed stoical fortitude by remaining “in smoke” until found at Kooweerup.
When the discovery was made, Constable Whiteside was informed and he took charge of the lads. Borham was immediately taken to Dr. Hewitt, who stated the fingers would have to be removed. He dressed the wounds, and the lad was sent to Melbourne, where the police met him and took the sufferer to the Children’s Hospital. Constable Whiteside then sent messages to the addresses which were given, and pending instructions from their guardians they were taken care of by a local resident. On Monday Lewis’ father arrived and took him back, and on Tuesday the two remaining boys were sent home.
The painful and trying experience will leave no doubt and indelible impression on the memories of the party.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 30, 1925, p. 3)
May 1925 - Motor Car Burnt
About 5.30 a.m. last Saturday Mr Bergin noticed a fire at the back of the residence of Mr W. Loveday, Rossiter street, Kooweerup, and he was suspicious that it was too early an hour for rubbish to be destroyed and went to investigate. To his amazement he found the flames were consuming a Durant motor car, and he quickly aroused the owner. After removing the vehicle from the shed and with a supply of sand they were quickly able to subdue the flames. The body of the car was destroyed but the engine and tyres were practically unscathed. At the time of the fire there were three gallons of petrol in the tank of the car, but fortunately the flames did not reach it. The car was insured.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 14, 1925, p. 3)
The greatest event of 1925 - the opening of the Modella Hall
Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 7, 1925, p. 1
In the presence of a large assemblage the newly constructed hall was officially opened by Mr. Paterson, M.H.R., who spoke of the fine public spirit displayed by Mr. Camp, a returned soldier, in purchasing the land and giving it to the public of Modella for the purpose of constructing a hall. Mr. Camp, aided by Mr. Gardiner, another returned soldier, then constructed the building. Messrs. Groves and Walters, M.L. A.'s, also spoke. (The Argus, June 12, 1925, see here)
An Age report of June 8, 1925, see here, noted that the debt on the hall is about £275. The 1925 hall burnt down in November 1976; the new hall was opened on April 20, 1979 by Arthur Dawson (a member of the Modella Hall Committee), and assisted by Athol Camp. (2)
June 1925 - a Narrow Escape
Last Saturday, three children standing in the entrance to Mr H.V. Mills garage in Rossiter street, Kooweerup, had narrow escapes from serious injury. Mr V. Mills was endeavouring to drive a car into the garage and in doing so had to avoid another vehicle, when he suddenly found the children in his way. To evade them he was compelled to run his car into the front wall of then building, with the result that a big plate glass window at the offices of Messrs Witham and Kavanagh was smashed. The car just touched one of the children. Children have been repeatedly warned not to play near the entrance to the garage, as it is a dangerous spot.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, June 18, 1925, p. 4)
July 1925 - The state of the drains in Bayles
Bayles Drainage - Dr Appleyard, health officer, reported at the last meeting of the Cranbourne Shire Council as follows:-"Acting on verbal instructions from the President (C. Croskell), I inspected the premises and drains of Sage and Co's butter factory, Bayles, on the 9th June, accompanied by the engineer (Mr Dowden). From the factory a narrow rough concrete drain passes to No. 4 drain, and a pipe drain carried the effluent underneath the Bayles-Cora Lynn road. The concrete drain stops short of the canal bank, ending near the bridge, in a foetid slimy marsh, which overflows into the canal. The effluent was milky, greasy and contained fragments of cheese and casein. The canal bank, where the flow has become stagnant, the grease film must form a medium particularly favorable to the growth of micro-organism, pathogmic and otherwise. The drainage is, in my opinion, a palpable nuisance which the council should require the proprietors to abate, and is also in my opinion, a grave menace to health." - Messrs Sage and Co. were given one month to abate the nuisance.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 9, 1925, p. 4)
July 1925 - Music Examination results
The following pupils of Miss Jessie Johnson, L.L.C.M., A.L.C.M., of Kooweerup, were successful at the examinations held in June last - Primary First-class Pass - Ada Lancaster, Joyce Mills. Pass - Norma Games, Myrtle Games. Elementary Honors - Annie Lonergan. First-class Pass - Elna Patullo. Pass - Jean Lyall. Intermediate First-class Pass - Marjorie Leamon, Madge McCraw. Adv. Intermediate Honors - Catherine Hester. Adv. Senior Honors - Dorris Johnson.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 23, 1925, p. 4)
In October, Miss Johnson, suffered an unfortunate accident -
On Wednesday, October 7th. an accident befel Miss Jessie Johnson, of Kooweerup, at the Lang Lang Mechanics' Hall. Miss Johnson, who is a music teacher, went to Lang Lang to give lessons to several pupils. She desired to move a piano into a more convenient position, and in doing so the instrument toppled over and came down on her foot, which was badly crushed. A workman near by came to her rescue and she was removed next door, where the foot was bathed. Despite her injury, Miss Johnson attended to her duties and later had the injury attended to by Dr Hewitt at the Kooweerup Hospital, where she had to remain for several days. She is now making rapid improvement towards recovery.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, Thursday, October 15, 1925, p. 4)
Jessie, born in 1904 was the sixth and last child of Joseph Spencer Johnson and his wife Jessie Isbister. Her siblings were Walter, James, Alexander, Irene and Joseph. The family moved to The Grange, in Koo Wee Rup in 1922, having previously lived on McDonalds Drain Road. Jessie first advertised in the Koo Wee Rup Sun in April 1922, offering piano lessons. Jessie married Leslie Einsiedel in 1932. Her sister Irene had married Andrew Charles ('Froggy') Colvin in 1914. The Johnsons sold The Grange in 1947/1948. Jessie (the mother) died in February 1933 and Joseph in June 1952. Les Einsedel, a talented cyclist and footballer, died in 1971 and Jessie in 1995, and they are buried at the Cranbourne Cemetery. They had one daughter Dorothy. (3)
July 1925 - Koo Wee Rup North receives a telephone service
The Rt. Hon. S.M. Bruce has received advice from the Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne...that the erection of a telephone line to Kooweerup North has been completed, and a telephone office for the receipt and transmission of telegrams and for public conversations was established there in charge of the postmaster on the 27th inst.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 30, 1925, p. 4)
August 1925 - The founder of the Royal Hotel in Koo Wee Rup, Mr Denis McNamara passed away.
Keen and widespread was the regret in Koo Wee Rup and district when it became known on July 27th that Mr. Denis McNamara, of the Royal Hotel, Koo Wee Rup had succumbed to his illness, in his sixty-first year. The deceased gentleman had enjoyed good health until about 12 months ago when he suffered an attack of pleurisy, from which he never recovered. Two visits were made to Brisbane in the hope of regaining his strength, but the effect of the visits was not lasting; the heart had been considerably weakened, and cardiac failure was the cause of his death.
Born in County Clare, Ireland in 1864, Mr. McNamara was a young man when he came to Victoria. He engaged in business in Melbourne before coming to Koo Wee Rup in 1891, where he opened a store. In 1901 he returned to Melbourne, and was in turn the licensee of the Carlton Club Hotel, the United States, the Albury hotels. In 1902 he married a Miss Mary Ann Manney, from his home country, and had as family May (Sister Denise, O'Neill College) and Frank. He suffered an early bereavement in the loss of his young wife. Returning to Koo Wee Rup in 1904, he bought O'Riordan's store, which he successfully conducted. In 1908 he married Miss Alice Morris, his bereaved wife, and later took out the first licence in Koo Wee Rup, building the substantial Royal Hotel.
He was esteemed by all who knew him. His kindly smile, his cheerful word, and his open-handed generosity were enjoyed by many. He was a prominent member of the Irish National Foresters, Carlton branch, which on his return to Koo Wee Rup, presented him with a group photo of members. He was closely identified with every progressive local activity, and contributed in no small measure to its success. He was president of the St. Patrick's Day sports and the football club, and was a member of the church, the hospital, and the recreation reserve committees. He was attended in his last illness by the Revs. T. O'Callaghan and L. C. Hartnett. The latter celebrated the Requiem Mass. The funeral, one of the largest seen in the district, was representative of every class and creed. Pakenham Cemetery was the place of burial. The Rev. L. C. Hartnett, assisted by the Revs. T. O'Callaghan and M. Keenan, officiated at the grave. With the bereaved wife there is left to mourn their sad loss his children—May (Sister Denise, Garden Vale) and Frank, Alice, Jack, Margaret and Colleen; his brothers, Pat (Koo Wee Rup) and John (Limerick, Ireland), and his sister Mary (Scariff, Ireland). R.I.P.
Royal Hotel, built for Denis McNamara, in the December 1934 flood
August 1925 - Train leaves before time - Passengers exciting chase
Five passengers on a special football train from Koo-wee-rup to Korumburra on Saturday afternoon were left behind at Nyora because the train left 10 minutes before the scheduled time of departure. According to reports received by the Railways Commissioners, the train arrived at Nyora at 1.20 p.m., and it was due to leave at 1.45 p.m. It is stated that owing to an official despatching the train without authority from the station master in charge, the train left at 1.35 p.m., leaving five passengers on the platform. As no other means of transport was available, these passengers were placed in a light engine, which set off in pursuit of the train. The special was delayed for 20 minutes at Loch to permit the light engine to catch up. The incident will be the subject of a departmental inquiry.
(The Argus, August 25, 1925, see here)
October 1925 - Cycling honours
In cycling circles the Warrnambool to Melbourne road race, which took place last Saturday, is regarded as one of the world's classic sporting events. The distance is 165 miles, and 175 competitors from all over Australia and New Zealand took part. E. Williamson (Richmond), on 60 min., was first, with "Pomp" Colvin (Kooweerup), 52 min., second. H.K. Smith (W.A.) secured the fastest time, clipping the distance off in 7 hrs, 25 min. and 1 sec., and just beat J. Beasley (Fitzroy) by a tyre. Beasley put up a world record for 100 miles, his time being 4 hrs. 18 min. 3 secs. Colvin also won the veterans' prize, for the first rider to finish who completed the distance within a time limit and was a competitor in the same race prior to 1912. E.A. George (Bayles), appropriated the "Globe" Cup, for returned soldiers, won by getting 9th position. B. Griffiths (Bayles) 42 min., got 16th position. Percy Osborn (Bayles), scratch, again had bad luck, as he had bicycle trouble, while W. Stephens (Kooweerup), who only recently took up racing, also finished the course, but had the unenviable experience to ride 70 miles on his own.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, Thursday, October 15, 1925, p. 3)
As a matter of interest, in 1926 this race was won by Les Einsiedel, who married Miss Jessie Johnson, the music teacher (see above) in 1932. (4)
October 1925 - Fire destroys shops in Koo Wee Rup
At about 4.15am last Thursday a number of persons were rudely awakened by an alarm of fire, and on investigating received a shock when they found that the block of wooden buildings in Rossiter street, Koo Wee Rup, occupied by Mr D. Thomson (butcher), Mrs M. Potter (fruiterer), and Mrs J. Byron (small goods) were on fire. It was at once seen that the task of fighting the flames was a hopeless one, but efforts were made with three fire extinguishers to subdue the conflagration, but the fire had too great a hold for these instruments to be of any use. They, however, are credited with the saving of an adjoining brick shop, owned by Mr F. Ellis (draper). Realising the buildings were doomed, the fire fighters set about rescuing furniture, etc., from the burning buildings, and through their hard-working efforts articles were saved from both Mrs Potter's shop and residence. They then formed a bucket brigade and paid attention to the neighbouring buildings. It was fortunate that a strong wind blew in a south-easterly direction, as the large corner store, belonging to Mr A.W. Stephens, would have been in great jeopardy. Mr Ellis' brick shop was only a few feet from Mrs Potter's at the north end of the conflagration and the fire fighters had to anxiously watch the verandah and wood work, and played water thereon, but the direction of the wind happily protected these premises
How the fire originated is not known. It appears the first person to become acquainted with the outbreak was Mr Thomson. He states that he was asleep at the time and was awakened either by the noise of the flames or someone calling out. On awakening, the fire had penetrated into his room. He immediately raised an alarm, and aroused the Potter family. Mr Thomson did not have time to save anything; Mrs Byron, who does not reside on the premises, also lost everything; while Mrs Potter with assistance was able to rescue some of her furniture and a few bicycles. The buildings were owned by Mr D. Thompson and Mr W. Mills, and were partly covered by insurance. The fire broke the telephone wires in front of the buildings and interrupted the service to subscribers in that portion of the township until Wednesday, when the department had promptly repaired same. Mrs Byron's stock was partly covered by insurance, and Mrs Potter's stock and furniture was also insured.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, Thursday, October 15, 1925, p. 4)
Rossiter Road, 1923.
The shops which burnt down, are I believe, on the left just past the second wagon.
November 1925 - Asparagus season
Now in the middle of the asparagus season, Mr Roxborough's farm [at Vervale] is a scene of activity. Four men are constantly employed tending the crop, and when matured extra hands are engaged for cutting, trimming, washing and packing. The harvest, commencing in September, lasts until late December. The original nine acres planted has been extended and about 30 acres are now under cultivation. An average of over half a ton per day is despatched to the metropolis, the bulk being consigned to canning factories, while the balance is retailed to leading hotels, cafes and shops.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 26, 1925, p. 4)
Read the full report from the Koo Wee Rup Sun, here.
The Shire President (Cr McCulloch) in declaring the hall opened complimented the workers in their success. It was only fitting that Dalmore, which is one of the finest places in southern Victoria, should have such an edifice. It would be a place where young and old would meet for social and educational functions, and it should be instrumental in enriching their lives in every way. He wished the committee and the people every success in their venture. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 3, 1925, p. 2)
The Shire President (Cr McCulloch) in declaring the hall opened complimented the workers in their success. It was only fitting that Dalmore, which is one of the finest places in southern Victoria, should have such an edifice. It would be a place where young and old would meet for social and educational functions, and it should be instrumental in enriching their lives in every way. He wished the committee and the people every success in their venture. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 3, 1925, p. 2)
Footnotes
(1) See more about Hospitals and Doctors in Koo Wee Rup here https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2014/08/medical-matters-at-koo-wee-rup.html
(2) New hall information from https://www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au/modella-hall/
(3) Johnson information - Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; advertisements in the Koo Wee Rup Sun; Cranbourne Shire Rate Books; Irene Colvin's obituary Koo Wee Rup Sun, 24/1/1968 and Les Einsedel obituary Koo Wee Rup Sun, 1/9/1971.
(4) Les Einsedel obituary Koo Wee Rup Sun, 1/9/1971.
