What happened in Koo Wee Rup and surrounds in 1926

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

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

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

February - 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Main Street, Bayles, c. 1930s.

Image: Bayles Fauna Park Reserve.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October - In October it was reported that -

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

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

Koo Wee Rup North School, 1927

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

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

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

December - Also in December exam results were published -

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

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

What happened in Garfield in 1926

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

January - A bushfire, caused by campers who were 'smoking out' rabbits, had started in the area on December 31, 1925, but was under control three days later. The Herald had this comprehensive report on the fire -
Bush Fire Dies. Breaks and Rain Defeat It
The dangers of the fire between Tynong and Garfield, has passed. The townships of Tynong and Garfield have been saved by the fire breaks cut in the scrub, and by the rain that fell on Sunday and early this morning. Mrs W. Johnson's home was twice threatened on Saturday, but after 30 hours' continuous work cutting firebreaks, the fighters turned the flames. But for the work of Mrs Johnson, two girls, and several neighbors, the fire would have reached the outbuildings in which were stored farm implements.

The flames rose 100 feet, and devoured gums and undergrowth. The outbreak, which began in Mr Wilkins' property, swept through Mrs Johnson's, then through dense scrub on to Mr Berry's land. It was checked there, and about 500 tons of firewood ready for trucking were saved. After a strenuous battle near Wallace's Creek, Weatherhead's timber mills were saved. On Berry's Hill a break of one mile long by about 30 chains wide was cut. Early on Sunday morning the fire was travelling towards the old Sale road. Here the property of Mr A.Megas was threatened. He worked all through Saturday night, clearing a break.

Fires were burning in many places at the same time, and men were rushed from one front to another when things began to get serious. Some of the fighters had been on the scene for 48hours, and many were suffering from slight burns. About 450 acres of grass have been destroyed, with firewood and fencing. The total damage will amount to about £1000. The chief sufferers are Messrs. H. Wilkins (50 tons of firewood and fencing), W. Johnson (grass and fencing), C. Sinclair and W. Berry (grass and fencing). Several other farmers have lost firewood and fencing. (The Herald, January 4, 1926, see here)

A sawmill belonging to the Weatherheads at Tynong North, 1920s.

January - About seventy children were confirmed at Iona recently by his Lordship, the Bishop  of Sandhurst, the Right Reverend Dr McCarthy. The girls are pictured below. (The Advocate, January 7, 1926, see here)

The Girls who were confirmed. The clergy standing in the back row are the Revs. T. O'Callaghan, P.P., Rev. J. Egan (Dalyston), Rev. L. Hartnett (lona), and the Rev. F. Merner, Dandenong. The sponsor for the girls, Mrs. Field, is seen standing to the right. [Unfortunately, the photo is so dark, we can't actually see Mrs Field]

 The Advocate, January 7, 1926  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article171417927

January - Also in January was this interesting report from Cora Lynn -

A calf a day for three days is a record established by a cow owned by Mr. A. Wakenshaw at Cora Lynn. The calves were born on 4th, 5th and 6th January respectively, and they are all normal and thriving. The mother is recovering from an attack of milk fever. (The Age, January 14, 1926, see here)

March - In March, there were complaints about the town water supply in Garfield -

Local residents, for many months, have been endeavoring to impress upon the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission the urgency of a town water supply scheme, and have had indifferent replies. At the present time people of the town have to pay 2d per gallon for water for domestic purposes, drawn from the main drain, Iona. This water is contaminated by herds of cattle and scores of bathers. Fortunately it is a swift-running stream, otherwise public health would be menaced. During a season like the present many towns in West Gippsland depend on this source for their water supply.  (The Age, March 3, 1926, see here)  

April - In April, Martin O'Donohue, who built the Garfield Picture Theatre, left the town for Warragul -

Mr. M. O'Donohue, who has conducted the Garfield Hotel for the past five or six years, has purchased the freehold of the Royal Hotel, Warragul. Mr. O'Donohue's departure from Garfield parish and community will be a severe loss to the district. Last year he built a commodious picture theatre there, together with several shops and private dwellings. (The Advocate, April 1, 1926, see here) 

Martin O'Donohue's Picture Theatre, which opened in December 1924.

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society 

April - Also in April the following meeting was held in Garfield -

At a meeting of Bunyip and District Teachers' Union the following elections took place:- President, Mr. Noonan (Longwarry); vice-presidents. Messrs. P. Scouller (Iona), W. Waugh (Garfield); secretary and treasurer, A. Mackay (Bunyip); auditor, I. McAlpine (Bunyip). It was decided to donate £2 2/ to the testimonial to Mr. David Black, ex-president of the Teachers' Union, which is to be given by the latter body for services rendered. Mr. Black raised the members' roll from 700 to over 8000. (The Age, April 1, 1926, see here).  

June - In June, it was reported that - 

Garfield - The operation of moving a four-roomed weatherboard house six miles, to Tynong, was successfully performed by Mr. D. McLennan, of Fitzroy North. On the way bridges had to be widened, trees lopped, telegraph wires lifted. As the house was blocking a narrow road on Saturday night it had to be jacked up high enough to allow traffic to pass underneath. (The Age, June 25, 1926, see here) 

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

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

July - These figures, above,  show the importance of the potato industry to this region and in July it was reported that -

The largest meeting of potato growers ever seen at lona assembled on Monday evening to protest against the importation of New Zealand potatoes, the reported introduction of corky scab, and against the abolition of 10-ton railway trucks. Cr. J. Dowd, who was chairman, said that if once the scab got into the district it would never be wiped out. He knew that a sample of imported potatoes had turned black after being boiled. It was strange if New South Wales inspectors were passing such produce as sound. The menace was serious to farmers, and they should be active. Several speakers spoke against the importation of potatoes, especially if diseased, and urged that drastic action be taken at once. The local market was being glutted, and Victorian farmers could not compete against the low prices ruling at Sydney, £10 a ton, while it was reported that new Zealand potatoes were down to £9 10/ in Albury.

A number of motions were moved - a recommendation of a  protective duty of £4 a ton be placed on all potatoes entering the Commonwealth; the Agricultural Department take drastic steps to prevent corky scab from entering Victoria and the 10-ton railway truck should not be abolished. The Iona District Potato Growers Association was enthusiastically formed with the aim of State-wide organsation and communicating with all potato districts. (The Age, July 14, 1926, see here)

The 10-ton railway truck, with potatoes, from Garfield to Melbourne

State Library of Victoria image H92.301/93

July - In July, was this unusual legal case with a Garfield connection was reported - 

Not Abduction. Twins Were Taken Back to Aunt's Care

At Alexandra Court this morning charges against two men for alleged abduction were dismissed, as it was proved the girls were over 16 years of age. The defendants were Alfred Vincent and Charles Poylor Marshall. Mr M. Devine, who appeared for the defendants, said it was a pity more care had not been exercised in bringing the men up on such a charge. The girls' aunt had reared them, and they had lived with her until they were 15. The girls, who were twins, wrote and told her that they wanted to go back to her, and made an appointment. They were taken from Thornton straight to their aunt's place near Garfield. The girls' names are Nellie and Millie Taylor, and their parents live at Thornton. (The Herald, July 8, 1926, see here)   

August -  In August there was good news that a missing girl, Olive Bassett, was discovered unharmed - 
It was reported to the police that a girl named Olive Bassett, aged 11 years, was lost in the bush, and search parties scoured the locality for some hours, when a telephone message was received that she had been found at Nar-nar-goon, having walked nine miles from her home at North Garfield. The child was little the worse for her adventure. (The Age, August 6, 1926, see here).

In 1926, there was agitation to have a High School established in the area. The closest High Schools were either Warragul or Dandenong and a more central location was desired. It took another 30 years before there was any progress on this front - Drouin High School opened in 1956, Koo Wee Rup in 1957 and Pakenham  in 1967.  Here are three articles relating to the issue -

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

August - In August, The Argus reported on a local meeting to support the establishment of a High School - 

One of the largest meetings ever held in the district was convened by the Iona women's section of the Farmers' Union, to consider the establishing of a high school for the swamp area. Councillor P. Walsh (Berwick Shire) presided and Mr Wrigley, assistant chief Inspector of secondary schools, was present. Figures were given showing that on this side of the swamp there were 1,400 scholars on the rolls at the various schools and that 140 to 150 would be available for higher education. On the Koo wee rup side there were 450 children attending. Mr Wrigley promised to put the case before the Minister. A strong committee representing 22 school centres was formed to go into the matter with the branches of the women's sections, Councillor McCulloch to represent Cranbourne Shire, and Councillor Dowd Berwick Shire. A motion was agreed to that it was desirable to establish a higher elementary school in a central position in the swamp. (The Argus, August 27, 1926, see here) 

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

September - In September, we had two stories connected to the Railways -
Milk by Rail. Complaint From Garfield.
Replying to a paragraph in "The Age" of Wednesday, 8th September, in which it was stated at Garfield that at certain stations in the Gippsland district cans of milk were being loaded in the vans of passenger and goods trains along with hides, skins, calf carcases, crates of fowls, the Railway Commissioners said that such action was contrary to regulations. Definite instructions had been issued that milk must not be loaded with such goods as fish, rabbits, meat, hides, and the inquiries that had been made into the complaint under notice failed to disclose any disregard of these instructions. The Commissioners added that if a specific instance were given of milk being transported in such a manner they would have immediate inquiries made. (The Age, September 16, 1926, see here)  

September - Garfield was (almost) the location of a  feature film, The Northbound Limited, being shot by a  talented and ambitious 17-year-old, George Palmer. George Frederick Thomas Palmer (1909-1994) founded radio station 3AK in 1931 and bought out radio 7UL in Ulverstone, Tasmania in 1933. George married twice and had four children the youngest being well known politician and business man, Clive Palmer. 
When a goods train was travelling about 30 miles an hour between Garfield and Pakenham on Friday countryside spectators were amazed to see a fight in progress on the tender of the engine, shots being exchanged, and two men in deadly conflict, while from a position on the train a cinematograph operator was busily engaged. One of the final scenes in The North-bound Limited was being filmed by the 17-year-old Australian actor producer George Palmer. The Sydney express was also the venue for some of the film story, including a dash by Palmer's motor car in front of the express travelling at 60 miles per hour. Scenes in Sydney, Melbourne, Ringwood and Powelltown will also be shown in the film, which will be released in a few weeks. (The Age, September 21, 1926, see here)

Advertisement for George Palmer's The Northbound Limited

The St George Call (Kogarah), January 13, 1928  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232071927

 
September - In September, the folks at Iona got a new telephone exchange -

A new telephone exchange has been established at lona, with a trunk connection with Melbourne, and over 30 subscribers are already paid up. This has done away with the costly service proposed whereby subscribers were to be charged as high as £10 or over to connect with Garfield. This was the proposal of an officer who upset a previous plan of another officer whereby local needs could be met at a reasonable cost. There was not any likelihood of the farmers undertaking such a costly telephone service, so that the department, instead of losing revenue by reason of its non-acceptance, will gain by the new exchange, which has given great local satisfaction. (South Bourke & Mornington Journal, September 23, 1926, see here)

October - In October it was reported that feral Deer are doing considerable damage to orchards in Tonimbuk district. These animals are stripping the trees, and as it is almost impossible to fence them out, farmers are at a loss to cope with them. (The Age, October 27, 1926, see here)

November - In November, we find that it wasn't just milk that was badly handled by the Victorian Railways, it was also  potatoes - 

Railway Delays. Potato Trucks Go Astray.
Garfield - Indignation is expressed by potato growers regarding the Railway department's haphazard methods of handling the new season's consignments. Out of three trucks consigned from this district last week, two were lost on a journey of under 50 miles, and were only discovered after diligent inquiries extending over two days. The trucks had been left at wayside stations between here and Melbourne, with the result that it is doubtful if they will be salable. At the present market rates this means the loss of upwards of £100 to the consignors. At a meeting of the Gippsland Potato Growers' Association the matter was discussed, and the Railway Commissioners and their methods were severely criticised. Mr. J. Dowd, president of the association, was delegated to visit Melbourne and interview the Commissioners.  (The Age, November 29, 1926, see here)  

December - The year started badly with the bush fires and in December ended badly with a severe frost -    

A severe frost. Potato and Maize Crops Ruined.  Monday night's frost was worse than anticipated. With the exception of odd potato crops the whole of the Kooweerup area of 75,000 acres is devastated. Maize crops share the same fate. Growers hoped for rain on Tuesday, to help to recover the tubers, but an east wind and a hot sun completed the destruction. (The Age, December 16, 1926,  see here)