Long day at Rushworth Court House
The Chronicle continued to struggle in June 1975, with multiple errors to be found on most pages. A rude Colbinabbin man sent a letter addressed to The Chronic Office.
Rushworth Magistrate’s Court hosted a Kyabram man to answer charges of vehicle theft from Kyabram and Murchison. Senior Constable Kevin Foley said the defendant was a little puzzled when asked to produce a driving licence. The Kyabram vehicle had crashed into a ditch near Murchison, another car taken away from the Caledonian Hotel by shortening the ignition switch. Three months gaol was the outcome.
A Rushworth teenager took an unopened can of beer into Rushworth dance, and was observed drinking from it by the dance organiser, who happened to be Sergeant Durston. When challenged the youth had replied, “I have done it before, and I’ll do it again”. Magistrate Curtain branded the remark foolish and took $20 from him, for breaching the law banning alcohol within a 200-metre radius of a dance held without a liquor licence.
A noisy speeding car driven by a well-known Murchison man attracted fines totalling $55. Numerous other traffic offences were brought to court.
In Mr Curtain’s role as Coroner, he found that the death of Murchison’s David Eldridge at North Murchison in March had been accidental but that a faulty clutch on his motor-cycle may have contributed.
Schools
The initiative of St Mary’s Mothers’ Club in writing to Hawthorn Football Club, asking for a football, produced a positive reply letter. (But did the footy ever arrive?)
The school doctor and nursing sister visited Rushworth Primary. All Grade 1 students had been checked. The class thanked Lex Jongerden of Grade 6 who had fixed their failing kites. They were now “flying high”.
Community
Filling key positions for Colbo Young Farmers (called the Diddleys by some) at the AGM were Geoff Weppner (President), Bruce Wootton (senr. V-P), John Weppner (junr. V-P), Stuart Hill (secretary), Rob Raglus (public relations), Ken McMurtrie (sergeant-at-arms), Trever Cheatley (librarian) and Colin Barlow (safety officer). (Sergeant-at-arms? Safety officer? Were there security issues at Young Farmers’ meetings?)
Personal
Former Rushworth resident Mrs Charlotte Borger’s 90th birthday was cause for celebration in Bendigo, involving family and friends.
Barbara and Graeme Johansen welcomed Stuart, joining his big brother Dale.
Chief and Vera Perry, together with Mr and Mrs G. A. McLean of Warracknabeal, proudly announced the engagement of Lynette and Alan. (The other Alan McLean.)
Charles and Doris Jones closed their Rushworth Bakery, commenced by Charlie’s father in 1935. In later years they had been linked to Tip Top Bakeries, with Doris and their daughter Anita operating the shop, while Charlie had joined Ibis Milk Products at Stanhope.
The Tom McEvoy haystack fire, and the big Sunday response of the Colbinabbin brigade, brought public thanks to all who helped pull hay out, thereby saving the shed. 1800 small rectangular bales were lost.
A fire in the kitchen of Wes and Kaye Risstrom’s Church Street home was extinguished by Neville Toohey and son Nev (jnr.), using a garden hose. (Wes, what did you say about Kaye’s cooking?)
The May wedding of Lorraine Flynn of Murchison to Denis Brose of Kyabram was reported in late June, the males in the party wearing tan suits. (Just thought you may like to know!)
Football
Despite kicking 2-8 with the wind in the second quarter against Mounts, a quarter of six goals against the wind by the Tigers got them home 16-16 to 11-16. Being engaged did not trouble Alan McLean, named best with David Roberts, John Lambden, Bill Barlow (he gets a lot of mentions on this page!), Neville Clarke, Alec Horne, Mick O’ Sullivan and Glen Heily. Best for Mounts were Mick Gee, Peter Nihill, Barney Tuohey, Cliff White, Denis Roney and L. Kennedy.
In the Seconds, Rushworth edged out Mounts 9-6 to 7-4. Scribe Alf Raglus spotted Geoff and Trevor Hawking, Rob Raglus, Robert Jones, Wayne Hageman, Ray Cruz and Charles Potter. Three of these lads were Alf’s nephews. Mounts best were R. Bennett, K. Shawyer, B. Griffen, N. Pieper and N. Comer.
The following Saturday Rob Raglus was included in the Seniors, as his cousin John was relegated to the Seconds. Heathcote included Denis Pangrazio and Percy Manton back from South Bendigo. With the last kick of the day, John Bianco kicked out on the full, leaving the scores 13-15 to the Tigers 13-13.
John Raglus was a strong player in the Seconds at centre half-back and “it’s hard to understand why this player was excluded from the senior team”. Heathcote 9-1, Rushworth 4-5, with veteran Wes Risstrom kicking a goal and delaying the re-painting of his kitchen!
Murchison kicked 17-12 to beat Girgarre 6-11. Ron Burls kicked three goals in one quarter for Murch.
Stanhope were having a tough time in GV football. While the Seniors got within three goals of Mooroopna, the Seconds managed just 0-9 to the Cats 14-15, and the Thirds kicked 1-0 to Mooroopna’s 26-15. (Where would Stanhope play footy in 1976?)
Other sport
Mounts were too strong in their netball games against Rushworth A and B-grade teams. Colbo B-grade goalers must have been tired, beating Heathcote 54-19. Mounts and Colbo were the top two teams in both A and B grades, though ladders were not always published.
Travelling district bowlers Don and Florence Perry (Rushworth) and Ron and Jean Roulston (Stanhope) enjoyed winter success in a big tournament at Eden on the south coast of NSW.
At Rushworth golf, J. P. Williams went around in 75, way better than his handicap of 19 suggested, to take an A-grade event. B-grade winner was Graeme Ross with an 86, minus a handicap of 36. Straight-shooter Les Hoyling was nearest the pin. Winners for the Associates were Dot Aitken and Elsie Laurie.
Last men standing in the Crosgrove Cup were Reg McIntosh and Graham Spence, down to play Les Muir and Alan Curnick for the trophy.
