This week in 1919: November 13

Rain.—The god of the weather is in an ironical mood. During the period when rain was so badly needed he withheld his favors, with the result that the harvest will be a scant one. Now that the farmers are busy haymaking, and desire fine weather for the process, rain has fallen. Not much, it is true (23 points in all), but sufficient to delay the cutting of the crops for a day or two. The farmers’ lot during the past few months has not been an enviable one, but he has the satisfaction (if it is any satisfaction to him ) of knowing that we are all suffering with him.

The Show and Show Grounds. —We have been asked to set aside a space each issue for the publication of suggestions from those interested in the improvement of the show and the showgrounds, and we will willingly do so. There are a number of sporting clubs interested in the grounds, and suggestions will be welcomed from these, as well as from members of the society. The idea is that with the publication of ideas, others might be forthcoming, and as members of the society will have an opportunity of considering them as a whole, a plan could be adopted by the date of the annual meeting that, will meet the whole of the purposes to which the grounds will be put. As regards the show itself, suggestions for improvement in management, prize money, staging of exhibits, inclusion of fresh classes, etc.,  all will be welcomed.

District Trotter.—-It is reported that by the win of Ashville Lad (owned by Mr G. Inglis, of Tallygaroopna) in the Richmond Thousand Trot, Iocal and district “sports” had good wins, the total amount of foreign capital finding its way into the district as a result of the win being variously estimated up to about; £3000. Ashville Lad started at 33 to 1 against, so that a little money would win quite a lot

Value of Silage.—It may be generally said of conserved fodder that when it is needed it is needed badly. How far silage satisfies that urgent need when it arrives is illustrated by recent experiences at Coonamble Experimental Farm, where it was proved very conclusively that as a practical, cheap, and effective feed for sheep it is beyond criticism.

Beer Arouses Pride.—It took beer to arouse Australian artists to a sense of their dignity. Years ago a Melbourne brewery offered a prize for an original poster, stipulating that all posters submitted were to become the property of the brewery. A bunch of artists immediately advertised that they were holding a competition for the best beer and invited brewers to send casks. A first prize was offered, but all casks submitted were to become the property of the artists.

A Progress Association — Reading district exchanges, the idea comes that it would not be a bad idea if the old Numurkah progress Association were resuscitated. It is true that the shire council had a very keen grudge against the institution, and advocacy by it of any measure was enough to turn some of the councillors against it, and true it is, too, that due credit was not given the association for bringing into existence many conveniences, but the old town could do with a vigilance association, and we hope that this suggestion will be taken up. Such a body need not necessarily be in opposition to the shire council—indeed, it should not be; it should exist more for the purpose of strengthening the hands of the civic fathers and for suggesting reforms, etc. and there is no doubt of the value a sane organisation would be to the town.

DISTRICT NEWS

STRATHMERTON

After nearly four and a half years’ work, the local branch Red Cross Society has decided to disband.

PIC0LA

The final meeting of the Picola branch of the Red Cross Society was held on Wednesday last. There was a good attendance, the President (Mrs G. Stiekels) presiding. The report showed that during the war period a sum of £1050 had been raised, of which there was a bank balance of £130. Out of this fund material for 3530 garments for soldiers had been made voluntarily; where members were not able to do the work themselves they  subscribed to pay for it. The branch forwarded also a large quantity of old linen and magazines. 

To celebrate the State Library of Victoria’s digitising of the war years editions of the Numurkah Leader, each week we will include the news of the week, 100 years ago.

To view these editions online go to trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/title/591.