This week in 1920: January 29

Councillor Garonne.—His being the only nomination for the Moira Riding seat (rendered vacant by the resignation of Cr. McLean), Mr S. Garonne has been elected a member of the Numurkah Shire Council.

Myer’s (Bendigo) at Numurkah—Commencing with Numurkah on Thursday, February 5th, and Friday, February 6th, Myer’s (Bendigo) will open their great country campaign for 1920; once every month right throughout the year Myer’s will send a representative to visit Numurkah, and despite the splendid success achieved during past visits, it is Myer’s ambition to do even greater business with their country customers in and around Numurkah. Myer’s representative will bring hundreds of pounds’ worth of carefully chosen drapery, covering everything necessary for men’s, ladies’ and children’s wear, and it naturally follows that residents cannot do better than make a visit to Myer’s Numurkah showroom, at the Shamrock Hotel, at which place Myer’s will show during their stay there. Myer’s representative is also an expert in taking measurements for ladies’ costumes and men’s suits.

Scripture Instruction.— The ministers of the town held a meeting at Mr Calder’s residence on Thursday last, the Rev J. A. Lee sending a message to say that after his contemplated trip to Tasmania he would fall in with arrangements made for the imparting of religious instruction during the year. It was decided in the meantime to include the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades in one section, which for the first 14 weeks will be under the care of the Rev Mr Peake, and to combine the 6th, 7th and 8th grades under the instruction of the Rev. Mr Vian. The ministers will exchange places at the end of each term, and the course will begin on February 4th, from 9.15 to 9.45 a.m. It is hoped that the parents will avail themselves to the full of this regular setting aside on the part of the clergy a weekly portion of their time in the interests of the children.

I note that the councillors of the Numurkah Shire got a little lead over the Fisheries and Game department by offering 6d per head for cormorants. The department, according to recent advices, now offers 4d per head.

I note our (Western Riding} thistle inspector reports he has visited the roads of the shire and declares them free from noxious weeds. I am informed that there are a good many patches of noxious weeds not destroyed on the roads. And while writing, I admit that the officer has a pretty tough job for which possibly he is not as things are too highly remunerated.

There was a very representative gathering of ratepayers at the Slate-school, Kotupna on Friday to nominate a candidate for the seat rendered vacant by the retirement of Cr. M. D. McLean in the Moira Riding. Cr. Jas Ross was voted to the chair.

Mr John Collins nominated Mr S. Garonne. He said he was sure would be acceptable to a great majority of the ratepayers. Mr Collins, who had been pressed to stand said he had no desire for the seat, but he wanted to see somebody in who could do justice to the position. Mr Jas. Davis seconded the nomination. There being no further nomination the chairman declared Mr Garonne as the selected candidate.

Ex-Councillor O’Hanlon said he had been asked to stand by a number of old friends, but he would retire in favor of Mr Garonne. Mr Garonne briefly thanked the ratepayers for their confidence in him. Cr. M. D. McLean complimented Mr Garonne on his unanimous selection. He would find very little money to spend and plenty of works.

Mr H. M. Muntz has been appointed deputy coroner for the Nathalia district in the stead of  Mr F. H. Furze, who has removed to N.S.W.

One of the first residents of the Kotupna district has passed away in the person of the late Mr Barnard Hagan, at the ripe age of 85 years.

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.