General News
23 June, 2024
Time Goes By
It is interesting to take a look at what was happening in Rainbow and district exactly a century ago, as seen through the columns of the newspapers. So this week, that’s exactly what I’ve explored: the Friday June 20 1924 edition of the Rainbow Argus.
Issues of the day
In a letter to the editor, Paul Mackenzie urges the need for decentralisation: “We know that Melbourne is over populated in comparison to the country districts, which is a very unhealthy state of affairs. Therefore we must work for the development of the different country districts.”
Also getting an airing was street beautification and the state election.
Cost of living
Men’s all wool flannel shirts 7/6, ladies fleece-lined bloomers 3/9, children’s bloomers in all sizes from 2/- (A.G.Strauss); Bread 11d a loaf (A.G.Merritt); Five saucepans for 14/6, a dozen cups and saucers from 9/- per dozen (Rainbow Manufacturing Co.).
Sport
In footy, Rainbow was to meet Yaapeet at Yaapeet the next day, with the train to depart at 1.15 and return at 6. “A close and exciting game is anticipated.” Teams were Rainbow, Yaapeet, Antwerp, Jeparit and Lorquon.
In coursing, a meeting was to be held on July 7.
On the golf front, the winners from the previous Saturday were Miss Boyd, Mr A. Livingston and Mr F. Fielding.
Entertainment
The forthcoming Leap Year Ball on June 24 at the Mechanics Hall, sponsored by the Fire Brigade and the Brass Band, at a cost of 5/- a double, 2/6 single, and 2/- for an onlooker.
Community Groups
All churches have service times listed, tenders are advertised for the erection of a weatherboard Methodist Church in Yaapeet, a public farewell had been tendered to Mr E.W. Goodrick, and the Beulah RSSILA Annual Ball is advertised for July 2.
Weather
“The season’s prospects from the point of view of the agriculturalist and grazier have been considerably enhanced as a result of steady soaking rain on Saturday and Sunday. The precipitation was general, 60 points being recorded locally, whilst 78 points were registered at Yaapeet and 57 at Kenmare.”
Businesses advertising
Arthur Beckwith, cash trader; Giuliano and Co.; Angus Polson, saddler; A.E. Pearson, fruiterer and greengrocer; F. J. Davis, painter and paperhanger; R. G. Grano, chemist; Jas. Brown, photographic studio; T. Ismay, timber and hardware merchant “The Celebrated IXL Stoves”; Aubrey Murphy, barrister and solicitor; Miss Swallow, teacher of violin, pianoforte and singing; Sleep and Langley, auctioneers; E. J. Cooke, wool and skin store; A. E. Gent, fruiterer and confectioner; Doney Bros., hairdressers and tobacconists; E. R. Campbell, Yaapeet, farm implements; H. J. Miller, Kenmare, smithy; F.N. Oaff, tailor; and many more.
* For the younger readers, we have included an explanation of currency abbreviations from those days: The pre-decimal (dollars and cents) currency was pounds (l), shillings (s) and pence or pennies (d). “7/5” was to say “seven shillings, five pence”; “9/-” meant “nine shillings even”; “11d” meant 11 pence.