THE TRARALGON & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC |
EXTRACTS FROM THE
"GIPPSLAND FARMER'S JOURNAL, TRARALGON" - 1919
Taken by John W. Davidson
January 1919 |
| Mr. Bowen was in the Chair of the Returned Soldiers' League; Mr. Rin. DeMedici was secretary; 5 new members were enrolled. |
| Dr. Hagenauer returned from the war in January and bought Mr. Carter's house at the corner of Church and Kay Streets. |
| "McNeils Hill" is mentioned as overlooking the town. (I have not found where this is J.W.D.) |
February 1919 |
| Percy and George Pentland took over the garage in Hotham Street, from B.R. Dunbar. |
March 1919 |
| Because there were no more Influenza cases, the temporary hospital at the Grey Street State School was abandoned 6th March, but re-opened in May with 4 cases and later 14 patients. |
| Harry Cooper returned and commenced his photography shop in Franklin Street, 19th March. |
| At a public meeting on 29th March, Returned Servicemen were presented with certificates and medals. |
| April 1919 |
| Anzac Day was not yet a holiday, but the R.S.L. conducted a Carnival, Procession and Gymkhana at the Show Grounds on 26th April, and Euchre was held at night. The Town Band played for Nurse Robinson when she returned in April, and for Sister McCarthy in May. |
| May 1919 |
| The Traralgon "Soldiers Drain" was started 22nd May at £2.2.0 per week by ex-Diggers. (It ran north from the swamp where the Traralgon Swimming Pool is today, to the Traralgon Creek below Agnes Brereton Park. J.W.) |
| June 1919 |
| July 1919 |
| Bert Thomas was elected new President of R.S.L. in July. |
| "Peace Day" was celebrated at Traralgon on Saturday 19th July, with a procession and March-past of returned Soldiers, school children, and Town Band. Children were presented with medals. High Tae for returned men, and a concert in Mechanics at night. |
| Mr. Bert Coates took over Clarkson's 29th July. (Click here to read more about Bert Coates) |
| Collection started in July for Traralgon War Memorial. |
| August 1919 |
September 1919 |
| The first aeroplane to fly into Gippsland landed in Traralgon in Campbell's Paddock over the Long Bridge, 5th September. Next morning it crashed and landed in Ike Cone's backyard in Argyle Street. |
| October 1919 |
| November 1919 |
| Constable Peter Milne took the place of Constable Waggner on 1st November. |
| Warm welcome to soldiers on 11th November, on 1st Anniversary of Armistice Day. 40 Diggers present; certificates and medals were presented. |
| Traralgon's 34th Annual Show was held in November with gate-takings of £150.00. |
| Dunbar & Ham started as Motor Mechanics in November. |
| A definite decision was made for a statue as a War Memorial instead of as previously, a Garden and Rotunda, with £250.00 in hand. |
| Presbyterians unveiled a "Lest We Forget" memorial plaque on 21st November. |
| December 1919 |
| Traralgon was made "Head District Branch" of R.S.L. on 23rd December; Mr. DeMedici was elected President for North Gippsland. |
| A Caledonian Gathering was held in Traralgon on 26th December, with a concert at night. |
| Bert. Thomas was again elected President of R.S.L. on 3rd December, 1919; Mr. Budds Deputy President, and Mr. DeMedici Secretary. |