Extracts from the Traralgon Journal
January to March 1977
Taken by John W. Davidson

Almost 500 people attended the Christmas Day “Drive-In” Spiritual Service at the Village Drive-in, and contributed over $300 towards the costs of the day and the Christmas Bowl Appeal. The Salvation Army Band provided the music.

Taxis formed the guard of honour for Mr Bruce Ikin’s funeral. His father started a Taxi and Bus Service in Traralgon in 1934. Twenty nine years ago the 3 cabs driven by the Ikin Brothers; Bruce, Theo and Gordon, were the only taxis operating in Traralgon.

Thirty five Traralgon Scouts attended the Dandenong Jamboree.

Dux of Traralgon High School for 1976 was Mathew Grounds and the runner–up was Elizabeth Castles.

Fire Station Officer, Max Alexander from Frankston, replaced Max Grey, who was transferred to Wodonga.

Traralgon Town Clerk, Mr Ken Saunders, resigned after ten years of service.

January 1977

After 26 years, Mr & Mrs Jim Wyeth closed their Dry Cleaning Service, which they purchased in 1950 from Mr Kent, the first person to operate a Dry Cleaning business in Gippsland. The original building having been transferred from Walhalla in 1920, was pulled down about 12 years ago. Last winter 23 people were employed by the Wyeths, but normally there were 15 on the staff.

The last residential home in Hotham Street’s commercial area, bounded by Hotham and Church Streets, was transported to Freeman’s Lane. It will be replaced by 3 or 4 shops.

Roger Pedley was re-elected President of the Traralgon Football Club.

February 1977

The first contracts for the massive new Loy Yang Power Station, totalling more than $3 million, were awarded for the construction of roads, earthworks, sewage and drainage.

The Masonic Hall on the corner of Seymour and Church Streets fell victim to the wreckers, making way for Mr Len Grant’s modern Pharmacy.

More than 600 marching girls took part in the 3^rd annual Traralgon and Morwell Competition at the Traralgon Showgrounds.

Mr Geoff Cockram, originally from Doncaster, replaced Mr Ken Saunders as the new Town Clerk.

Two contracts worth a total value of $440,000 were let by the Waterworks Trust, for the construction of water storage in Clarkes Road and a filtration plant in Crosses Road signalling a start on Traralgon’s $2.5 million water filtration and supply augmentation project.

Mr Les Bernard O’Brien from Lake Bolac became the new Principal of Traralgon High School.

Mr Gordon Row retired as Assistant District Commissioner of Scouts, having joined the Cubs in 1928 in his hometown in Kent, England. He came to Australia in 1954.

March 1977

Traralgon News Agency proprietor Ron Skinner and wife Valda sold their business after 22 years in Traralgon to Peter and Cathy Frohnert, from Manangatang. There were 51 boys selling and delivering papers, and 22 morning newspaper rounds at the agency.

A double civic reception was tendered by the Major, Cr. Cec Beaton for Sir Hamilton Sleigh, Consul to Finland and Mr John Howard, Federal Minister for Consumer Affairs.

Mr Brad Gilmour, member of the Traralgon Young Farmer’s Club won a 3 months study tour of New Zealand.

Stevan Woodlands, a 16 years old St. Pauls College student won the Lions Club “Youth of the Year Quest – 1977”

One thousand firemen swung down Kay Street in a spectacular torch light procession at the 94^th Annual State Demonstration held at the showgrounds. The Victorian Police Band performed prior to the official proceedings.

Traralgon became the first JAYCEES Club in Gippsland to admit women as full members at its inaugural dinner.

The Chaplain General Rev. Malcome McCullough conducted his last service at the Baptist Church after 7 years in Traralgon.

Rostrum Club 38 held their 500^th meeting, having been formed to meet at night in 1965. They were sponsored by the first day-time Club 22. Club 38 listed among its foundation members; Dr. Max Swan, Oliver Raymond, Gill Grout, Leo Bartlett, Ian Speakman, Keith Richmond and Reuben Mathews.

Mr. Richard McLean became Deputy Town Clerk and succeeded Mr. Geoff Cochram.