50 years ago
HAMILTON’S reaction to the State government’s budget announced this week has been generally favorable, but with some reservations. Proposals to offer payroll tax rebates to decentralised industries have been welcomed, and school principals are pleased with the abolition of composite fees. However, the provisions for library finance contained in the budget have ben described as “disappointing”. Acting secretary of the Hamilton Industry Promotion Committee, Mr. Roger Hallam, said yesterday the introduction of payroll tax rebates to approved decentralised industries was something the committee had been seeking for some time.
THE value of good recruiting has been brought home by Heywood this season, just as that same club did 19 years ago when it won it’s first premiership in the Western District Football League. The year 1953 was a big one in district football, for among the highlights that season was Heywood’s “purchasing” of several star recruits. Fed up with being rated “no – hopers”, Heywood officials and generous supporters got together that year to import several big names to the club. Among them was the late Russ McIndoe, one of the greatest little players to ever leave the VFA. Others included Harold Peacock, Vern Heeps, and a mighty back pocket player named Smith.
25 years ago
HAMILTON service station operators are bitterly disappointed Safeway Petrol Plus has been given the go ahead to open a petrol outlet in French St, Hamilton. They are bracing themselves for an assault in their market share when the new competitor opens before Christmas. Several petrol outlets contacted by the Spectator admitted they feared for their livelihood – but they tried to be positive and believe they can survive by offering extra personal services. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal sitting in Hamilton on Wednesday gave Safeway Petrol Plus the green light to sell fuel from former Sovereign Office Machines site in French St, after an agreement was reached with the sole remaining objector, Sandra Hurley.
COLERAINE Football Club is a red-hot favourite to win today’s South West District Football League senior premiership after losing just one game during the home and away season. In fact, the Maroons have only lost two games since the start of the 1996 season and were premiers last year with victory over Sandford. Coleraine has once again taken the easy path to the grand final by earning the week’s rest after its massive second semi-final win over Tyrendarra. “Having the week off is a real advantage for us because it gives us plenty of time to be right for the big one,” rugged Coleraine half-forward, Leigh Cunneen, said on Thursday. The Maroons have recorded some massive wins this season, but it’s only loss came against its grand final opponent today, Westons.
