A look back at previous editions of the paper 50 and 25 years ago.

50 years ago

HAMILTON’S action sale went ahead as planned yesterday, but it proved to be a financial “fizzer”. The sale, held in the North Hamilton Hall, despite Chamber of Commerce opposition, cost $700 to put on but Josco, the company which operated the sale, got back only $250. It was a medium size, but unfinancial, crowd (pictured) which greeted salesman Mr. Sean O’Brien at the start of the sale when he thanked the chamber for front page publicity in the Tuesday’s Spectator. Mr. O’Brien said there was a hue and cry in country towns about outside traders taking money out of towns but these traders also put something back into these towns. “It’s cost us $700 for this sale today so at least we are not just taking money out,” he said.

THE football future of classy Imperial full back Hartley Sporn, who has been in hospital for a month, could be known next week. Sporn is recovering from a back operation in the Freemasons’ Hospital, Melbourne. He is expected to be released on Monday. Sporn was admitted to Hamilton Base Hospital a month ago with a bad back and a knee injury. He was later transferred to Melbourne for specialised treatment. The injury to his back is believed not to be associated with football, but was received from over-lifting. He and team-mate, Hartley Treloar, conduct a plumbing business in Hamilton. Hartley “Dick” Sporn is one of the most consistent and brilliant players the Bulldogs have.

25 years ago

HAMILTON’S discount fuel war is about to start. Tuckerbag supermarket an BP Lonsdale service station have joined forces to offer cheaper fuel from Monday, getting in ahead of Safeway, which hopes to have its Petro Plus outlet running before Christmas. Under the agreement between the two Lonsdale St businesses, Tuckerbag customers who spend $30 in the supermarket – and/or bottle shop – will receive a voucher entitling them to two cents a litre off the pump price at the next-door service station. The discount extends to leaded and unleaded petrol, and diesel – but not LPG – up to a maximum of 100 litres per voucher. Goods bought at Tuckerbag leading to the discount must be paid for with cash.

SIX major race wins in 12 months, including his sixth consecutive victory in one event, proved enough to give Hamilton water skier Wayne Stacpoole, the title of Hamilton’s sportsman of the year. Stacpoole beat a field of 12 monthly nominees for the major award at Wednesday’s presentation dinner conducted by the Hamilton branch of the Sportmen’sAssociation of Australia. Shooter Michael Nagorcka was named runner-up, while promising athlete, Brent McIntyre, took out the junior award. Hamilton Imperials Football Club’s under-18 side won the team award after recording consecutive Western Border Football League premierships and longtime speedway administrator, Don Golding, was honoredfor his service to sport.