A look back at previous editions of the paper 50 and 25 years ago.
50 years ago
THE Spectator’s third annual Christmas hamper appeal this year resulted in 80 food hampers being distributed to needy families in the city. This year’s appeal raised $401.82, which gave us a total of $539.39 when last year’s surplus of $137.57 was taken into account. The final cost of this year’s 80 hampers hasn’t been worked out yet, but it looks as if each hamper will have cost around $5.40 – making the total cost around $432. The remaining $108-odd will be held in trust for the 1973 appeal. Of course, each hamper was worth much more than the figure, with food donated or bought wholesale. The Spectator would like to thank – J. and J. Kidney’s Store, Proprietor Sean and Jean Kidney and their family ordered the quantities of food required and provided space and helped with packing hampers.
THE Kolor Steeple (3200m) had the smallest field for the day at Penshurst on Tuesday, but this did not detract from a thrilling event from start to finish. The Geelong stable of Kevin was confident of landing first prize, while connections of Coy Boy declared the Mt. Gambier horse as being a great bet. Both jumpers were well placed throughout with Coy Boy (5-2) doing best in the run home to defeat Kevin (7-4 fav.) with Gala Song (5-2) a close third. Veteran Mt. Gambier trainer, Mr. H. C. Campbell, engaged Adelaide rider R. Neuhuber for Coy Boy.
25 years ago
AN Overwhelming majority of people surveyed in the former Wannon Shire, including Coleraine and Balmoral, believe the introduction of electronic gaming machines (EGM) have had a negative economic impact. Sixty-seven per cent of residents in the shire believe gaming machines have left communities worse off economically. Almost as many people – 65 percent – believe the EGMs have had a negative social impact. This was despite the fact that there were no gaming machines in Wannon – and people had to travel to Hamilton or Horsham to play them. Only 15 per cent of people surveyed claim the introduction of EGMs had a positive impact economically through job creation, better club and hotel facilities and increased tourism.
THE desire to coach has lured experienced defender, Scott Herrmann, away from Hamilton Imperials to be assistant coach at Glenthompson Football Club. The 1997 Imperials co-captain announced this week his decision to leave the Bulldogs to join new Bloods coach, Tim Delany, at the Mininera and District Football League club. Herrmann said he had been keen to become involved in the coaching side of football and felt he could learn a great deal from Delany, a former teammate at Imperials. He had enjoyed his years in the Western Border Football League with the Bulldogs, but it was time for a change and when this opportunity presented itself, the final decision became an easy one, he said.
