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

50 years ago

CONFIDENCE in the Hamilton economy is high, with traders in the city reporting increased business in 1972 and forecasting continuing growth in the coming year. Trading results for 1973 were described yesterday as “a terrific recovery” and “an absolute escalation”. Persistent cost increases were the only dark clouds reported on an otherwise bright business horizon. All businesses contacted by the Spectator reported a heavy increase in trading, particularly in the latter months of 1973. The general manager of Millers, Mr. H. G. Branchflower, said the last five months of 1972 had seen a “terrific recovery in business”. “Results for that period were very good and, with the development taking place in the district, it all looks very encouraging for 1973,” he said.

STRONG riding by local riders Sid Buchanan and Peter Barker highlighted Hamilton Cycling Club’s carnival on New Year’s Day. Buchanan defeated a strong field of Melbourne and Adelaide cyclists to win the main event in near record time for the mile. Buchanan won the event in 1:54.2 from Brendan Gleeson (Warrnambool) and Barker. His time may have even bettered the record but for the newly sealed sections of the track becoming soft in the extreme heat conditions on the day. Barker made amends for his narrow defeat when he later won the 10-lap C grade scratch. Coburg Scratchman, Brian Forbes, was in dashing form to take the half mile and five mile scratch events.

25 years ago

A LIBERAL consumption of liquor took no casualties but ensured the 1400 assembled near Balmoral for the annual two-day Tussock Jumpers ball were in fine spirits to greet the new year. Numbers were down on the last ball, when close to 2000 attended, but organisers and police were pleased with the behaviour of those who attended this week’s ball. Tussock Jumpers committee president Tim Leeming, speaking on New Year’s Day, said the only disappointment had been that the attendance was down, something he attributed to rumours floating about that the ball was not going to be held, or that it would not be a two-day event. “It’s the smoothest-run show we’ve ever run,” he said.

MOST people would agree Hamilton loses a significant portion of its population to Port Fairy over the summer holidays. With this in mind, one Hamilton based group has continued to stage its major annual event in January at Port Fairy to take advantage of the seasonal drift. South West Street Rodders will hold its 14th annual street rod run, titled Surfside Campout, at Port Fairy’s Southcombe Park between January 9-11 with club officials expecting about 120 vehicles to take part. Club secretary, Hamilton’s Ian Johnson, said all the vehicles would be pre-1948 models, mostly Fords and many built from scratch by their owners. Activities over the weekend would include a ‘show and shine’ on Sunday, where the public could view the entries.