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

50 years ago

HAMILTON could have a “mini-lake” on the Grange Burn in the near future if representations being made in Melbourne today are successful. Representatives from the Hamilton Apex Club will seek permission from the State rivers and Water Supply Commission to build a weir across the Grange Burn. The club is also considering establishing a mini-bike track on land adjacent to the Grange Burn. The chairman of the club’s Grange Burn Development Committee, Mr. John Love, said yesterday that if approved, the weir would be built on the site of a previous weir, once used to form a swimming pool on the Burn. “The aim is to present a pleasant stretch of water to encourage bird life, and to supplement the picnic and barbecue area being developed,” he said.

MEMBERS of the Hamilton Amateur Athletic Club, who have been disappointed at being “forgotten” by the club, this week made arrangements themselves to represent Hamilton at an inter-club meeting at Geelong on Saturday. The Hamilton team will consist of Kerry Storer, Michael Callaway and Gary Burke, while two Hamilton girls – Julie McDonald and Yvonne Flood – will run for Koroit. Before Hamilton recently formed a club for boys, Hamilton lads competed at VAAA meetings as independents. The lads know it will take much time and effort to put Hamilton’s name on the athletic map, but their enthusiasm and dedication is laying a solid foundation for the future. Meanwhile, HAAC secretary, Mr. R Ward, denied this week that the boys had been forgotten by officials.

25 years ago

CONSERVATION and Land Management Minister, Marie Tehan, has rejected a rail trail along the Hamilton-Coleraine railway line, bringing to an end a nine-year battle over the future of the line. Her decision against a rail trail has disappointed some conservationists – but delighted landowners along the line. However, Mrs Tehan’s decision does move some way towards what conservationists were aiming for. She told Southern Grampians Shire Council she had considered all views of the competing parties and decided the former railway line would remain in public ownership – and be reserved for conservation and recreation purposes. However, she said the rail trail proposal was “not to proceed at this stage”.

CASTERON has continued its strong pre-season recruiting drive by announcing Craig Beames as the club’s senior coach for the 1998 season. The announcement comes just days after the Cats appointed gun Mortlake full-forward, Tim Chatfield, as its senior-coach. Beames has been playing in the Alice Springs Football League and will add some strength to the Cat’s big man department because of his considerable size. A member of Casterton’s recruiting committee, John Rooke, said Beames would be a real bonus to the club’s stocks. Casterton finished last on the Western Border Football League ladder last season and has started preparing for the new season in a very positive manner with signings of Chatfield and Beams.