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

50 years ago

A FREAK storm which pelted down 180 points, in just 30 minutes, and violent winds, caused many thousands of dollars damage to Hamilton shops and dwellings on Tuesday afternoon. The cascading rainwater which accompanied the torrential downpour completely covered the commercial area at its height and was more than one foot deep in several places, stranding motorists and shoppers alike. One modern home in Laidlaw St. had its roof completely torn off when it was struck by a “whirlwind” which scattered the corrugated aluminium roof over a wide area. Several Hamilton hotels were hit by the storm and at least one was forced to pull up carpet in its lounge. A $15,000 crane belonging to SVC in lodge Rd. toppled over and smashed.

ST MARY’S, on top of Hamilton men’s A grade basketball ladder throughout the season, are likely to be toppled in tonight’s second semi-final by the Tigers. The Tigers’ trump card will be their height, and this should overcome the big three for St. Mary’s – Chuck Loomer, Candles’ McGrath and Les Payne. The big guns for the Tigers are Doug Smith, Rob Greed, Gus Kuilboer and Don Preston, all experienced and all six footers. McGrath and Payne have long been among the association’s top players, but this season they have been somewhat overshadowed by the brilliant Loomer. But should Tigers take control of the rebounds, then the opportunities for Loomer will be restricted and Payne and McGrath will need to be in top form if St. Mary’s are to take the game right up to the Tigers.

25 years ago

SOUTHERN Grampians Shire has a new Mayor – Cr Howard Templeton of Coleraine. Cr Templeton, deputy mayor in 1997-98, was elected Mayor at the council’s statutory meeting on Wednesday. Councillors also fixed allowances for the new year – a rise of $1000 to $11,000 for councillors and a total of $33,000 for the Mayor. The mayor’s allowance represents a drop of $4000. In 1997 the Mayor received a fixed mayoral allowance of $27,000 plus the $10,000 councillor’s allowance, total of $37,000. This year, the mayor’s allowance was fixed by State Government at three times the councillor’s allowance. In his acceptance speech, Cr Templeton assured ratepayers that the council was doing all it could to provide the framework necessary for growth and prosperity in the shire.

A BRITISH Open runner-up heads the field of 80 professionals set to arrive in Hamilton for Monday’s pro-am tournament at Hamilton Golf Club. Melbourne golfer, Mike Harwood, who finished second in the 1991 British Open, will be among the professionals competing in the stroke event for the $7000 purse. About 110 amateurs from throughout the Hamilton district will take part in a stableford competition alongside the professionals. Hamilton Golf Club president, John Smith, said on Thursday some 10 amateur places were still available in the morning draw, although the afternoon schedule was full. The professionals would also compete for the longest drive on the par five fifth hole and all competitors would vie for nearest the pin prizes, Mr Smith said.