50 years ago

HAMILTON would have a new high school within three years under a Labor Government, the State Opposition Leader, Mr. Holding, promised at an ALP campaign meeting on Monday night. In making a number of election promises for Hamilton and district, Mr. Holding estimated the cost to the Government would be roughly $700,000. In a long and detailed policy speech before an audience of 70 people in the Hamilton Town Hall supper room, Mr. Holding said it was time the Government assumed responsibility for regional development. His development plans included: A new high school, Renovations of the present high school to be taken over by Hamilton Technical School subject to both schools’ approval. Immediate start on a sheltered workshop at Mulleraterong without matching local grant.

THE SHARPENER, who has gone up 3kg for his win in the Casterton Cup (2000m) last Friday, should be equal to the task in the Hamilton May Cup tomorrow. Although the field may not be quite as strong as last week’s, The Sharpener’s front-running style of tactics will be put to the test up the long Hamilton straight. The May Cup will be the first leg of the TAB double, with a most open Welter (1400 m) providing punters with the chance of value as the second leg. The track would have to be described as “heavy” following showers this week, although certain sections could provide good going. If The Sharpener can run out the 2000 meters with his big weight there will be no danger as he handles heavy tracks well.

25 years ago

HAMILTON Apex Club has been given permission by Southern Grampians Shire Council to re-install a K class locomotive in Apex Park, after a majority of councillors were convinced there was likely to be no major asbestos problem. However, the shire has asked Apex’s national body to indemnify council against any loss or damage if it’s sued by people claiming they have been exposed to asbestos in the locomotive. Hamilton Apex Club has no problems with this requirement – and says a bigger problem facing the locomotive’s long-awaited arrival into Hamilton might be the weather. The replacement locomotive weighs 90 tonnes, and stable ground is needed for heavy haulage and lifting it onto transport. “If winter sets in early, it may be spring before we can collect it,” Hamilton Apex Club president, David Jackson, warned after the council meeting.

WESTERN Border Football League selectors have chosen a tall side for the round one Booze Less Country Championship match against Wimmera Football League today. Horsham City Oval, which is believed to be in fantastic condition, will be the venue for the match and Western Border will aim to return to the winning list at interleague level, despite its recent poor performances. Western Border only retained its place in the division two draw because of a victory over Alberton Football League in a qualifying match at Melville Oval last season. The side has lost a number of its key players to injury and unavailability, but interleague coach, Wayne Fletcher, said on Thursday he was confident the Western Border side would be competitive.