50 years ago

VICTORIAN Farmers’ Union president, Mr. Jim Heffernan, believes wool prices will rise despite the world’s financial crisis. Mr. Heffernan said yesterday there were early signs the Australian Wool Corporation’s strong stand in setting a firm floor price at markets was working. Wool prices which had been heading down for months had firmed and increased, and buyers were returning to the market with confidence. Mr. Heffernan said the VFU was proud of the role it played in having the Australian Government approve the corporation’s decision for a firm floor price. The Government gave this approval when it pledged its support to the corporation’s commercial judgments.

THE injuries which have reduced Hamilton from being a likely final five team to a weak combination, has led the Magpies to the crossroads this week. At anywhere near full strength the Magpies would thrash Heywood, but with Graeme Byrne and Jock Whiting sending the injured list to nine, Heywood must have a real chance of winning on Saturday. This match is a must if Hamilton is to stay within reach of Portland and Coleraine, the other two teams which are striving to enter the top five through the back door.

25 years ago

A MELBOURNE university is set to buy Hamilton’s former vet lab in Ballarat Rd to convert into a tertiary learning centre for the region. The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology made the announcement yesterday during a two-day conference in the district. Hamilton’s push to become a centre for educational excellence is expected to be greatly bolstered with the announcement. The university proposes to convert the site into a learning centre, designed to act as the hub of the region’s successful RMIT International Community Exchange (RICE) program. All RICE programs will be managed from the new centre. The building has recently been vacated by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment which was relocated to Mt Napier Rd.

INJURY and suspension has left Hamilton Imperials without three key players for its important clash against Portland in today’s round seven of Western Border Football League. Senior captain, Bernie Porter, and midfielder Matt Bowie have been ruled out of the match through injury while attacking defender, Brad Mawson, could not be considered after being suspended this week. Into the Bulldogs’ team comes Shane Franklin, named at full-forward with spearheads John Uebergang and Jason Muldoon lining up either side of him, Hamish Browning and under-18 players, Aaron Sherlock and Josh Leech. James Polack will return to Imperials’ under-18 side this week.