50 years ago
RURAL industry leaders have hailed the Australian Government’s decision to devalue the Australian dollar by 12 per cent. They expect it to give a boost to meat and wool exports and to help manufacturers compete with imports. They forecast it will lead to increased returns to farmers and restore a measure of confidence to rural industries. Although it had been advocated by farmer organisations, the Government’s decision came as a surprise. Nothing was known of the move until rumours of an impending devaluation circulated in the bar at Parliament House late Tuesday night. Apart from the devaluation, the Government has cut the dollar’s link with the United States dollar which has been rising in value in recent months.
THE Far Western District Bowling Association Division A pennant will include a bye this season. This follows the promotion of Heywood to the top grade to make a total of seven teams. There will also be a new look to Division B with two sections to cater for extra teams. Macarthur is a newcomer to pennant, while Coleraine will have two teams this season. There has been no change to the system of playing finals. The top two teams at the end of the home-and-home matches will meet in the Division A final, while the two section winners will play off in the Division B final. Pennant will begin on Saturday week at 1.45. Officials have agreed to a two-end roll up before the start of play each Saturday, so long as it is finished before 1.45.
25 years ago
FRANCES Hewett Community Centre faces relocation if Southern Grampians Shire Council accepts an offer made through a Hamilton real estate agent for the Gray St, Hamilton Building. And the former Queen Victoria Cottage site in Tyers St has been earmarked as the centre’s new site. The current building, at 44 Gray St, was formerly the Commonwealth Bank regional office. It was bought by the council in 1995 after the previous community centre in Brown St was demolished and the site bought by McDonald’s. One of the main arguments at the time for buying the former bank building was that it was in the central business district and readily accessible. However, the board of directors of Western District Health Service was told on Thursday that the shire’s acceptance of the offer for the building was subject to finding alternative accommodation for the community centre’s service providers.
VETERAN Penola-trained gelding, Bay Strike, will be trying to improve on his already imposing racing record when he lines up in the $12,000 Kelvinator-Coleraine Electric Coleraine Cup (1800m) tomorrow. Bay Strike will be facing the starter for the 77th time tomorrow. His record is excellent with 18 wins and 23 minor placings to his credit. He showed he is not far away from the winner’s stall with a second placing in the Mindarie-Halidon Cup (1800m) last Sunday. His record over 1800m is impressive, two wins and two minor placings from six starts over the distance. The nine-year-old gelding will have the services of top Western District jockey, Neville Wilson. The main danger to Bay Strike will be the Mt Gambier-trained mare, Megastar.
