50 years ago

RURAL industry leaders have welcomed the Federal Government’s initial moves to stabilise farm incomes. But they are worried that some farmers may be forced out of the industry before the plan is put into operation. The Prime Minister on Tuesday night asked the Industries Assistance Commission to report on ways of giving farmers a stable, guaranteed income. But industry leaders fear it could be a year or 18 months before the report is produced. A period, during which some farmers may face financial ruin. Comments from the president of the Graziers’ Association of Victoria, Mr. Sam Burston, of Casterton, were typical of the reaction from rural leaders yesterday. Mr. Burston said his association approved of the plan in principle. “But if this goes to the IAC, it could be a year or more before anything is done and the situation is urgent,” he said.

GLENBURN Guy became the first local horse to win a Hamilton Pacing Cup when he scored a popular win for many Hamilton punters on Tuesday. The five-year-old started at 5-2 favourite. Tote punters received twice these odds because the horse was easy in TAB betting when Melbourne newspapers listed an ‘unknown’ reinsman as its driver. Glenburn Guy was well driven by Rick McClaer. He had the race won a long way from home, with John’s Own (12-1) and Cherry Dee (14-1) filling the placings. While nothing can be taken away from Glenburn Guy’s win, the eye-catching run in the race came from Welvan. After missing the start Welvan came from last to fifth in the home straight. It was his first start for five months and the horse is cherry ripe to win when produced in a mobile event.

25 years ago

SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council has agreed to sell the Frances Hewett Community Centre (FHCC) in Gray St to an unknown buyer, for a sum believed to be in excess of $500,000. The shire’s chief executive, Graham Mostyn said the council had been dealing via a real estate agent, and even it didn’t know who the prospective buyer was. Speculation has been strong that a timber company is the buyer, but all currently located in the district have denied it. A number of conditions are attached to the sale – and it’s also subject to the purchaser arranging suitable finance. Possession will be given by March 31 next year. Currently there are 26 tenants in the two-story Gray St building and they will be relocated to the Queen Victoria Cottage site in Tyers St.

PENSHURST Football Club is still searching for a senior coach for the 2000 Mininera and District Football League season. Club president, Paul Nash, confirmed yesterday the club was yet to appoint a coach for the up coming season to replace Wayne Driscoll, who has decided not to re-apply for the position. Speculation was rife that Imperials midfielder, Darrin Findlay, had been on the short list of applicants, however his appointment as Hamilton’s senior coach this season has left the Bombers short. Glenthompson is yet to confirm the appointment of Peter Morganti as senior coach for the 2000 season, however the announcement is expected to be made at the club’s annual general meeting on November 9.