50 years ago

DUNDAS Shire ratepayers have reacted strongly to a move to end the shire’s library service. Cr. Arch De Garis has given notice of motion that the shire withdraw from the Glenelg. The motion lists rising costs, indefinite information on shire ratepayer use of the service, and expenditure priorities in the current rural economic climate as reasons for ceasing membership. Ratepayers who wanted a say on the matter were invited to submit their views in writing. And it seems quite a few took the opportunity to put their views forward. Shire secretary, Mr. Bob Mitchell, said yesterday there had been a significant response to the invitation.

TREVOR Billingham, the man who founded the Little Athletics’ movement, will come to Hamilton on Monday to save Hamilton Amateur Athletic Club. The two athletic clubs in Hamilton have problems. The boys have the numbers but not the officials. The women’s club has the officials but not enough numbers. If several key officials cannot be found at a special meeting on Monday night, the club is almost certain to go into recess. A likely suggestion to rescue the position made by Mr. Billingham and Hamilton coach Mrs. Lois Simmonds of having the two clubs run together, has been thwarted in Melbourne.

25 years ago

HAMILTON region residents are being urged to undertake fire prevention strategies this summer, as ongoing dry conditions create ominous signs for the traditional fire danger period. Residents have been asked to take action before CFA region four, which covers Glenelg Shire and the north-western area of Southern Grampians Shire, invokes fire restrictions on Monday, December 13. CFA region four operations manager, Malcolm Fallon, said continual dry weather had amplified the fire risk. “Once again CFA is advising that sever conditions exist due to the low rainfall experienced over the past 12 months,” Mr Fallon said. “In fact, the south-west of Victoria has recorded the lowest rainfall since records were first kept, over the past 36 months.

WESTERN Border Football League may play next year’s opening Victorian country championships match as part of a double header in Geelong. Western Border secretary, Brian Hennessy, confirmed yesterday that Victorian Country Football League had proposed Western Border’s division two contest to be a curtain raiser to the division one match between Geelong and Murray. Western Border, demoted from division one for the 2000 championships, is drawn to play Bellarine on the weekend of May 6-7. The proposal will be put to club representatives at Western Border’s annual general meeting tomorrow.