Brave rescue at Murchison in August 1974

Mrs Denis Downard, new proprietor of Murchison Bakery, displayed extraordinary
bravery after a car crashed through the bridge into the flooded Goulburn River. Plunging in, she was able to push the driver, her brother Graham Presswell, to the bank. Others helped rescue Miss Margaret Weaver of Murchison, but the second passenger, Gary Langley of Heidelberg, could not be saved. The price of the Chronicle rose by a hefty 20%, from 8 cents to 10 cents per copy, said to be due to increases in paper prices. Advertising prices also went up.

Legal matters

Coroner, Mr A. J. Curtain, held an inquest into death of local Dr Torrance Crosgrove, finding he died of asphyxia arising from use of heavy drugs. He was unable to declare whether the drugs taken the night before his death were deliberately or accidently ingested, so returned an open finding. Constable Norman Conway was farewelled with speeches by Ted Whitehead (Youth Club), Jack Risstrom (for local Justices of the Peace), and Superintendent Smith of Echuca Police. Spotlight shooters were warned off after hitting Gobarup house with pellets, leaving gates open and releasing livestock.

Shire of Waranga

Jim Hastings was appointed Health Inspector after several years of that role
being shared with neighbouring shires. He planned to travel from Kyneton each week, take private board in the town, and give first attention to immunisation programmes against diphtheria and whooping cough, and to non-compliant offensive trades, like local piggeries. Retiring as Councillors were H. V. (Bill)
Borger after 28 years and three terms as President, and Jack Stewart after three years representing the N-E Riding, only created in 1971.
Government grant cuts threatened to reduce outdoor shire staff, already too busy
on shovels doing flood repairs to roads.

Schools

Mrs Nurse attended Rushworth Primary, to assist Grade 6 Maths, especially metric measurements. Lyn claimed that she learned metrics along with the children. Fourteen families extended home hospitality to children from Apollo Bay Primary, and with their Grade 4 colleagues, they visited the eucalyptus factory. Footy match between local students and visitors saw a local win, naming Gary Hitchcock, Mark McGuire, Donald Potter and Ian Raglus as the stars. On departure, Apollo Bay students presented the local school library with a book about sea shells. Ann Anderson succeeded Shirley Jacobson as Mothers Club President, secretary Joyce Robbins and treasurer Mrs Crosbie re-elected.

Community

Colbo Young Farmers President Ken McMurtrie thanked judges attending the Club
Ball, new Shire President Alan Hammond, Mrs Hammond and daughter Nola, who
selected Miss Irene Johnson of Elmore as Princess of the Ball, Miss Jenny Freeman of Bendigo as Belle, and Mrs Hughes of Bendigo as Matron. Club secretary Shane Ryan presented flowers to the judges. (How often does he give wife Robyn flowers?) Rushworth Red Cross branch set annual membership fee at 20 cents, holding monthly meetings in the Fire Brigade hall, and arranging clothing for flood victims across Victoria.
Julie Mann was inducted as a Queen’s Guide at Colbinabbin, having obtained 25
badges for displaying various guide skills. Heather and Kathleen Purvis were selected for a guide trip on various trams around Victoria.
Trevor Branson handed presidency of Rushworth-Colbinabbin Apex Club to Max
Richards. A cabaret ball was planned at Murchison by football club president David Anthony and secretary June Dixon.

Personal

Andrew Alexander James Spence, known as Alex, died suddenly at Mooroopna Hospital. He was the father of Peter and Graham, and had been active in the Band,
the Presbyterian church, and in High School theatrical presentations. Stanhope CWA member Mrs Harrison died.
Yvonne Hill of Colbinabbin entered Miss Australia quest, supported by Apex Club and her employer, McNiece Brothers of Bendigo. Georgina Kate arrived for Ross and Mrs Hammond of Murchison.

Pigeon racing

Head winds and slow times hampered the Old Bird race from Finley, won by H. Fleming, ahead of R. Fleming and C. Beck.

Football

Alec Horne kicked five goals as Rushworth 18-9 beat Mount Pleasant 10-5. As one of the best he was joined by Herb and Bill Barlow, Dave Farrer, Mick O’Sullivan
and G. Heily. Barney Tuohey, Bill Whatley, Nick Nihill, B. Hamblin, D. Tresize and M. Frawley were named for Mounts. Rushy Seconds scored 9-15 to Mounts 3-6, with best shown as Malcolm McLean, Chris and Wayne Hageman, Graeme Jones,
Trevor Hawking and Terry Cogan. The Heathcote match report mentioned
“shocking ground, shocking facilities, shocking umpiring and shocking kicking”,
with a tiny space for time-keepers, no room for the press, and cold showers. However Rushworth’s 8-25 topped Heathcote’s 10-11 by two points, as Horne and W. Barlow each split the big sticks twice. It was closer in the Seconds, Rushworth
playing a draw 4-5 to 3-11, with best given as J. Williams (which is puzzling, possibly I. Williams), Barry Thompson, Chris Hageman, Rod Jones, Charlie Potter and Greg Cruz. With scores level at half-time, Colbo kicked seven goals to one in the second half to beat Heathcote 14-11 to 9-9. This was without McCubbery, McEvoy and Gerry Brown, then Trevor Cheatley replaced John Hamilton (shoulder) and Ian Marrett came on when Brendan Tuohey suffered a suspected
broken hand. Three goals each to Emsley, Pinniger and McCormick, with Oborne, Ellis, Lundberg and G. McTaggert named as best. Colbo Seconds were flying, beating Heathcote 4-6 to 3-6, thanks to G. Rathjen, Marrett, B. McIntosh, J. O’Dwyer, L. McMurtrie and Danny McArdle. Colbo went down to Tooborac 5-10 to 6-9, losing Glen McTaggert in the first quarter, needing stitches over his eye. Graham Reid was concussed, not knowing where he was, and Oborne was replaced by Marrett in the last quarter. Trevor Cheatley kicked a goal, and the Macs were best - Bryon McIntosh, Ken McMurtrie and John McEvoy. Girgarre footy was thriving, the Seniors second on the ladder, the Seconds and Thirds
both on top.

Netball

Both Rushworth teams went down to Mounts but no scores or best players were
published. Against Heathcote, A-grade lost by three, B-grade won by three and only Gillian Risstrom was named.

Golf

Bill Cruz won A-grade, over Peter Home and David Heily. In B-grade it was Colin Barlow, from father Bob, and Craig Teasdale. Slim Perry was NTP, again.
Ann Anderson went round in 100, minus 36 handicap, to win with 64, over Amy
McIntosh 83-18 for a 65, and Shirley Raglus 93-28, also for 65.