From the pages of the McIvor Times

140 years ago

Published 18 April 1884

To the Editor of the McIvor Times

Sir, — The late secretary of the Acclimatisation Society made a fatal mistake in introducing sparrows, like the Scotchman who has the discredit of bringing the thistles, and we surely have trouble enough with them and kindred pests to make us wary of tolerating fresh arrivals. I happened to know that several ladies (who, like their mother, Eve, have been fascinated with the beautiful and the forbidden) have been so taken with the pale green of the young Bathurst burr that they have been delighted in transferring it to their flower beds, and the result is that various places, notably in the allotment adjoining Craven’s hotel, and the banks of the drain between Sim’s and Spreadbury’s properties, there is seed enough just coming to maturity to cover the whole neighbourhood. I have directed attention several times to the existence of this troublesome pest amongst us. Perhaps, now I have made it public, the flock owners will take alarm.

Yours very truly,

Wm Youle

90 years ago

Published 4 April 1934

Kit Kat Revue

In introducing the Kit Kat Revue company to Heathcote, the manager, Mr Dave Bell, is no stranger, having managed the blind entertainers for the past few years, and his ability to please an audience is a revelation.

This company will appear at Heathcote on Wednesday next, April 11, with many specialty acts and musical features.

Les Rohmer has been heard through all the A class broadcasting stations of Australia, and his piano accordion will be a real novelty.

Barry Hiching has just terminated a three years’ engagement with 3DB Melbourne, working many skits with the well known Charlie Vaude.

Other members are all from Melbourne’s latest revue shows, including that champion Whistler, Pauline Juste, and Australia’s premier tap dancer, Betty Noble.

Paul du Burr, lightning sketch artist, and others also appear.

The box plan, for the reservation of seats, is open at Mr Siddall’s newsagency.

*****

Important discoveries

A discovery of great importance to the gold-mining industry around this district, and one which may have far-reaching effects, has been brought under our notice.

Mr H Woodward, a well-known prospector and miner with much experience of alluvial and reef workings, brought into the town some specimens of gold-bearing stone secured from a loom obtained some three or four miles from Heathcote.

Mr Woodward estimates these to contain from eight to 10 oz of gold, and being obtained in a floater he is confident of soon being able to locate the reef.

This discovery was made in a continuation of a known line of reef which was very rich in the early days.

40 years ago

Published 11 April 1984

Tony on the high seas

When Craftsman Tony Pangrazio of Heathcote, and Richard Ejlak of Holsworthy, NSW, joined the army they probably never guessed that one day they would end up in the engine room of a 6,000 tonnes ship. The craftsman were among 150 soldiers from Holsworthy’s 1st Field Squadron travelling to New Zealand aboard HMAS Tobruk and their skills as electrical and mechanical engineers were quickly put to good use.

Looking on as the two soldiers take an oil level is leading seaman Chris Maadden of Belmont, WA.

While in New Zealand the squadron’s tradesmen will spend a month working alongside their counterparts while a similar contingent of Kiwis is in Queensland.