From the pages of the McIvor Times

140 years ago

Published 12 December 1884

THE session of parliament, which is now drawing to a close, is one that should long be remembered by the residents of this district, in as much as in it a Railway Construction Bill has been carried through, which will give them a line of railway that, when constructed, should have a magical effect on the prosperity of the localities interested.

The railway question has for years been an absorbing and vital one for the people of the district, and the long struggles that have taken place over it may be regarded as things of the past not likely to occur again.

It often happened during the struggle that our hopes appeared to be realised, but something unforeseen arose and caused disappointment.

Now, however, circumstances bear quite a different aspect, and on the Railway Bill, including our line, having passed through both Houses of Parliament, all doubts are removed, and the construction of the line is a matter of certainty, being now only a question of time.

90 years ago

Published 5 December 1934

After many struggles the Heathcote Citizens Brass Band died out peacefully.

Not a sound of lamentation or regret was heard from the general public, which is but another instance of the indifference of our people to the welfare of the district.

Not a question was raised publicly as to why the band ceased to function–it had ceased to exist, and that was all the public knew or cared.

Were the people interested deeply they might have asked a number of pointed questions.

Was the reason for its cessation the fault of bandsman, the committee of management, or that that of the public whose patronage was essential?

But no query was raised so it would appear that the public is not vitally interested.

Mr Coyle, MLA, says there is no thing finer than music for children.

One avenue for the musical expression of our youngsters is by blowing down a brass pipe.

Every child has an intuitive desire to express himself in music.

It can be seen any day at anytime.

If he has the glorious opportunity of learning, by playing the piano; if not, he shows it by the aid of a mouth-organ, a tin whistle, a gum-leaf, a kerosene tin–or, last but by no means least, by joining the village band.

40 years ago

Published 5 December 1984

Heathcote buildings go on canvas

The winner of the 1984 Heathcote Art Exhibition, Paul Casey, has now settled in Heathcote and has been painting many of the various buildings in the town.

Since moving to Heathcote Paul and Gail Johnston have worked on converting the former Presbyterian Church into living quarters and studio.

Paul and Gail have a number of plans for the future including a gallery where local artists and potters etc, will be able to display their work.

Drawing classes are also a project for the future.

Published 12 December 1984

NSW visitors

Officers of the Soil Conservation Service of NSW recently visited the Heathcote branch of the Soil Conservation.

The two officers were Mr Peter Laybutt of Young and Mr Noel Kesby of Braidwood.

Their purpose for the visit was to investigate the Lake Eppalock project to study erosion control works that have been successfully carried out in the project.