Community
7 December, 2025
Back to the past: Charlton 100 years ago
What was happening in Charlton 100 years ago? A fire broke out in a stack of timber and dunnage owned by the Victorian Producers’ Ltd, the Low Water Bridge was completed and more.
100 Years Ago
November 28 - December 2, 1925
Fire Near Grain Sheds: A fire broke out in a stack of timber and dunnage owned by the Victorian Producers’ Ltd, situated near the railway line, just north of the Grain Shed. The bell rung about 4.30pm, and the brigade was on the scene within a few minutes. On arrival it was evident that the fire had been smouldering for some time. The cause of the outbreak is unknown. The damage caused is roughly estimated at £125.The movements of the Brigade were somewhat hampered, over 700 feet of hose being required to reach the blaze. The water pressure was good. Firemen showed plenty of courage and determination in facing the terrific heat.
Wandering Cows – The Editor, “The Tribune”: Dear Sir, Can you suggest any remedy for wandering cows in the main streets. The danger to traffic at night time doesn’t matter. We realise the Council cannot be expected to do anything. Owners of gardens do not need any consideration – the law of humanity demands that half-starved animals be fed. Perhaps a subscription list might help – funds to be used to feed the domestic pets, and then drive them home for the night. The owners would then feel happy, car drivers would be safe, gardens would be saved and complaints would be at an end. Yours, etc, “HOPEFUL”
The Sheep That Came Home: In May Messrs Edward Trenchard sold on account of Messrs Lynas Bros, Culgoa, to Messrs Robertson Bros. On May 19th Lynas Bros removed 300 sheep to a property at Wooroonook, a distance of about 45 miles. On November 19th, 100 of these particular sheep were put on the road and were lost sight of. They were tracked to Culgoa, and found on the property from which they had been removed. This is one of the most remarkable instances of sheep possessing a homing instinct we have heard of.
The Low Water Bridge has been completed within the last few days. Constructed from timber materials taken partly from the old bridge and partly new timber, the structure has a length of 112 feet with a roadway 12 ft 6 ins in width. The bridge which will be mainly used as a crossing for sheep and cattle is very substantial. The work of constructing the bridge was done in remarkably short time, approximately only a month being taken from start to finish.
Obituary: The grim reaper took another old pioneer of the district when Mrs Margaret Strayhorn passed away at her residence in Watson Street. Mrs Strayhorn was born in County Dublin in Ireland in 1860, and first came to Victoria at the age of 20. She had resided in the Charlton district for over 40 years, for sometime at Glenloth and later in Charlton. She was well known and respected by many. For some years past her health had been very bad. She was 65 years of age. During her last illness she was looked after by her niece, Mrs Tormey. She is survived by her two brothers Michael and George Fanning.
Value of Tar Coating Roads: The reason why light motor traffic causes the disintegration of water bound macadam roads is that the motion of the wheels removes the grit and sand that bind the road together. If the extraction of this fine binding material can be prevented, water bound macadam roads will be suitable for motor traffic. This can be done by surface painting with a thin layer of heated bitumen.
Motorists Note: having installed the latest “Milwaukee” visible petrol pump, Mr H. Dew, the Victory Garage, Is enabled to handle petrol in bulk. The new petrol pump is a handsome one and gives accurate and speedy measure, the amount of petrol being predetermined and served direct from the container into customer’s car in full view. The “Milwaukee” is a dependable, speedy and accurate pump.
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