Community
3 March, 2026
Charlton 100 years ago: district land values and teeth troubles
Want to know what was making news 100 years ago?
District Land Values: During the past month many valuable blocks of land have changed hands within the district. High prices and quick sales have been frequent. Instances of the largely increased value of agricultural and pastoral land may be seen from the following:- At Jeffcott North the property of Mr Hudson was sold to Mr John Donnellon for £15 per acre. At West Charlton Mr J. Cox sold 400 acres to his brother Mr G. Cox, for £16 an acre, and at Jeffcott the property known as Hoare’s was sold at £14 per acre.
Another Dust Storm: Dust storms are not strange to Charlton. After a close, sultry day, with a hot north wind which helped to keep the temperature up to 90 degrees at 9pm, the wind rose in violence, and starting about nine in the evening a heavy dust storm arose which raged for a considerable time. The velocity of the wind was that sundry tanks (empty of course) were blown over. To add to the discomfort lights began to go out. However, with a very light shower of rain a cool change arrived early on Thursday.
Personal: In the competition for the best kept railway house in the Bendigo district the first prize (of £3/10/) was awarded to Mr Shaw, line repairer, at Charlton.
Interview By English Paper: Mr Edwin Wiles has been in Sleaford, England, on a holiday. Mr Wiles was born in Adelaide in 1855. After leaving school at the age of 18 he “picked up land” and was one of the pioneers of the Charlton district, which is now one of the principal wheat bearing districts of Australia. Today the farmers’ life is comparatively a pleasure. All have the advantage of the telephone, most are fitted up with wireless, and 95 per cent run motor cars. There is improvement in machinery: in the early days there was hand binding, then the binder, then “the Stripper” and now “the Harvester”.
Bush Fire Relief Fund: Moved by feelings of sympathy by the tragic sufferings of the victims of the recent bush fires, the children of the H.E.S. organised a benefit concert. The idea of rendering assistance originated with the children themselves, and the concert programme was arranged and carried out under their management. The whole school assembled in the sloyd room. The 16 items were all given by the children, and consisted of pianoforte solos, violin solos, songs and recitations. A collection taken up at the door resulted in the splendid total of £11.
Charlton Water Supply: The Charlton Water Trust has received a letter from the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission relative to the water supply from the new reservoir. The consumption for four weeks to 17.02.26 from 20.01.26 was 3,300.000 gallons, this amounts to £82. 10/-, or about £1050 a year. The present consumption seems very high, and should be reduced. Until meters are installed no irrigating should be permitted, and only the hosing of gardens by means of a hose held in the hand should be done.
Tractor School: It is never too late to learn! A tractor school will be held on the premises of Wm Wylie. School begins at 9am and fully qualified and experienced experts will dismantle a 15-30 McCormick-Deering tractor.
Teeth Troubles: Messrs Knight and Hickey announce that they have now the necessary plant for effecting repairs to artificial teeth, and that such repairs can be carried out within two hours of receiving the work. Presentation to Miss A. Hedger: In the Presbyterian Hall a large number of friends of Miss A. Hedger attended a kitchen tea and social evening in her honour. After a musical programme and a presentation the gathering indulged in various games and enjoyed a hearty supper.
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