General News
31 January, 2026
Charlton 100 years ago: farm accidents, bread prices and more
What was Charlton like 100 years ago? Take a look.
100 Years Ago
January 23 - 27
Accident to Mr H. Clark: While engaged in the erection of the new residence of Mr R. H. Klunder, in High Street, a painful accident befell Mr H. Clark, builder. Mr Clark was working on the roof of the building when having occasion to reach the ground, he commenced to climb down, when one of the loose ceiling joists turned suddenly, precipitating him to the ground, a distance of about 11 feet. On removal to the hospital it was found that one of the main bones in his left forearm was broken.
Obituary: When death claimed Mr John Waters Keirce, of Buckrabanyule the district lost another sturdy old pioneer. About three years ago Mr Keirce was taken with a serious illness from which he never seemed to completely recover. Born in the year 1850, in County Clare (Ireland), Mr Keirce first came to Australia at the age of 7. His parents settled at Clunes and took up farming. During the early 70s he and his brother came to Wychitella, where he selected land. Later he moved to the Buckrabanyule district. In 1876 he was married to Miss Isabella Chesterman of Wychitella, who now survives him, together with his bereaved family of two sons and four daughters.
School Commences: The H.E. School has commenced tuition when, in addition to last year’s pupils, six new pupils were enrolled. Accommodation is available in the town for country children, and those desiring to commence the High School Course should do so at the beginning of the scholastic year. Mr L. J. Bowe, who has been teaching at the school for some time, has been selected as one of the Diploma 20 to study free at the Melbourne University the course for the Diploma of Education.
Price of Bread: Owing to the reduction in the price of flour, the Charlton Bakery have decided to reduce the price of bread by 1d per large loaf for cash trade. The prices will be: Cash on Delivery 1/-, Entered in book 1/1.
Dust Bath: Pedestrians in Watson Street were edified by the spectacle of a white cow having a dust bath near the intersection of Learmonth Street. Not content with pawing clouds of dust over herself with a foreleg, she knelt down and threw it over her shoulders and back with her head. And there was still plenty of fine dust in heaps, and to spare.
Amalgamation of Sports: Representatives from the various sporting and other bodies met at the football ground to discuss the advisability of the proposed amalgamation of all sports on the one ground. Members of the Race Club had inspected the land and had marked out a rough idea of the track. This track would not interfere with the Tennis Club or Golf Club. The Agricultural Society had been moving to have al the sports on the one ground for some time. A vote was taken and carried unanimously.
Cricket: Charlton visited Jeffcott and after a fine game the visitors won by 3 wickets and 45 runs. Jeffcott batted first, but, owing to the fine form of the Charlton bowlers were all out for 42. A. G. Day (Charlton, with 32) was the top scorer. Day has played in six matches and has shown fine form. His Scores have been 38, 17, 27 (retired), 78 (not out), 31 and 42. This gives him an average of 44.6 which any player would be proud of. Other Charlton players: R. Landman, R. Boorn, S. Wood, J. Pollard, C. Dew, R. Curnow, J. Grant, W. Fitzgerald, F. Robertson, G. Hudson.
Tennis: The Charlton Methodist Club visited Yeungroon and had a good win. During the day a splendid afternoon tea was provided by the Yeungroon ladies. Charlton players: Men- C. and A. Curnow, F. Edwards, J. Wheatley, W. and L. Curnow, H. Hinkins, S. Wood, J. Greenway, R. Curnow;
Ladies – Misses G. Curnow, F. Edwards, C. and E. Curnow, J. Procter, P. Dew, L Hinkins, M. Jenkins and L. Procter. Results: Methodist Club, 13 sets, 95 games; Yeungroon, 8 sets, 84 games.
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