General News
15 August, 2026
Charlton 100 Years Ago: Mechanics Institute ball and spring cart smash
What was making news in Charlton in 1926.
100 Years Ago
July 28 - 31, 1926
Mechanics’ Institute Ball: To further augment the funds of the Mechanics’ Institute, the new committee organised a grand ball. The assurance that good music and supper would be provided induced many to travel long distances to be present. Through the capable organising of the secretary (Miss Frahm), the committee’s efforts were crowded with success, and the funds should benefit to the extent of about £20.
A.N.A: At the usual fortnightly meeting of the A.N.A. opportunity was taken by the president (Mr M. Leehane) to present a handsome framed ex-president’s certificate to Mr A. Thompson. In the course of his remarks the president referred to the good work done for the branch and the great interest he had taken in A.N. A. ism. Later in the evening a shooting match was held, a “tarpaulin muster” was called for and resulted in an easy win for Mr Leehane.
Castlemaine Butter Factory: Messrs O’Donnell and Burton have been appointed receiving agents for the Castlemaine Butter Factory, and farmers are requested to consign their cream through this channel, saving themselves freight and consignment troubles. The Castlemaine factory guarantees correct weights, grade and test. Cream so consigned will be taken every care of prior to despatch, ensuring arrival at the factory in good condition and so obtaining the best financial returns.
Spring Cart Smashed in Collision: At a late hour the residents at the top end of High Street were awakened by the sound of a galloping horse dragging the broken harness behind him. In the morning it was discovered that a collision had occurred with a tree. Beyond a smashed up spring cart, we are pleased to announce that there were no casualties.
School Honour Boards: Some time ago the Charlton H.E.S. Ex-Students’ Association presented two fine honor boards to the school. As the school records during the years of the war are not complete, the Head master, Mr Marshallsea, will be pleased to receive any corrections or omissions.
Dux Medal Winners: 1912 Beatrice Farren; 1913 Vera Beckham; 1914 & 1915 not known; 1916 John Daniels; 1917 Victoria Bilton; 1918 Grace Robertson, 1919 George Ingram; 1920 Lena McLoughlan, 1921 Jean Wood; 1922 Annie Paterson; 1923 Everett Arundell; 1924 Ida Hando; 1925 Alice Arundell.
New Justice Welcomed: Prior to the opening of proceedings at the Charlton Court of petty Sessions Mr House P.M. extended a welcome to Mr M. Mulquiny, who took his seat on the Bench for the first time. It was gratifying said his worship to find Mr Mulquiny had qualified to fill a position his father had held for many years. In expressing thanks for the welcome extended Mr Mulquiny said on account of the distance he had to travel, he perhaps would not be able to attend the court very regularly but he would always endeavour to carry out the duties in an impartial and proper manner.
Blind Entertainers at Victoria Hall: The hall was well filled and the audience enjoyed to the full a very fine programme presented by the Blind Entertainers. The items rendered were of a distinctive order and encores were demanded and cheerfully given. The performers are experienced artists as was shown in their rendition of the various items. The trapeze and contortionist turn was something quite out of the ordinary. The items were a pianist, magician, humorist, flute solos and a farce “The Ghost in the Pawnshop.” The hon. secretary was Mr Alex Robertson.
Charlton Harriers: The second annual four mile sealed handicap, starting from the Post Office out along the Swan Hill road for two miles and back again. The result being: H. Leech 1; E. Arundell 2; J. Foxwell 3.
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