General News
27 January, 2026
Charlton 100 years ago: new popular reservouir, progress association and more
Take a look back at what Charlton looked like 100 years ago.
100 Years Ago
January 16 - 20
NEW Reservoir Popular: Large numbers of residents of the town and district paid a visit to the new reservoir, as the news had spread that the water was rapidly filling the basin. After sampling the water all seemed unanimous in the opinion that it was “good” and would certainly be a great benefit to the town. One of the final stages of the work in connecting the water to the town is testing the pipe line under pressure from the reservoir to the town, and if things prove satisfactory the water should be “turned on” very shortly.
Mill Activities: Since the beginning of the New Year the local flour mill has been running full time on three shifts. An export order now loading for three ships in port (s.s. Baradine, s.s. Ulysses, and s.s. Altona) represents a total consignment 6123 bags of flour for Egyptian and South African ports. The loading from the mill to the railway trucks is being expeditiously handled by the local carriers, Messrs O’Donnell and Burton.
At the Bowling Green: The shade of Mr Samuel Pepys paid a visit to the Charlton Bowling Green, and relates here his impressions: “This day comes my cozen, an enthusiast at the game of bowles and pretty skilful thereat, and he insisted that I go with him to regard the mighty tussle between Charlton and Boort. So up and down High Street (which smells mighty like the nether regions – it being tarred), to the bowling green, and do observe the proceedings with mighty great interest, some players speaking caressingly to the bowles. Charlton do win well.”
Coonooer Bridge: In an article referring to progressive farming in Parkes, NSW, the “Western Champion” mentions favorably the block of Mr J.R. Postlethwaite (formerly of Coonooer Bridge). Dealing with a growing crop competition, the journal states that Mr Postlethwaite’s entry was a very fine block. For type and purity, Mr Postlethwaite’s block was excellent. The crop was almost free from disease, very dense, and well filled over the greater part of the area. The crop was estimated to give 32 bushels per acre. Mr Postlethwaite has a total of 600 acres under crop this year.
Wycheproof: At the monthly meeting of the Wycheproof Hospital a letter was received from Mr Peter Rogan, enclosing a cheque for £19/6/6, being the proceeds of an entertainment and donation by the ladies of Charlton in aid of the Charlton Soldiers’ Cot at Wycheproof.
Charlton Shooters at St Arnaud: A party of shooters journey to St Arnaud to participate in the St Arnaud Club’s starling shoot. Mr W. Lazarus was in good form, and, shooting in the Trophy match, got a run of 12 birds, which gained him second place. In the second Trophy event Mr N. Frahm shot well and won. Charlton shooters proved to be equally as good as those from other districts.
Agricultural Society: At a committee meeting, Mr J. T. Dwyer, in company with Messrs Rogan, Dew and Bennett had made enquiries to ascertain whether the owners of the land on the south side of the present showgrounds would sell or lease the land with a view of enlarging the show ground. One owner would not sell so the committee inspected the ground on the golf links, and in his opinion this land would be the most suitable for combining all the sports on one ground.
Progress Association: The monthly meeting was held in the Presbyterian Hall. Though possibly of not considerable interest to the present generation, but what in time to come will be valued by the people of the district, would be a collection of old-time photos and relics of Charlton and its people. It was suggested that the Association should obtain a collection by “Back to Charlton” Week.
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