Community
28 February, 2026
St Arnaud 100 years ago: land sales and warm weather
Take a look at what was making news in St Arnaud 100 years ago.
Warm Few Months: For the past three months it has been exceptionally dry with only 35 points falling during this period – 12p in December, 13p in January and 10p in February, as a result the town’s water storages are very low.
Temperatures have also been high over the past few weeks and residents are once again requested to use water sparingly.
Death: A well respected pioneer of this district Mr Thomas Proctor of “Ulverstone’, Kooreh died age 82.
He was born at Ulverstone in the old country and came to Australia as a boy.
Thomas was married twice and had eight children by his first wife Mary who died 1893 age 39 and four children by his second wife, Elizabeth.
He was a great supporter of the hospital, Agricultural Society, MUIOOF Lodge and Church of England.
Over 300 people gathered at the cemetery to honor Thomas who was familiarly known as ‘The Grand Old Man of Kooreh’.
More Sales: On February 13, Estate W Bray four-room WB house on large allot in Alma st, presently rented by Mrs Allen – she bought it for £350.
C T Storer sells 116 acres on February 20, 4 miles from St Arnaud near Blink Bonny as he is leaving the district.
On the same day, Mrs E Burns sells 75 acres at Gowar known as Brophy’s joins J Michael; plus a 4-room WB house Silvermines Road.
Estate Joseph Worsdell Dec sells 6-room WB house Silvermines Road, next to Mrs Hicks & Mr J J Chandler.
Two days later, Estate Elizabeth Stewart [dec] sells furniture, North Western Road.
On February 24, Mrs E G Gardner has a furniture sale, Silvermines Road. John Anderson of Banyena sells 245 acres near Railway Station to Thos Slee for £15 acre.
J O’Donohue sells 640 acres at Gooroc to his brother P O’Donohue for £25 acre.
Hospital Sunday: St Arnaud Brass Band entertained at Emu where they collected £29-2-7 and the Birchip Band collected £25 at Tempy, £35 at Patchewollock and £40 at Speed, all for the St Arnaud Hospital.
Farewells: Residents of Coonooer Bridge farewelled Mr and Mrs Syd Mills who are moving to Lexton. Syd was one of the first men of this district to volunteer in 1914 and fought at Gallipoli and France; arriving home in March 1919.
Mr and Mrs Frank Kelly of ‘Killarney’, Gowar East were farewelled at a dance where they were given a wallet of notes prior to moving to Wyalong, NSW.
Frank enlisted 1916 and served in France where he was awarded two French medals for bravery at Passchendale in 1917.
Mr and Mrs Jack Bennetto of ‘Ellerslie’ were farewelled by St Arnaud East residents and presented with a black and gold clock, and a travelling case. The new owners of ‘Ellerslie’ Mr and Mrs Hines and family were introduced to their new neighbours at this party.
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