Town Talk

These were first published in The News in 1938, for the centennial feature. The editorial tells us that blocks had to be made to enable them to be printed — and these were a ‘considerable expense’. The plan of Shepparton is from 1855, with the ‘Shepparton Reserve’ from 1856. The newspaper, in 1938, was querying the dates and wondering why the earlier plan had so much more information. Hope you can see the comment on ‘Shepparton Reserve’, telling us that there is ‘poor, light, sandy soil unsuitable for agriculture’. And that the area around the township is thickly timbered with ‘box and wattle scrub’.

Not sure how much you can read, so I’ll tell you that the people owning blocks, from Fryers St to High St, are John Somer, Frederick P. Knight, and John McDonnell. The gentlemen listed as owners of property from High to Vaughan streets are Charles Beggs, Henry Baber, Johnson Parsons, F.P. Knight and John McDonnell. The courthouse is situated where the police station is today and Mr Parsons has an inn near the punt.

Both maps indicate a proposed road to Benalla and an existing track from Seymour — and please note that the coffee stains are not mine!

Our future

‘Town Talk’ originated to talk about Greater Shepparton — its past, present and future — and its people, their hopes, memories and problems. So, it is not possible to ignore last Thursday’s front page.

This newspaper has a job to do, which it has been doing well for around 150 years; it brings us the good news and the bad. However, it would be a tragedy for the people of Shepparton to worry too much about the Climate Council report. Fear keeps us tethered — and it’s not healthy — and fear for something that may or may not occur is pointless. The climate experts are not always right. For example, in 2007, Tim Flannery (Australian of the Year, scientist and climate activist) told us that, after 2017, no Queensland dams would ever be full. Let’s all focus on the positive things that are happening around us.

However, the report is not good news because the insurance companies will be reading it too!

Politics and stuff

Last year, sometime, I suggested we find an island in the Southern Ocean for Messrs Turnbull and Rudd. I didn’t get the impression that any of you were too upset at the idea, but several people suggested I might lose some readers by stepping on political toes.

From my point of view, I supported both these gentlemen — long before they became prime ministers — and voted accordingly. You see, I mistook their passion; I thought it was for this country and its people — and I was wrong.

I have been interested in politics ever since my parents weren’t. I watched as they went off to vote for their ‘teams’; their votes cheerfully cancelling each other out. Perhaps, long before I came along, they had determined where their loyalties lay, and no discussion was necessary. Something like a pre-determined support for the footy club!

If Richmond never won another game, I would still be a supporter; but I have never felt that way about politics (although I’ve worked for several local campaigns over my lifetime). And I’ve become more conservative as I’ve grown older — something that confuses two of my sons!

I reckon politics should be about ideas — and it rarely is! Some of you might remember me writing about Grant Petty — a young man who attended South Tech — and now runs a worldwide company employing 2000 people. I really like Grant and enjoyed our conversations immensely. At one stage, he mentioned the political situation and said ‘Somebody has to come up with a new idea; a new way of solving our problems.’ And I couldn’t agree more!

I’m grateful for the funds that are coming our way but it isn’t all about money, it’s the policies that affect our lives.

So, because five or six of you have warned me — and because I haven’t heard a workable new idea — I’ve said little about our local election. It seems to be a three-way split — three new faces; each, among other goals, hoping to solve the water situation. I will, however, remind you that our local independent is not, repeat not, a part of the ‘fake independents group’; and has been unfairly represented as such by other candidates. He is genuinely independent and has not accepted any funding from outside this electorate. Let’s play fair.

The outcome is up to the people of Nicholls!

Under the clock

June 1, 1914

OLD BRIDGE RELICS

‘On the spot’ on Saturday afternoon J McNamara and Co put up at auction portion of the old bridge timber at the town. There were thirteen heaps of wood of various sizes, and purchasers came forward readily to secure the wood, which would do well for flooring sheds and as fence posts. Twelve piles fetched 12s each; and in all 41 pounds was realised. Other wood still remaining at the riverside will be used by the Shire Council for culverts and other purposes.

That’s all, folks.

I’ve restrained myself this week and talked less! I want you to be able to see the two maps and a pic that didn’t fit last week. These are some of the items on display at the exhibition Lizzie’s Legacy. It is the work of Lizzie Ewart and is on display daily, 10am to 3pm, at the Murchison Heritage Centre until May 22.

Remember: fear keeps us tethered — and love enables us to fly. No, Roger! That doesn’t mean we are going to sprout wings and hover about! It means we are going to be kind to ourselves and those around us. If difficulties come our way, the people of Shepparton will — as they’ve done for 184 years — get on with it!

(And, Roger, I haven’t forgotten your suggestion.)

May it be easy, my friends.

Marnie

Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au

Letter: Town Talk. Shepparton News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.

Phone: Send a text on 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back, if you wish)