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About 12 months ago, I gave Pat Smith a call, suggesting we have a chat about her many years in local government and, in particular, her time as town clerk. She was obviously reluctant to talk about herself – and, although she suggested I call back “in the spring, darling”, I didn’t. I knew my chances were slim.
However, just recently, in a conversation with Jeanette Powell, Pat’s name came up again. Jeanette said she would tell her about her own experience and attempt to persuade her. When I got the ‘all clear’ from Jeanette, I again called Pat and last Tuesday afternoon, we finally sat down for a chat.
Initially, Pat talked about her memories of my family and the friendship between our fathers. She said that, somewhere, she has a photo of the two men together. Then, she told me about her Scottish grandparents. Her grandfather was a part of the East India Company, living in India and, when his fiancée arrived from Scotland, they were married in Calcutta. Her father, Wallace, was born in the north of the subcontinent. Her grandparents finally immigrated to our part of the world; he became a farmer and winemaker. His property, St Helena, was at Wakiti Creek near Kotupna.
Her father took over the winemaking business and Smith’s Winery was situated, for many years, in Vaughan St.
Pat was neatly side-stepping my questions about herself and her important work; but occasionally, would answer one.
From school to the city
The plan was for Pat to finish her secondary school education in one of Melbourne’s exclusive colleges. Two of her best friends were also registered to go but Pat was reluctant; she really did not want to leave her happy home — her parents and brother Digley. The decision was hers to make: finish school at Shepp High or, perhaps, get a job.
At this point, Ray West entered her life — asking her parents if she would like to come and work at the City offices. It was 1949. Here, I asked a question about Mr West, who has played such an important role in Shepparton’s history. She described him as smart, dedicated and well read. Mr West was the first of Shepparton City’s town clerks; he was followed by Roy O’Brien, with Pat as deputy.
When she had been about 10 years with the City, she decided to take extended leave and planned a trip to London and Europe. Mr West said her job would be there when she returned. Flights to London were not yet common and she left on an ocean liner for the trip of a lifetime.
We figured that this was around the time Mr West was compiling his book Those Were the Days and Pat said she had typed his manuscript for him — but we were not sure whether this would have been before she travelled, or on her return.
I asked Pat if she was an ambitious person and she hesitated for some time. “I guess I must have been, but I never expected to be town clerk — because I’m a woman.”
Town clerk
Pat finally told me something about her most important job. I asked her if she ever found the work overwhelming. However, she was smiling — and her eyes were shining — when she told me the hours were long; that some visitors to her office said “Oh! A woman town clerk”; that the work seemed unending. However, she never regretted it for a moment.
There were times, she said, when something important to Shepparton had been achieved, such as new businesses moving to the town, when she returned home exhausted but elated. It was all extremely worthwhile.
Jeff Kennett changes the boundaries
In 1994, the Kennett Government restructured local government. His reforms dissolved 210 councils, sacked 1600 elected councillors and created 78 new councils through amalgamations. The councillors were replaced — for a time — by commissioners hand-picked by the government.
They wanted the fresh eyes of people without pre-formed opinions to bed down the new councils and, at this point, Pat became chief commissioner for Delatite (Benalla/Mansfield). Pat didn’t say this was a tough job — but, with so much strong opposition to the changes, surely it must have been.
At this point in her life, Pat is moving a little slower than when in charge of our city, but she remains great company, laughs easily and is an irrepressible spirit. Attempting to get her to talk about her achievements was not easy — but it was fun, and well worth the wait.
I’m sure our readers will join me in saying: “We remember; we appreciate. Thank you, Pat.”
I can’t ignore it
A British coronation is the greatest show on earth. It was impressive — and very long, with 12 newly commissioned pieces of music. The parade included 19 bands and 4000 servicemen and women, including some slouch hats and two impressive people on horseback, riding beside that gold coach and representing us.
I greatly admired the attention to detail. I noted that there is one robe, worn by one of the bishops, that is worn only at a coronations.
I love that the King’s crown contains a ruby from the Battle of Agincourt in October 1415.
The history of the British Isles is also my heritage. I didn’t know how emotionally attached I am to England until our first flight. Looking out at the countryside, noticing the neat squares of different shades of green, my husband asked me what I could see. “Nothing much, just England.” But when I turned to answer him, I didn’t realise there were tears running down my face. I felt I had come to my other home.
Anyway, for all who watched our King being crowned, it was a momentous occasion, which many of us won’t see again.
Next Friday and Saturday
As a part of the Heritage Open Days, a short documentary, which is a general history of the local prisoner of war camps, will be shown on the hour, from 11am, on both Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13 at the Heritage Centre, 154 Welsford St, Shepparton. The centre closes at 4pm on both days.
The film runs for 25 minutes and informs viewers about an interesting, and quite complex, time in our local history; and about the various groups of people interned — including the civilians.
The documentary is a project of the Heritage Advisory Committee and is a record of a presentation made at the Heritage Awards in 2019 by Kay Ball (president of the Murchison and District Historical Society).
Well worth seeing.
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.)
Town Talk