By Marg Stork
I WAS cleaning out the secretaire the other day when I found a perfect copy of the 100th birthday souvenir of the Dandenong Agricultural and Pastoral Society.
The special 72-page show supplement was published by the Journal in 1971 to mark the occasion.
For more than 60 years I was privileged to report on the show. And last month I reported on the society’s Scottish Heritage Day.
But the society had its initial teething problems. In the 1890s it strove to keep the show continuing when beset by financial problems.
Prize money was dwindling and reached rock bottom in 1898 when only £124 and 10 shillings was paid out.
On July 11, 1895, the society sent a deputation to Dandenong Council asking it to refund the £150 deposit paid and to call the deal off.
Although the council itself had its financial problems, it agreed to the request and refunded the amount in two instalments of £75 spread over two financial years.
Even with this relief, the society’s financial statement at its 24th annual meeting on September 18, 1895, showed that the overdraft still stood at £1026, nine shillings and four pence.
Refugee Day
Wellsprings for Women is holding a get-together for World Refugee Day from 11am-1pm on Wednesday. There will be special guest speakers and entertainment provided by a singer from China. Lunch will be served.
For details, call 9701 3740 or email veronica
@wellspringsforwomen.com. Wellsprings for Women is at 79 Langhorne Street, Dandenong.
Traffic count
While authorities are now worried about speeding motorists and heavy traffic, the Journal reported in April 1939 that ‘heavy traffic’ passed the Dandenong Town Hall (now the Drum theatre) from 7.45pm to 8pm on one Monday.
A special count revealed 320 cars and motor cycles from Gippsland areas made their way through the heart of the shire on their way to Melbourne.
It was not just the road traffic causing great interest. There were also calls to raise the number of trains in peak periods.
On April 4, 1939, a deputation was made for increased facilities. Mr Frank Field fully explained the deputation’s objectives and emphasised Dandenong’s case in particular.
He called for an additional train in the mornings to Dandenong that could run back to Melbourne between 8.30am and 9.20am.
A suggestion was also made for an extra train to Melbourne between 6.30am and 7.33pm on Saturdays.
Footnote: The traffic research from the Journal of the 1930s was compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society members Jan Asher and Bev Pursell.
Do you have a milestone, memory or question for Marg? Email marg@yourweekly.com.au or post submissions to A moment with Marg, c/o Greater Dandenong Weekly, PO Box 318, Dandenong 3175.
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