Community
5 July, 2026
Charlton 100 Years Ago: electric light and power company and golf tournament
What was making news in Charlton in 1926.
100 Years Ago
July 3, 1926
C. of E. Social: The euchre social held under the auspices of St Martin’s Church was in every way successful, as well as most enjoyable.
The arrangements were in the hands of Mesdames J. Smith and A. Johnstone.
Twenty-four tables were engaged in euchre and the prize winners were: Lady’s – Mrs McKay; gents – Mr Len Jenkins; secret table lady – Miss Prater; secret table gents – Mr W. Halligan. After a most delightful supper, about 50 couples took part in dancing to music supplied by the jazz orchestra.
Personal: Mr A. Holmes was the guest of the Shire President (Cr Rogan) at the council dinner yesterday. Mr Holmes recently disposed of his chemist’s business to Mr Morris and is taking his departure from the town.
In proposing Mr Holmes’ health, Cr Rogan paid a tribute to his worth as a citizen and said the town could ill-afford to lose him.
In responding to the toast, Mr Holmes apologised for the fact that he had not taken a greater part in the doings of the district. His business to a great deal was responsible for this.
A New Lease of Life: The Mechanics Institute and Library new committee is: Misses Frahm, Wood, Bennett and Messrs Berger, Spencer, F. Edwards, W. Halligan, S. Bennett, F. Nixon and C. B. Luth. Mr Bilton, the retiring Secretary had been connected with the Institute for over 25 years.
Golf Tournament: The annual three day event was held in glorious weather. A feature was the fine play of J. D. Paterson in the Men’s handicap 18 holes. The Mixed Foursomes Handicap 18 holes was won by Miss F. Edwards and Mr T. O’Keefe. The Golf Ball was held in the Victoria Hall.
Seventy five couples were present on the floor and there was also a fair number of onlookers. The dressing of the ladies was attractive and gave color and animation to the scene. Visiting golfers from Melbourne, Sea Lake, Boort, Wycheproof and other centres were present.
Obituary: There passed away on June 26 a highly respected resident of Charlton, in Mr O. Kruger. The deceased had been ailing for some years, and passed away peacefully in his sleep.
The late Mr Kruger was a highly educated man, and had held a responsible position in the Geelong Harbour Trust. His wife (Miss Agnes Flynn, of Narrewillock) predeceased him three years ago. Two children are left to mourn the loss of an affectionate parent. At the time of his death Mr Kruger was 52 years of age.
Charlton Electric Light and Power Company: The annual meeting of shareholders in the company was held in the registered office of the company corner of Halliday and Camp streets.
Twelve shareholders were present in person and by proxy. The following directors were elected – P. Spain, E.N. Peverill, William Wylie, E. Richards and R. M. Klunder.
Customers are steadily increasing, there being 310 lighting and power consumers connected to the company’s supply mains.
In Dec. 1925, an agreement was entered into for a term of seven years with the Shire of Charlton, for street lighting at an annual payment of £211/8/-.
Street Repairs Wanted: At the Shire Council meeting a petition was presented from a number of rate-payers asking that repairs be effected to road and footpath in Watson Street, as same were in a most deplorable condition.
Another petition pointed out urgent need of repairs of footpath at corner of Rutherford and Orr streets. Cr Dew noted it was a lack of funds. Cr Williams suggested employing extra labour to have the necessary work carried out as soon as possible. The dayman has his hands full repairing scours on various roads.
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