Friday August 9, 1918 MEMS FROM MINIMAY. (from our own correspondent) A public meeting was held at Booroopki on Friday, 2nd inst. when it was decided to plant an avenue of trees in honour of local and district soldiers. All present were formed into a committee with power to add. Mr Wm. JONES was appointed president, Mrs C WONG treasurer, and Messrs. M. F. MORRIS and A. F. CARRACHER joint secretaries. A working bee is arranged for Friday next, 9th inst., all to assemble at Booroopki at 10 a.m. for the purpose of cutting and carting of timber for tree guards. A general meeting will be held after the working bee to consider important matters, and Mrs WONG has kindly offered to provide tea for the workers. It is proposed to plant over thirty trees in all, and it was left open for relatives of soldiers to select trees. It is hoped that all interested will act promptly in the matter of securing trees, so as to have them ready for the day of general planting. Which will be fixed at the meeting to be held on Friday (today). West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld Australia

Friday August 16,1918 TREE PLANTING AT BOOROOPKI A very successful working bee took place at Booroopki on Friday last, 9th inst.; a fair number of men raiding the buloke timbered land of Mr F.A. CRABTREE, with the result that after a few hours solid work sufficient timber for over thirty tree guards five ft. square and five ft. high, was procured and practically all carted to the township. Mrs C. WONG kindly provided tea for the workers, which was greatly appreciated, a general meeting of the committee was then held, the president, Mr W. JONES, presiding. It was decided that another working bee, be held on Friday today at 10 a.m., for the purpose of erecting the tree guards, and it is hoped that all interested will be present. Wednesday, 28th inst. was fixed on as the day for planting the trees, and an executive committee was appointed to draw up a suitable program of proceedings for the day, this committee to meet on Friday (today), at 3 p.m. It was resolved to invite the parliamentary representatives, Messrs. A. S. RODGERS, M.H.R., and Wm. SLATER, M.L.A., and the president and councillors of the Kowree Shire, so that in many respects the 28th inst. will be a "red letter day" for Booroopki. A dance will be held in the evening. West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld Australia

January 11, 1918 HARVESTING A SOLDIER'S CROP 16 HARVESTERS ENGAGED 72 ACRES CARTED AND STACKED The person who evolved the idea of harvesting 72 acres of wheat which Private Alex BLACK, on active service, had growing on Pleasant Banks, Goroke, had every reason to feel pleased on Wednesday, when fully 200 of the district folk were present at a working bee. The large attendance, the enthusiasm and energy shown throughout the day, proved that the well wishes of the local people when they bid farewell to Private BLACK were not merely lip service. The magnificent spirit displayed evidenced unquestionably that their patriotism had the practical in it, for farmers left their own ripened wheat unstripped, business men left their shops for the day, lumpers stacked the soldier's wheat, and the women folk left their homes to cater for the creature comforts of the harvesters. It seemed fitting that such an event should be held at Pleasant Banks. There was the smiling corn and the pleasant earnest faces of the men whether they were on the harvester, dumping or sewing bags, or loading or carting wheat. A start was made at 9.35 a.m. and the last harvester had finished at 10 minutes to 5, 16 harvesters having engaged, and owned by the following farmers------Messrs. Geo. ROBINSON, M. KIELY, W. TULLY, J. DELANEY, F.O. ROBERTSON, Chas. RICHARDS, Chas. D. BLOCK, F. SCHUMAN, H. STEHN, O. STEHN, Geo. BURNS, John MOLLOY, C. WALKER, John CUMING, John COMPATON, Geo. STANTON. Teams were sent by Messrs. L.A. BULL, D. BULL, C. BAILEY, J. MITCHEM, W. TIERNEY, A. PERRY, F.SMITH and J. J. WEBB. There were 150 Draught horses on the ground and 16 harvesters------13 Sunshine, one Federal, one Mitchell, and one Shearer. Some of the harvesters were 8 wide and were drawn by 8 horses. Mr F. McKAY, of the Sunshine Works, was present with 4 or 5 district representatives, to render expert help, 11 teams were at work. As the wheat was brought in the bags were sewn up, loaded and carted. The 72 acres yielded 610 bags. The working bee was admirably managed by Messrs George BAILEY and George ROBINSON. Mr Albert SCHINCKEL made an admirable and persistent manager of the commissariat, and the excellent dinner showed the deep interest the ladies had taken in making the bee a success. There were drones amongst the lady bees. The dinner was served under the shade of a spreading tree on the bank of a swamp, really an ideal spot. Mr SCHINCKEL, on behalf of Private BLACK, thanked everyone who had assisted, assuring them that Private BLACK when he heard of what had been done would much appreciate the kindness of the people of the Goroke and district. Mr J.B. SCOTT informed the gathering that it was intended to send a cable to Private BLACK informing him of what had been done. Two cinematography operators were present, and two films were taken, one to be used for recruiting and one for advertising purposes. The films will also in all probability be shown in the trenches in France. Large group photos were taken in the field and at the railway station. West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld Australia

Hi all, Thanks to all for the advice that bloater paste was fish paste. Rhonda -----Original Message----- From: Rhonda Windsor [mailto:rwindsor@tpg.com.au] Sent: 14 December 2001 21:12 To: Daryl Crabtree; AUS-VIC-NORTHWEST-L@rootsweb.com Subject: RE: [AUS-VIC-NorWest] WEST WIMMERA MAIL Hi all, Can any body tell me what 'bloater paste' is or was? Rhonda -----Original Message----- From: Daryl Crabtree [mailto:crabtree@tpgi.com.au] Sent: 13 December 2001 20:39 To: AUS-VIC-NORTHWEST-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [AUS-VIC-NorWest] WEST WIMMERA MAIL Friday April 28, 1916 MINIMAY NOTES (From our own correspondent) Anzac Day was celebrated at the Minimay State School on Friday last, when several visitors were present, including a Gallipoli hero, Private G. DAY, brother of the head teacher, Miss E. DAY. It had been previously arranged that a Tobacco Day be also held on that day, and children and teacher worked untiringly in canvassing for donations of tobacco, cigarettes and other suitable gifts for soldiers, with the excellent result that 74 packets of cigarettes, 9 tins tobacco, 2 tins of condensed milk, 2 tins bloater paste, 2 tins cocoa and soap were received. These gifts were handed to the secretary of the local Red Cross branch Miss DAY, who will hand them over to the treasurer of the Tobacco Day fund in Melbourne. This school's contribution to the State Schools Patriotic Fund to date is 12 pound, and the girls of the school have to date forwarded to our troops abroad 65 handkerchiefs, 12 pairs of mittens, 12 pairs of socks and 12 face washers. These results, considering the comparatively small attendance of this school, speak for themselves, and we can only say well done, and we have not the least doubt that their efforts in any way flag, judging by the interest that is being displayed by the children. West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld ______________________________

Hi Rhonda Bloater paste was fish paste. It came in a small jar and was similar to the pastes that are still available in supermarkets today. Used in sandwiches, on toast, etc. Cheers Beryl O'Gorman Greensborough Victoria Australia List Admin > Hi all, > > Can any body tell me what 'bloater paste' is or was? > > Rhonda > > -----Original Message----- > From: Daryl Crabtree [mailto:crabtree@tpgi.com.au] > Sent: 13 December 2001 20:39 > To: AUS-VIC-NORTHWEST-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: [AUS-VIC-NorWest] WEST WIMMERA MAIL > > > Friday April 28, 1916 > MINIMAY NOTES > (From our own correspondent) > Anzac Day was celebrated at the Minimay State School on Friday last, when

Hi all, Can any body tell me what 'bloater paste' is or was? Rhonda -----Original Message----- From: Daryl Crabtree [mailto:crabtree@tpgi.com.au] Sent: 13 December 2001 20:39 To: AUS-VIC-NORTHWEST-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [AUS-VIC-NorWest] WEST WIMMERA MAIL Friday April 28, 1916 MINIMAY NOTES (From our own correspondent) Anzac Day was celebrated at the Minimay State School on Friday last, when several visitors were present, including a Gallipoli hero, Private G. DAY, brother of the head teacher, Miss E. DAY. It had been previously arranged that a Tobacco Day be also held on that day, and children and teacher worked untiringly in canvassing for donations of tobacco, cigarettes and other suitable gifts for soldiers, with the excellent result that 74 packets of cigarettes, 9 tins tobacco, 2 tins of condensed milk, 2 tins bloater paste, 2 tins cocoa and soap were received. These gifts were handed to the secretary of the local Red Cross branch Miss DAY, who will hand them over to the treasurer of the Tobacco Day fund in Melbourne. This school's contribution to the State Schools Patriotic Fund to date is 12 pound, and the girls of the school have to date forwarded to our troops abroad 65 handkerchiefs, 12 pairs of mittens, 12 pairs of socks and 12 face washers. These results, considering the comparatively small attendance of this school, speak for themselves, and we can only say well done, and we have not the least doubt that their efforts in any way flag, judging by the interest that is being displayed by the children. West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld ______________________________

Friday April 28, 1916 MINIMAY NOTES (From our own correspondent) Anzac Day was celebrated at the Minimay State School on Friday last, when several visitors were present, including a Gallipoli hero, Private G. DAY, brother of the head teacher, Miss E. DAY. It had been previously arranged that a Tobacco Day be also held on that day, and children and teacher worked untiringly in canvassing for donations of tobacco, cigarettes and other suitable gifts for soldiers, with the excellent result that 74 packets of cigarettes, 9 tins tobacco, 2 tins of condensed milk, 2 tins bloater paste, 2 tins cocoa and soap were received. These gifts were handed to the secretary of the local Red Cross branch Miss DAY, who will hand them over to the treasurer of the Tobacco Day fund in Melbourne. This school's contribution to the State Schools Patriotic Fund to date is 12 pound, and the girls of the school have to date forwarded to our troops abroad 65 handkerchiefs, 12 pairs of mittens, 12 pairs of socks and 12 face washers. These results, considering the comparatively small attendance of this school, speak for themselves, and we can only say well done, and we have not the least doubt that their efforts in any way flag, judging by the interest that is being displayed by the children. West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld

Friday April 28, 1916 Private Basil LAVERY, accompanied by his camp companion, Lance Corporal H. EVANS, has been home on final leave since Thursday, and leaves today (Tuesday) for Bendigo Camp. He is attached to the Machine Gun section, of 38th Battalion, and is well satisfied with his "Job," and is in best of health; Privates Ted and Harry OLIVER, of Neuarpurr, and Charlie CRABTREE, of Booroopki, who are also in the 38th battalion, are also home on the same leave, and also speak well of camp life, but of course are not looking forward to a pleasure picnic when they leave these shores. Nevertheless they are all unanimous in saying that every available man is wanted in order to carry on this titanic struggle for freedom and right. Messrs. Percy WILLIS, Minimay, and Pat and Jack CARRACHER and David CRABTREE, all of Booroopki, left on Saturday for Melbourne, on route to Bendigo Camp. They were also accompanied by Mr H.B. PHILLIPS, who was recently in charge of Morea and Booroopki schools, and who visited his friends in this district and will enter Ballarat Camp on 1st May. Mr Clarrie PATCHING, at one time a well known and highly respected resident of this district, has enlisted from Heywood, where his father is proprietor of the Commercial Hotel. Clarrie is at present on a visit to this part; and will go into camp on the 6th prox. West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld Australia

URL's 11th Dec If you would like to know how to get the previous 3000 URL's Please email me privately Tall_Trees@Bigpond.com 1900 House http://www.channel4.com/1900house/ All Australian http://www.australianaustralia.com A Parcel of Gold for Edith http://www.headley1.demon.co.uk/books/pog1873855362.htm Anzac Day http://www.azmetro.com/nzanzac.html Australian Boys Clothes http://histclo.hispeed.com/country/aust/co-aust.html Book Marks http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~jfm/bookmarks.htm Bourke Public Library http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=lornahenderson&id =I1785 Cornish Online Census Project http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~kayhin/ukocp.html Defence Personnel Executive http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/ Dictionary of New Zealand Biography http://www.dnzb.govt.nz/dnzb/ English Denization Records 1560-1563 http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~kayhin/ukocp.html Evolution of Man Directory http://www.wf.carleton.ca/Museum/man/tit1.html Geelong Infirmary - Admission Books http://users.pipeline.com.au/flw/infirmary/ Life Stories and Memoirs of Others http://groups.yahoo.com/group/StoriesOfOthers/ Married to an Alien http://www.rootdig.com/adn/4944.htm Mayo's of London http://pandrryan.topcities.com/mayo/mayo1.html Merriman Family of New Zealand http://www.tribalpages.com/tribes/tazzie01 Monarchies of Europe http://www.btinternet.com/~allan_raymond/Monarchies_of_Europe.htm Museums in Denmark http://www.museums.dk Portage Area Historical Society http://www.portagestationmuseum.org/ Preservation and Storage http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/slv/conservation/ reCollections http://amol.org.au/recollections/8/index.htm Royal Genealogies http://ftp.cac.psu.edu/~saw/royal/royalgen.html Simply Australia http://simplyaustralia.mountaintracks.com.au/ Wellington New Zealand Genealogy Index http://www.genealogy-index.co.nz West Wimmera Mail & Natimuk & Goroke Advertiser Newspaper Extracts http://www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html Cheers, Carolyn Harris - nee Johnson (Victorian in exile) PO Box 4157, Myaree Business Centre, Myaree 6960, Western Australia Tall_Trees@Bigpond.com Tall Trees Family History http://www.users.bigpond.com/Tall_Trees/ Perth Dead Person's Society http://www.perthdps.com/research/har02.html (Please note that large attachments (over 500kb) will automatically be deleted) ============================================================== May Our Ancestor's Walk In The Heavens In Peace

Friday August 25,1911 THE RIVER TRAGEDY. Constable ROWLEY received word on Saturday that the body of John Thos Henry BUSH, who was drowned in the Wimmera River 15 days before while attempting to recover a drifting boat, had been recovered. Next morning he visited the scene, and an enquiry was held at Miss CALDER's, with the result that an open verdict that deceased met his death by drowning was returned. The enquiry was conducted by Mr G. H. EASTWOOD, J.P. The body was found by John DUNBAR, an employee of Polkemmet Station, on Saturday morning, about a mile and a half from the spot where it sank. The body was floating feet down in a standing position, with the chin resting on the chest. DUNBAR, after securing the body to a tree, went to the Station for assistance, and Mr Geo. BILSTON, Carpenter, of Natimuk, who has a building contract there, returned with DUNBAR, and they removed the body from the water. The eyelids were the only portions of the body missing. The remains were removed to Horsham on Sunday for burial, the deceased's Godmother being Mrs J. S. THOMPSON, of that place. West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld Australia

Friday August 25,1911 Teams representing Minimay at Lemon Springs was played on the ground of the later on Saturday last and the weather was all that could be desired. A fair crowd of supporters of both teams turned out to witness the game, including many of the fair sex. Judging by the last contest between these teams, a good game was anticipated, and such proved to be the case. Although at three quarter time the locals had only scored three points to their opponents 37 points, these scores fail to indicate the eveness of the game, as the ball had been from the bounce all over the ground, and the game was very fast. Some very fine football was shown by the teams, but Minimay failed in kicking, several shots to score going a bit wide. In the last term however, the Minimayites, made a grand final effort and put on 4 goals in rapid succession to their opponents nil, but even such superb kicking could not wipe off the deficiency as they had made their run a bit too late. When the final bell rang they were still 11 points in arrears; The final scores were Lemon Springs 5. 7. Minimay 4. 2. The goal kickers were:--- Lemon Springs--- W. Caldow (3) T. Bray and Bert Burns, 1 each. Minimay--- E. Carracher (2) H. Oliver and H. Burns 1 each. The most prominent players for Lemon Springs were W. Caldow ( who stood out on his own as the best on the ground ), M. Maroney (Captain), B. Caldow and W. Burns ( who was conspicuous for his beautiful high marking ), Geo. Burns, W. Lancaster and J. Molloy. Those who tried hard to avert defeat were:------Henry Burns, P. Willis, F Stephens, A Quinlivan, C. Collins, B. Lavery and Carracher (3), and their captain, A. Miles. Minimays best back man C. Wong was conspicuous by his absence. Mr E Cross umpired the game in an impartial manner, both teams being well satisfied with his decisions. Messrs J.T. Carracher and J. Molloy acted as goal umpires. Mr Geo. Reece acted as time keeper. At the conclusion of the match the Lemon Springs ladies kindly supplied lunch which was much appreciated. The meeting of these two teams again is looked forward to with keen interest as the two games played between them have enlivened the public interest in football locally. Although Lemon Springs have been victorious on both occasions, the local lads are keen sportsman, and are ever ready for a friendly game of football. Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html

Friday April 19, 1907 DEATH OF AN OLD PIONEER Death has claimed one of the oldest residents of the Booroopki district, Mr. Abe Crabtree, who passed away on Tuesday morning, aged 84. His death was not unexpected as he had been ailing for over a year. Deceased was not only a very old colonist, but also probably the oldest resident of the district. It is over 50 years since he built the Bringalbert woolshed. For many years - until three or four years ago, he conducted the Booroopki half-way house and Post Office. Since disposing of this business to Mr. C. Wong, he has lived with his son Mr. Frank Crabtree, at Lemon Springs, where he died, the funeral took place to the Minimay cemetery yesterday. Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld. Australia West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html

Wednesday January 22, 1890 An application by Abraham Crabtree for a victualler's licence was withdrawn in being stated by the applicant in a letter, read by Mr. Ireland, (who appeared for him) in court, that he had been misinformed as to which licensing district the house he desired to have licensed was situated in. Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld Australia West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html

I am sure there are a few ex "Nashos", who share a common Government policy bond from the past, lurking on the list, as Daryl (Ballarat) & Daryl (Qld) have just realised, also aware of David from Ballarat. If you are not aware of the latest information regarding the issue of the Anniversary of National Service Medal 1951-1972, you can go to the following web site: http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/ follow the links to Honours & Awards and you will come to a printable application form. If you know an ex "Nasho" perhaps you could pass this information on to them if they are not on the list. ---------------------------------------------------- Daryl Crabtree's growing list of extracts from the "West Wimmera Mail" are now on the web at: http://www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/ so if you have an interest in that area of the west Wimmera bookmark the site as more extracts are being added as they arrive from Qld. Perhaps others have similar material which could be published because of its potential interest to other researchers and browsers on web. Regards, Daryl Please update anti-virus software at least weekly. Daryl Povey, Ballarat, Aus - http://www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au

Friday August 28, 1896 GOROKE At the local petty session court on Wednesday, before Messrs. J. Rowan P.M. and W. Willis J.P. only one case was listed for hearing. The rabbit inspector proceeded against Mr.Thomas Marsh, for neglecting to destroy rabbits on his property. Marsh was fined 2 pounds with 10 shillings cost. Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld Australia West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html

Friday March 23,1906 RETIREMENT Mr E.L.Collyer, who has been head teacher of Duchembegarra State school for the past 16 years, is retiring from the service on account of ill health. Mr Collyer, who has been 30 years in the service, and is entitled to a pension, has spent most of his time in the Wimmera, his first school being near Dimboola, and he was an industrious and successful teacher. Mr and Mrs Collyer and family are leaving the district, but have not yet decided where they will live. Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld Australia West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html

Friday January 25, 1918 Mr John Gordon, of Goroke, died on Monday last in the Horsham hospital where he had been since December 1 of last year. The deceased, a single man, aged 72 years, was a wool classer by profession, and was greatly respected by all who knew him, as was evidenced by the number of visitors he received while lying in the hospital during his last illness. On Wednesday last, Mrs D. McPhee, received by wire the welcome news that her brother Dan Neill---who has been a prisoner in Germany for about eighteen months ---had arrived safely in England. It will be remembered that he was severely wounded before being taken prisoner, and has had a leg amputated below the knee, hence an exchange has been effected. Regards, Daryl Crabtree Gladstone Qld Australia

Friday December 27, 1918 About seventy people met in the Ulswater school room on Wednesday evening last to tender a social to miss Lundy, who has been teaching here for the last three years, and has been transferred to an assistant teacher to the Fitzroy state school. The chair was occupied by Mr Houston, who, after introducing the object of the gathering, called upon some of the local talent to render vocal items. Speeches were made by the following, namely Mrs E. McDonald, J.& A Lampard, T. & J. Dixon, A. McDonald & R.C. Dixon all expressed regret at her departure, as did the chairman in his remarks. He added she had been an active worker in the district in the way of promoting entertainments for patriotic movements. Motor Car For Hire. I wish to notify the general public that I intend, at the beginning of December, running a motor service in Natimuk. Address---- Newton's Hotel. L. WHITELAW. Go to> WEST WIMMERA MAIL WEB SITE www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C Qld Australia

Friday January 18, 1918 Mrs. E.C. Knight of Gymbowen, whose son, Private A.C.Knight, lost his life on active service, has received the following sympathetic letter from Lt. Parker of the 60th Battalion. On behalf of the Officers, N.C.O's, and men of A company, I wish to express our deepest sympathy with you in the loss of a comrade, poor boy (2184), Private A.C.Knight. On the morning of 10th October; 1917, we were on Anzac Ridge, and an enemy shell burst on the trench where your son was standing, he was buried. When we were able to dig him out there was no movement, but he was taken immediately to the dressing station. The Doctor stated that he had passed away. He was buried by the medical Officer. It was his first time in the line, yet he was very brave and never flinched from duty. We have lost a faithful comrade and feel keenly your loss. He has passed away in a worthy cause---for liberty and righteousness. Each man of us is willing to give life itself if need be for those in the homeland. He has gone to his reward for work well done. With deepest sympathy, your representative in the A.I.F. Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C. Qld Australia

And the ROBBIE girls at Minimay belonged to a friend of mine Daryl. So she thanks you too. Cheers Beryl O'Gorman Greensborough Victoria Australia List Admin ----- Original Message ----- From: "Daryl Crabtree" <crabtree@tpgi.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-NORTHWEST-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, December 07, 2001 6:17 PM Subject: [AUS-VIC-NorWest] WEST WIMMERA MAIL > > Minimay State School > Margaret Robbie, 14 years 4 months; Jean Robbie 14. 4. >