
GLORIA. You know, going back to Grandmother McLeod.
When the sports ground was still up over
from Jack's, (near the old race course) she
always did the catering for all the sports
days. They did have a tennis court too, but
it was mainly for cricket. I don't remember
footy ever being played up there. There was
never any cars, like they didn't have a car
or anything so he'd get the slide and these
huge wash tubs and she'd have to put everything
in there so neatly and beautiful. And you
know, she used to take everything up on the
slide....
Horse drawn?
GLORIA. Yes. And she had the beautiful white damask
cloths. You've never seen anything like it.
And then she'd have a full plum pudding for
them and meats and vegies and all this. Put
on a real spread. And everything was taken
on that slide.
Would she sell it?
GLORIA. I'm not sure whether they paid her so much
to put it on. She did it all herself. Marvelous!
And she did exactly the same for the rifle
shoots. See, they had the rifle shoots. Did
you know where they used to shoot the rifles?
Yes. At the back of where Ede's are now.
GLORIA. Yes. Well, it was exactly the same thing.
She used to take it up there.
Did she pull the horse?
GLORIA. No. Grandfather would do that part of the
job. When you think of it now........ goodness
me. What a lot of work.
SHIRLEY. You know what amazes me? We've got washing
machines, steam irons, electric irons and
we wouldn't think of starching a white table
cloth and standing there for six hours ironing
the blessed thing.
GLORIA. That's right. Well, Granny, she had the
job.....this was before your Mum, and they'd
pay her thirty shillings to do all those
table cloths.
SHIRLEY. And they were all cloth.
GLORIA. With a flat iron, mind you. In the old fireplace.
Look, I don't know how she did it. And not
a mark on it! They were just perfect.
*** Excerpt from Gloria Grant and Shirley Sproats'
interview in 'The Forgotten Corner Interviews'
After a full weeks' work either in the bush
cutting sleepers, carting produce by horse
or bullock team between the Monaro and the
coast or juggling the milking, washing and
household chores, to most everyone Sunday
was a day to socialise. Football, tennis,
rifle shooting, cricket or the races were
all good excuses to get out and do something
different.
For most denominations a church service was
held after which sport was played. It was
a day for everyone to take a break.
Pambula Voice' October 20, 1893
* Nominations are rolling in for the Towamba
rifle match which is to be held on the Prince
of Wales' birthday and entries close on Thursday
26th instant. The event this year promises
to be as big a success as usual.
'Pambula Voice' November 3, 1893
TOWAMBA RIFLE MATCH
The following are the handicaps for the Towamba
rifle match to be shot off on Thursday next:
W. Haywood, J. Grant, T. Robinson, L. H.
Beck, A. H. Haywood, G. Coombs, W. Mansfield,
L. Diversi, D. Grant, M. C. Beck, J. Stevens,
G. Brotherton, H. Kraanstyver, B. Beasley,
W. D. Pfeiffer, J. N. Small, L. Bucknel,
S. Chamberlain, W. Beasley, H. Whittaker,
W. McCarthy, A. Greig, P. McCloy, J. Kelly,
D. C. Allen, W. Collins, F. Shields, T. H.
Dorron, G. Holtzhauser, H. Strangewidge,
E. Robertson, J. Smith, James Dickie, W.
Hickie, James Hickie, W. Haddigaddie, S.
Parker, John Hickie, J. Robinson Jnr., R.
McCloy, G. Hite, W. E. Campion, John Hartneady,
T. Dawson, W. Jess, R. Rixon, T. Holtzhauser,
F. Falkner, H. Greer, J. Dickie, W. Targett,
J. Silk, P. Geraghty, R. Pearson, Medlin.
![]() |
| Rifle shooters and hunting dogs. Towamba. No date. |
'Pambula Voice' September 1895
TOWAMBA
* Catering for the Cricketer's Ball on 30th
August was done by Mrs. (Eva) Arnold of the
Towamba Hotel in a manner that showed the
lady is no novice in the field.
'Pambula Voice' January 8, 1896
TOWAMBA
* Mr. Joe Arnold had a publican's booth at
the New Year's Day races and he did a good
trade.
'Pambula Voice' April 8, 1898
* The members of the Towamba Athletic Club
met on Saturday night and decided to hold
their sports on the 20th of May. The principal
event is the Grand Handicap of £15.
'Pambula Voice' May 27, 1898
TOWAMBA
The annual meeting of the athletic club came
off on Friday and some very fine sprinting
was shown. Montgomery, who was penalised
three yards for his win at Kiah, could have
won the £15 handicap easily enough only he
was made to sign a declaration as to his
identity and performances which seemed to
slow him down a lot and made him contented
with third place. The event being won by
Mr. W. R. Johnson of Boggy Creek. Mr. S.
Chamberlain was starter and Messers W. Beasley
and G. Young acted as judges.
'Pambula Voice' July 25, 1898
TOWAMBA
* The annual rifle match to take place at
Towamba on Monday next, 1st August, closed
with 45 nominations.
* The trustees of the Towamba Recreation
Ground met on Friday last and decided to
expend the vote of £20 recently procured
(through Mr. W. H. Wood MP) in enclosing
same by a wire fence.
'Magnet' January 19, 1929
* A crowd on 'the hill' to watch cricket
and tennis matches. 'Aub' local enthusiast
went to Sydney to see the test.
![]() |
| Towamba Cricket Team 1900/02 Rear L - R: Tom Stevens, Dick Beasley, George Dickie, Ben Beasley, Billy Young, Ted Beasley, Charlie McCoy, Ted Burns. Front L - R: Bill Arnold, George Martin, Pierre Johnson, Austin O'Hara, Roger Doyle. |
'Magnet' January 19, 1929
TOWAMBA CRICKET
Tragedy of dropped catches.
Towamba cricketers having no fixture for
last Sunday decided to play a scratch match
for a dinner. The result was that one team
got a good dinner and the other indigestion.
The writer was one of the team who got indigestion.
The fielding on both sides was overripe,
every man on the field dropping a catch or
two. In fact, it was well below international
standard.
The "Wild Man from Pericoe" was
bowling but not up to his usual form. Ivan
Roberts top scored for the day with 45, got
by hurricane hitting - all bowlers were treated
with contempt. Alf Tasker played a good knock
for 44. J. W. Dickie had a good knock on
the ankle off the "Pericoe Express".
Ivan Roberts tried to wipe out the local
police force, bowled a fast full toss and
hit Duckworth in the neck. Don McLeod parked
on the boundary for half an hour waiting
for a catch. One came at last but sad to
relate, he dropped it. Ira Parker is thinking
of joining Chung Ling Sue as a juggler. The
way he handled two balls in slips gives the
impression that he would make an apt pupil.
Jack Beasley in a fit of absentmindedness
left his crease and forgot to get back. W.
Gleeson thought he could field better with
a motor inner tube for a glove but the rest
of the team thought and said otherwise when
he dropped a catch. Gordon Morton as an umpire
is a dismal failure but as a barracker shows
distinct promise. Towamba is far from satisfied
with the two wins that Eden holds over it
and is asking, "When is Eden going to
risk that unbeaten record or is she content
to rest on her laurels?" The players
here are strongly of the opinion that they
can put a mark on Eden's clean record.
'Magnet' February 1929
* Towamba races still going.
'Magnet' June 22, 1929.
REMINISCENCES
Perhaps the greatest interest ever taken
in a foot race at Towamba, was one held many
years ago between Mr. Alf Alexander from
Pericoe and Mr. W. (Bill) Bennett, then of
Towamba. The distance was 150 yards and Mr.
Alexander was trained by Mr. Jack Hartneady
and that Mr. S. Chamberlin, formerly of Towamba
and Wangrabelle and now of Eden, was starter.
There was a great crowd to see the race.
Most people thought that Bennett, who was
a very fast runner, would win. But Alexander,
who had trained for all he was worth, won
comfortably. There was great jubilation.
At one time, the Far South Coast and Southern
Monaro Tablelands were noted for big foot
races and torch light races were common.
Candelo held a lot of athletic meetings,
as did Bombala, Bega and Cooma. Every town
or village could boast of one or two foot
runners, perhaps more, and they trained rigorously.
They were hardy, were these old time runners.
As an instance, Mr. Tom Hayes Snr., of Eden,
probably the best runner of his day, which
is saying a great deal, once left work at
Candelo in the morning, walked all the way
to Bombala that day and next morning competed
in a big foot race there and he won it too!
The Eden district alone has had a lot of
fast runners at various times and the 'Magnet'
hopes to publish at a later date reminiscences
of some of them. Meanwhile it would be highly
gratifying to a lot of old timers and to
some of the younger generation whose interest
has not been wholly alienated by other sport,
to see a big revival of foot running.
'Magnet' July 13, 1929
* At a meeting of the Towamba Race Club recently
it was decided to hold a days' races in a
few months time. Big improvements have been
effected at the course in the meantime as
the club is in a financial position. Horse
owners can expect good prize money.
BURRAGATE
'Magnet' September 14, 1929
* Local cricketers will hold a meeting on
Saturday night to reform the club.
TOWAMBA
'Magnet' September 14, 1929
* Towamba Race Club is endeavouring to make
the next races a huge success and is taking
steps to have plenty of accommodation for
visiting horses. Every loose box available
will be made comfortable and good bedding
provided for the horses so owners will have
no cause to worry.
'Magnet' October 12, 1929
* 'The Pines' tennis club at Towamba also
the 'Barney Street' club.
Members of Pericoe/Towamba tennis team.
L - R. Jim Brownlie,Geoff Umback,
Stan Umback, Frank Arnold.
No date.
BURRAGATE
'Magnet' February 22, 1930
* Many residents are indignant and rightly
so at the non appearance of the travelling
show on Friday night last. This show was
billed for Eden and Burragate on the same
night and people came for miles to see the
show at Burragate, yet showmen growl because
they cannot get a 'house' here.
TOWAMBA
'Magnet' April 12, 1930
* A meeting is to be held in the local hall
on Saturday night, the object being to reform
the football club. Mr. Ivan Roberts, convenor,
expect this meeting to be one of the most
enthusiastic held here, (and so say all of
us!) Towamba, in the past, could hold their
own with any team around the district and
could do so now, there being some very promising
young colts who only need a little tuition
and practice.
'Magnet' July 5, 1930
PERICOE
A tennis match, Pericoe versus Towamba, was
played on the local court last Saturday.
What looked like certain defeat to us changed
to an overwhelming defeat for Towamba. Before
dinner 'The Pines' led by four sets and at
the close of the match Pericoe led by four
sets and fourteen games. At night a very
enjoyable social was held and owing to the
scarcity of ladies, some young men formed
a set by themselves in the Lancers and Quadrilles.
Songs were rendered by Mr. Laurie Watson
of Wyndham. The tennis club will not have
a very great credit balance but small though
it is, we have the satisfaction of knowing
it is not a debit. Much credit is due to
Mrs. Alexander and Arnold for the delicious
dinner, tea and supper and the capable manner
in which the catering was carried out. Mr.
George Farrell was club secretary and contrary
to certain rumours, has proved himself an
able and reliable person to hold that position.
'Magnet' September 30, 1930
PERICOE
On 31st August the return match between Wog
Wog and Pericoe teams was played on the latter's
court. The day was superbly fine yet narrowly
missed the smart shower of rain that fell
just at dusk. Play opened with Wog Wog having
first serve. Pericoe won the first two sets
and Wog Wog looked glum until the score altered
to four sets Wog Wog, two sets Pericoe. Wog
Wog won four sets following. We can safely
say that had a certain party played the game
we would have won the day. Visitors were
delighted at the brilliant play and there
were many stiff fights and with a few notable
exceptions, players were evenly matched.
Below is the score:- Wog Wog players first.
Men's doubles: K. Spuckman and F. Umback V F. Arnold and
A. Harris
A. Umback and P. Sawers V G. Morton and S.
Sawers.
F. Umback and A. Trevanion V A. Love and
J. Love
K. Spackman and A. Trevanion V A. Love and
J. Love
Ladies doubles:
Mrs. Umback and Mrs. Skipper V Mrs. Brownlie
and Miss Alexander Mrs. Umback and Mrs. Skipper
V Mrs. Brownlie and Miss Arnold
Mixed doubles:
Mrs. F. Umback and A. Umback V Mrs. Brownlie
and G. Morton.
Mrs. Skipper and K. Spackman V Miss Arnold
and A. Harris.
Mrs. Umback and F. Umback V Mrs. Brownlie
and J. Love.
Mrs. Skipper and P. Sawers V Miss Alexander
and S. Sawers. Wog Wog seven sets, 96 games,
Pericoe three sets, 55 games. Wog Wog won
by four sets, 21 games.
![]() |
| TOWAMBA FOOTBALL TEAM. 1921. Back Row: Jim Walters, Wal Green, Alf Beasley, Ron McPherson, Dick Beasley, Des Shaefer, B. Smith, Jack Beasley, Hampden Beasley. Second Row: Sim? Parker, Jack Slattery, Arthur Beasley, Don McLeod, George Dickie, Herb Beasley. Front: Ben Beasley. Photo courtesy M. Mitchell. |
'Magnet' October 11, 1930
PERICOE
The reference in a recent issue to the practice
cricket match, Pericoe V Towamba on the 21st
ultimo is slightly in need of amendment and
supplementation. The scores were Towamba
134 including 19 byes and 1 wide as against
the stated 150. Pericoe's scores were, 1st
innings, 11, 2nd innings, 38 , a total of
49. The Victory Cup went to Towamba. An additional
innings was an informal extra in which some
Towamba men batted with Pericoe and was no
part of the match.
The return tennis match between Pericoe and
Barney Street, Towamba, tennis clubs, was
played on the latter's court on Saturday
last. The day opened fine and pleasantly
hot and the ladies almost melted as they
waited for the home team to turn up. The
wind which sprang up later was very misleading.
It would blow for one serve and next time
when the server would put ginger into his
or her drives the wind would drop and let
the ball go yards beyond the line. Then if
one tried to be gentle the wind would spring
up with fresh energy and blow the ball back.
Choking dust swept the court in clouds but
Barney Street players didn't seem to mind
that. They were confident that they would
win, and so they did by a fairly good margin,
6 sets and 34 games. Towamba had their best
team out to meet us but we did not cede a
good tennis such as that seen at Pericoe
when Wog Wog came to play. The best tennis
and prettiest play of the day was when Miss
Alexander and George Farrell played Miss
Parker and H. Beasley. Jim Love played a
good game when playing with the renowned
Mr. Farrell and with Mrs. Brownlie. We all
enjoyed the spread given by the Towamba ladies
and cordially appreciated the kind and homely
manner in which the catering was carried
out.
'Magnet' November 22, 1930
* Burragate boys and girls play cricket and
tennis in Towamba.
* Tennis court on Barney St., Towamba.
* Pericoe boys team: Lionel Love Towamba
team G. Love
J. Brownlie Molly McLeod
J. Tasker R. Roberts
A. Love
![]() |
| Annie Nixon (nee Farrell). Jumping because she wanted to. Note skirt and shoes. Christy Farrell on right. Photo courtesy Harold Farrell. No date. |
'Magnet' June 6, 1931
PERICOE
* The school picnic held on the 11th instant
proved a great day out for the children while
the large gathering of grown ups found plenty
of amusement. The following events resulted.
Ladies foot race, Miss M. Arnold.
Stepping distance, Mrs. W. Love.
Nail driving, Miss M. Arnold.
Stepping distance, F. Umback.
Throwing at wicket, A. Sawers, J. Arnold.
* The dance at night attracted a fair crowd.
Miss Joan Dickie was at the piano and Mr.
Alexander, M. C. A Monte Carlo was won by
Miss Sidebottom and Mr. Jim Love, while Miss
Eileen Love and Mr. F. Umback were the lucky
couple to win a spot waltz. During the evening
Mrs. O. Love, Mr. M. Payne rendered a duet.
PERICOE
'Magnet' January 31, 1931
* At a recent meeting of the local tennis
club, it was decided to form a working bee
to carry out repairs to the court before
playing the return matches with Towamba and
Burragate. The work will be done during this
weekend.
* Frank, our local cricketer, keeps us in
the public eye in this noble sport playing
with Towamba versus Bombala last weekend,
top scored with 35 runs.
TOWAMBA
'Magnet' June 6, 1931
* Unemployment relief work was also at a
discount as the clearing of 'The Pines' tennis
court was available to anyone seeking a job
but there were no applicants. And now two
local lads Cecil Clements and Stan Sawers
are engaged on the work of court improvement.
* An open to all tournament will eventuate
on 'The Pines' court at the end of the month.
BURRAGATE
'Magnet' July 4, 1931
* Congratulations too to Mrs. Cliff Sawers
on once again carrying off the Towamba tennis
tourney, this time sharing the honour with
Mrs. R. McPherson.
'Magnet' July 25, 1931
GRAND OPENING SHOOT
New rifle range. "They report the range
as being very well lighted, with a dark background
of timber, but the presence of a gully on
either side tends to make the wind rather
tricky."
PERICOE
'Magnet' September 12, 1931
* A Few members of our tennis club journeyed
to Eden to take part in the recent tennis
tournament and although we did not bring
home the prize, Frank Arnold played well
to reach the semi final of the men's section.
* One of our local lads is keen to form a
hockey team out here, however, he is meeting
with some opposition from would-be golfing
enthusiasts. In fact some vowed tennis players
are so wrapped up in golf that they even
use golfing terms on the tennis court to
the disgust of "hocky one, hockey two,
hockey three!"
'Magnet' December 26, 1931
* A prize shoot is to be held at the rifle
range here on January 30th.
'Magnet' February 27, 1932
Towamba Cricket team.
T. Parker A. Tasker G. Love R. Clements
C. Laing R. Roberts V. Clements A. Beasley
L. Beasley H. Roberts D. Parker
![]() |
| TOWAMBA FANCY DRESS CRICKET MATCH 1907 to raise money for bushfire losses. Back Row: L - R. Ged Arnold, Walter Kennedy, Geo. McDonald, Bob Kennedy, Sam Parker, Phil Medlin, Joe Ryan, Arthur Binnie, Herb Greer, Chris Roberts, Harry Richards, Jim Dickie, Jack Dickie. Front Row: Wal Parker, Ernie Hogg, Jim Hogg, Percie Alexander, Aust. O'Hara, Geo. Falkner, Bill Target. Photo courtesy M. Mitchell |
![]() |
| TOWAMBA FOOTBALLERS. 1909. Back Row: Jack Dickie, ? Goward, Albert Power, Ernie Hogg, Not Known, Jack Shelley, Alf Alexander, Not Known, Jack Martin, Gomer Martin, Bill Rutherford. Front Row: Joe McKee, Bill Laing, Bill Kennedy, Jim Hogg, Fred Ballman (Bollman?), Jack Arnold, Harry Richards. Photo courtesy M. Mitchell |
'Magnet' July 2, 1932
* A tennis ball at Towamba.
'Magnet' July 16, 1932
* Barney Street tennis ball is on 15th July
and promises to be a success.
* Owing to the weather the married V singles
match has been put off.
'Magnet' October 29, 1932
* Farms are flourishing with crops and pastures
green largely due to the brilliant play of
Ivan Roberts. Towamba captured the T &
G Cup from Pambula on a recent Saturday.
Exuberantly fine weather.
'Magnet' January 21, 1933
* Tennis tournament on New Year's Eve at
Barney Street.
Miss Heather Beasley. Tom Parker
Mrs. F. Umback. F. Umback
Miss Rene Greer. F. Arnold
'Magnet' July 15, 1933
* Barney Street tennis club, Towamba V Pericoe.
Towamba team: Miss T. Hartneady, H. Beasley, Mrs. M. J.
McLeod, Miss McLeod, S. Mair, D. McLeod,
T. Parker,
Pericoe team: Mrs. Brownlie and Miss M. Arnold, Misses
E. Love, J. Love, F. Arnold, A. Love, J.
Brownlie, E. Arnold.
This game was played for the newly acquired
cup called the 'Boomerang Cup' and Towamba
won.
'Magnet' October 14, 1933.
* Tennis cups: Boomerang Cup and the Bert
Grant Cup both in possession of Barney Street
tennis club Towamba.
'Magnet' May 12, 1934
* The tennis cups are displayed in Mr. J.
Hartneady's shop.
BURRAGATE
CRICKET
'Magnet' November 17, 1934
* Rain interfered with play but the match
was very enjoyable. Each team possesses some
promising talent among the younger players
which only require practice and perseverance
for its proper development. Scores: 1st innings,
Wyndham 53, Burragate 30. 2nd innings, Wyndham
69, Burragate 64.
* Burragate cricketers journeyed to Wyndham
last weekend and suffered defeat at the hands
of the local team.
* The trustees have carried out much needed
repair work to the local recreation ground.
'Magnet' December 15, 1934
* The annual meeting of the local tennis
club was held last week and officers for
the current year were elected. It was also
decided to hold a tournament on New Year's
day.
* The Robbie Burns Cup is now safely installed
at Wyndham.
'Magnet' February 2, 1935
* The Park tennis club team was successful
in gaining the 'Kookaburra Cup' from Burragate
last Saturday and the 'Boomerang Cup' from
Towamba the following day.
'Magnet' March 2, 1935
* At a well attended meeting recently it
was decided to form a social club covering
various recreational activities. The need
for such a body has been keenly felt here.
'Magnet' March 16, 1935
TOWAMBA
SUCCESSFUL SPORTS FOR HOSPITAL
The sports here which owing to heavy rain
were postponed from February the 6th and
finally held on the 1st instant, were very
well attended considering the great amount
of sickness in neighbouring centres - a circumstance
that prevented quite a number form attending.
The programme was varied and created a great
deal of interest, especially the horse events.
Mr. Herbert Binnie was judge and his decisions
gave all-round satisfaction. Mr. Arthur Binnie
also assisted in his usual capable manner.
Messers James Dickie and E. Clements gave
their services as gate keepers. Following
are the winners of the various events:
Open Horse Jump: T. Doyle and E. Love. 1st
and 2nd
Maiden Hunt: Alf Beasley 1, D. Morton 2.
Open Hunt: E. Love 1, J. Williams 2.
Pony Hunt: J. Williams and Lionel Love, divide
1 and 2.
Consolation Hunt: D. McLeod 1 and 2.
Flag Race: V. Clements and Allan Roberts
1 and 2.
Serving Tennis Ball: (Men): A. Binnie 1,
D. Parker 2.
Guessing Height of Pole: R. Doyle and Mrs.
O. Love divide 1 and 2.
Ladies Nail Driving: Mrs. J. Williams 1,
Mrs O. Love 2.
Mens Nail Driving: D. McLeod and J. Love
divide 1 and 2.
Throwing at Wicket: C. Greer and O. Love
divide 1 and 2.
Kicking Football Through Hoop: I. Roberts
and Herb Beasley divide 1 and 2.
Ladies Serving Tennis Balls Through Hoop:
Miss M. McDonald 1, Miss Merle McLeod 2.
The dance at night was likewise very well
attended. Mrs. J. H. Beasley and Mr. J. McLeod
supplied the music and Mr. Don McLeod as
M. C. kept the dancers busy. Messers Jim
Dickie and Roger Doyle acted as door keepers.
A novelty dance was won by Mr. Harold Roberts
and Miss Ruby Roberts. After all expenditure
is met the hospital fund should benefit by
about £9. The secretary Mr. Wal Green on
behalf of the committee wishes to thank all
those who so ably assisted to make the function
a success.
BURRAGATE
'Magnet' March 30, 1935
* Wyndham footballers recently visited Burragate
for the kick off for the season and defeated
the local lads by 9 to 6 after a well fought
contest. The veteran 'Stem' Tasker was a
tower of strength for Wyndham.
* Last weekend the local players visited
Wyndham for a return match and secured a
victory by 16 to 8 points. The play of Ted
and Darcy Ryan was outstanding.
* Burragate tennis team visited Pericoe last
weekend and were successful in defeating
the home players by three rubbers to one.
'Magnet' June 1, 1935
TOWAMBA
Cricketers Presentation Social
A most enjoyable evening was spent in the
local hall on Saturday, May 18, when caps
were presented to the cricketers responsible
for Towamba Club's winning of the district
competition premiership for the season recently
concluded. The attendance was good. Door
takings with tickets at the low price of
1/6, were £7/9/-, plus proceeds of the spot
waltz, nineteen shillings. Total £8/8/-.
The club will benefit to the extent of about
£6/15/-. Seventeen club members received
caps and Mr. Arthur Binnie who made the presentations,
gave an excellent speech in the course of
which he paid a glowing tribute to the cricketers
for their first competition win. He complimented
the club as a whole and said that the combined
efforts of the members had brought about
a thoroughly deserved success.
He also referred to individual efforts by
the stars of the team commencing with the
club captain Ivan Roberts. His batting, said
Mr. Binnie, was a boon to the team throughout
the year. His fielding was excellent and
his assistance with the ball and his value
as captain must not be forgotten. The wicket
keeping of Jim Anderson classed him as nothing
short of a second Oldfield as well as an
opening batsman. Mr. Boller was a spin bowler
who had puzzled the best of the opposition
batsmen and deserved the success he achieved.
Will Greer, alias 'Bumper Bill' had with
his 'wild bodyline' caused the sensation
of the season, not forgetting his help with
the bat. Then there were the babies of the
team, Roy Roberts and Verner Clements. Roy
had been a great success throughout the year
and as a bowler was certain to reach greater
heights. Verner had helped with bat and ball
and was a star fieldsman as well. Both these
lads were due to shine in seasons to come.
Mr. Binnie regretted that time did not permit
him to mention every member of the team and
concluded his address amid loud cheers and
applause.
'Magnet' June 1, 1935
* Wyndham footballers again visited Burragate
recently and secured a win over the local
players, scores being 6 - 3. At the conclusion
of the match a meeting was held after which
the ladies provided tea.
'Magnet' June 15, 1935
* Towamba Rifle Club is having big additions
made to its range.
'Magnet' June 22, 1935.
* Towamba and Bega rifle clubs have completed
improvements to their ranges. It is now up
to Eden, Pambula and neighbouring clubs to
do their share of range improvement.
'Magnet' June 22, 1935
* Football has aroused more than usual local
interest this season. Pericoe has accepted
a challenge to play Burragate next Sunday.
PERICOE
'Magnet' June 22, 1935
* Arrangements will be made shortly for the
annual Hall Ball. It is hoped that improvements
will be effected to the hall building in
the near future.
'Magnet' September 21, 1935
Owing to rainy conditions the Burragate -
Pericoe tennis match for the Bert Grant Cup
(at present held by the Pericoe team) was
deferred last Saturday. Weather permitting
the match will be played on the 21st instant.
*On Friday night last an enjoyable tennis
dance was held at the local hall. Extrememwet
weather, however, prevented many people from
attending the function. Mrs. H. Beasley and
Mr. J. McLeod contributed excellent music
and a good supper was provided by the Pericoe
ladies.
'Magnet' October 19, 1935
Riflemen are invited to keep in mind that
Towamba Club's £60 prize shoot on November
2. The programme comprises of £14 matches
at 600 yards, a £15 handicap aggregate and
a £17 scratch aggregate. Luncheon will be
available on the range. Nominations for the
shoot will close on October 31. The shoot
will be followed by a social at night. Programmes
are available from the club secretary, Mr.
Ira Parker.
'Magnet' October 19, 1935
TOWAMBA
*Towamba cricket club has been reformed and
a new set of "gear" has been ordered.
Much interest is being taken by the local
lads and a busy season is being looked forward
to.
* Towamba rifle club's forthcoming shoot
with £60 prize money promises to be a great
success. Many marksmen from district clubs
have expressed their intention of attending.
*Mr. Lionel Love has gone to Sydney to seek
medical treatment for an eye injury received
during a recent football match.
'Magnet' November 9, 1935
TOWAMBA
Big Rifle Shoot
Nearly fifty marksmen participated in the
Towamba Rifle Club's £60 prize shoot last
Saturday. Mr. Don McLeod was range officer
and had everything well in hand. An excellent
luncheon provided by Mrs. Tasker was done
full justice to by the shooters. Bombala
riflemen are now the owners of the Towamba
Challenge Cup, having won three times and
defeating Bega by the narrow margin of one
point. The scores were Bombala - 383, Bega
- 382, Towamba - 330. A social held at night
was most successful, £7 being taken at the
door. Mrs. H. Beasley - piano and Mr. J.
McLeod - drums provided music for the dancing.
A guessing competition, the prize for which
was a travelling rug, donated by Mrs. Tasker,
realised the sum of £3/12/- for the club
funds.
'Magnet' November 30, 1935
*Four Towamba marksmen made the journey to
Mallacoota for the big opening shoot and
though winning only a small percentage of
the prize money they report having had a
good time. Mr. Jack Dickie who also made
the trip had a very enjoyable day on the
beautiful lake hooking skipjack and was loth
to leave the sport to come home.
'Magnet' December 21, 1935
TOWAMBA v MILA
Visitors Victorious
On Sunday last, Towamba cricketers journeyed
to Mila and inflicting on their opponents
a crushing defeat scored the first McGoldrick
Cup victory they have had in six years of
hard trying. Towamba batted first although
R. Roberts, bowled in the second over, it
was soon evident that the visiting batsmen
had the upper hand. Alf Tasker, Towamba's
sixteen year old batsman gave a brilliant
display to make 47, though at that stage
he had the misfortune to be run out. T. Parker
with 22 not out, J. H. Beasley 18 and A Greer
17, were the best bats for Towamba whose
9 for 166 took one hour 35 minutes. Of Towamba's
bowlers, V. Clements and R. Roberts were
outstanding, taking between them in the last
four overs, seven wickets. Of the Mila batsmen
W. Roberts was the only one to make double
figures although they pluckily did their
best till the last wicket had fallen. Knightly
and J. Trevanian were Mila's best bowlers.
The home teams 47 took one hour 5 minutes
to compile. The fielding on both sides was
particularly keen.
'Magnet'
February 8, 1936
BURRAGATE RODEO
The rodeo at Burragate held in conjunction
with the Anniversary Day Sports was the most
popular sporting event ever held here and
the bucking and riding were the best ever
seen on the South Coast. A big contingent
of riders faced the judges, Messers Arthur
and Herbert Binnie and shared the honours
with the bullocks generously loaned for the
occasion by Messers R. Shelley, J Farrell,
E. Ryan, H. Binnie and N. Ryan. A noteworthy
performance was put up by the mayor of Burragate,
Mr. I. W. Ryan but when he bit the dust in
the final he joined in the merriment of the
crowd. We understand that Councillor Lee,
who was present, was particularly pleased
with everything. Mr. Ted Ryan who was riding
particularly well was unfortunate in that
his bullock fell before the bell rang. Four
riders, D. Ryan, W. Cochrane, D. Morton and
I. Ryan rode their mounts at their worst
and qualified for the final which resulted
in the elimination of the last named. The
remaining trio having an equal performance
divided the honours and were loudly applauded
by the crowd. Exhibition rides were then
given by W. Cochrane and B. Wiles. The event
was conducted by Mr. R. McKay and a band
of helpers who earned the gratitude of the
spectators by giving a wonderful entertainment
without a single hitch. It was a great day
for Burragate and one that will live long
in the memory of those present.
'Magnet'
February 15, 1936
BURRAGATE NEWS
The recent sports and ball were very successful. Mr. H.
Wiles was judge of the sporting events and
officiated with satisfaction to all. In the
maiden hunting contest some very good jumping
was witnessed. The pillow fight caused much
amusement, Mr. C. Brodie proving himself
a champion. The steer riding, judged by Messers
Arthur and Herbert Binnie proved the highlight
of the day. Mr. Reg McKay had yards etc.,
erected in a very convenient way which caused
no delay in getting the riders away. Some
very good riding was witnessed. Messers D.
Ryan, W. Cochrane, D. Morton and I. Ryan
did well to get into the final. The ladies
had a busy day in running the luncheon booth,
fruit stall and jumble stall. Mrs. J. Whitby
and Mrs. C. Roberts had charge of the luncheon
booth, Mrs. C. S. Logan and Mrs. J. D. Keys
conducted the fruit and jumble stalls respectively
and Mrs. J. F. Farrell dispensed hot water
to patrons. For the ball the hall was decorated
by Sister Lord and helpers and the supper
tables by Mrs. J. Farrell. Mr. Arthur Binnie
was M.C. Music was provided by Mrs. H. Beasley
(piano) and Mr. J. McLeod (drums). A novelty
dance was won by Mr. J. B. Whitby and partner.
It is expected that £50 will be cleared in
all.
The B.N.A. sports committee wished to thank
all those who helped in any way to make the
event a success. Following is a list of winners
in the different events:
Maiden Hunt: E. Love - 1, L. Beasley and
D. Morton - divide 2.
Open Hunt: L. Beasley - 1, J. Williams and
E. Love - divide 2.
Pony Hunt: D. Morton, J. Williams, L. Beasley
- divide 1 & 2.
Flag Race: D. Ryan - 1. A. Ryan - 2.
Bending Race: J. Williams - 1, D. Ryan -
2.
Pillow Fight: C. Brodie.
Musical Chairs: H. Binnie - 1, R. Luff -
2.
Throwing at Wicket: A. Byers, G. Umback and
Robertson- divide.
Nail Driving: Mesdames A. and H. Tasker -
divide.
Serving Tennis Ball (Ladies): Mrs. Byers
-1, Mrs Brodie - 2.
(Gents): H. Beasley -1, D. Parker - 2.
Kicking Football: L. Robinson.
Stepping the Distance: A. Sawers.
Guessing Height of Pole: A. Goldberg.
Steer Riding: D. Morton, W. Cochrane, D.
Ryan - divide.
Bega District News March 25, 1952
TOWAMBA TO GET NEW REC. GROUND
Council will assist volunteer workers
Imlay Shire Council agreed at its meeting
on Friday to do all it can to assist Towamba
community in obtaining a new recreation ground.
Local volunteers, with the use of some of
Council's equipment, will endeavour to clear
a selected site, but it is feared that an
area of rock will cause some difficulties
in levelling the surface.
Cr. Butcher told Council that the committee
already had £400 available for the work but
required more. Council agreed to apply for
a loan of £1000 so as the ground can be levelled
and thus allow carnivals and sports to be
held to pay for the erection of tennis courts
and dressing sheds.
The President (Cr. Hart): 'No doubt we will
be a long time getting any loan money for
the ground, therefore, the voluntary labour
will be a practical method of getting the
work started.'
Cr. Clare congratulated the Towamba people
on endeavouring to obtain recreational facilities
for their community and added that they should
be assisted as much as possible by Council.