This week in history: February 8, 1924
Whooping cough sweeps through Murray Bridge Primary School, Swanport gets a telephone line and an Olympic fundraising campaign begins.
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From the pages of the River Murray Advocate, February 8, 1924:
Murray Bridge Primary School
The new teachers at the Murray Bridge Primary School are Mr E.L. Doenan, from Thebarton; Miss J.C. Francis, from Port Augusta West; Miss L.V. Read, from Port Gawler; Miss I.N. Walpole, from University Training College; and Miss J.I. Ridler, from Whyalla.
The roll number is 769; a year ago it was 698.
The roll number and average attendance would be greater but for an epidemic of whooping cough.
Telephone to Swanport
Representative Gabb has received a communication from Mr Kitto, Deputy Postmaster-General, Adelaide, as follows.
“I have to inform you that approval has been given for the erection of a telephone line from Murray Bridge to Swanport.
“Owing to the number of other important lines, the erection of which has been approved, it cannot at present be stated when the facility desired will be available, but it is hoped to put the work in hand within the next two months.”
Murray Bridge and Olympia
A meeting convened by Mr M.W. Parish and H.L. Binney to consider the question of raising funds in connection with the probable representation of Australia at the Olympic Games in Paris by the Murray Bridge crew was held in the institute hall on Tuesday night, and was attended by a representative and enthusiastic number of residents.
Mr Parish said it was a matter for regret that the Olympic Council did not itself assume the responsibility for the raising of the funds.
Mr Marcus, representing the South Australian Rowing Association, felt it was possible to get the ÂŁ750 which had already been raised in the state from the South Australian Olympic Council for the purpose, and this, with a government subsidy, would mean ÂŁ1000; if Murray Bridge could raise ÂŁ500, then there would be little trouble to raise the balance.
Mr Binney felt that the people of South Australia would respond to the appeal, and Australia would not be disgraced by their crew when they rowed in Olympia contest.
Business advertisements
- Messrs Laubman and Pank, certified opticians: We will visit Murray Bridge on Tuesday, February 12, 10am-9pm. The perspectoscope, our latest patented sight-testing instrument, will be used during this visit.
- W.D. Robbie: Late of Althouse and Geiger, Sydney’s leading signwriters and decorators, and G. Robbie, of Robbie Bros, Murray Bridge. The sons of the late Dan Robbie wish to notify the public they are starting business as painters, signwriters, paperhangers, coach and motor painters and artistic decorators. Workmanship guaranteed, estimates free, work promptly attended to.
- W.H. Beaumont and Sons, butchers, Murray Bridge: Deliveries by cart daily. Phone and mail orders promptly attended to. Cleanliness and civility our motto. Phone 47.
- Read more: trove.nla.gov.au.
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