Looking back 50 and 25 years | IN THE PAST

More than 2000 people attended this year’s Christmas Eve party at Romano’s Hotel. Sturt Street was closed for the occasion.

Liberal Party member for Hume, Wal Fife and National Party member for Riverina Darling, Noel Hicks have both announced that they will stand for the newly announced seat of Riverina.

Former long serving aldermen, Morris Gissing and Harold Fife were honoured by the presentation of Local Government Association Certificates at this week’s Council Meeting.

Well known Wagga identity, Errella Heard, better known as Smoke to her friends, has died at Concord Hospital in Sydney.

Manager of Wagga’s newly reopened drive-in theatre, Barry Cheal, said the public response was beyond expectations with more than 200 cars attending on some evenings.

Ettrickbridge Lodge, an 18.5-acre property with four-bedroom brick veneer house on the corner of Oura and Eunony Bridge Roads, was sold for $185,000.

Yvonne Blattman from St Vincent de Paul and Captain Brian Unicomb from the Salvation Army report increased generosity this Christmas season.

Excellent crowds were reported at Christmas services with an estimated 1000 people attending midnight Mass at St Michael’s Cathedral.

Among the 230 guests enjoying Christmas Dinner at the Town House Motel were Mr B Heard and Ald (Mrs) E Heard who entertained Miss A Harrison.

Fourth Wagga Scout Troop is assisting tourists with more than 100 travellers yesterday helped with information and advice.

Mayor, Ald R J Harris described Wagga’s population growth of 17.41 percent from 22092 in 1961 to 25,939 in 1965 as “extraordinary”.

Wagga City Rugby Union’s star fullback, Peter Baker is switching back to Rugby League. He played Scott Shield for Wagga High from 1963 to 1965, the final year as team captain.

Thirteen-year-old Mark Lehmann has stunned Wagga fencing coach, Tony Dominguez with his “unlimited potential”.

Miss Robyn Sadleir, who is entering her final week as Miss Wagga 1966, wishes only that the new title holder will enjoy her reign as much as she has done.

At David Jones Supermarket, Heinz Baby food in a 4oz tin is just 7d (6c), White Wings cake mix 1/8 (17c) and Golden Circle Tropical Fruit Salad in a 19oz tin just 3/- (30c).