Looking back 50 and 25 years | In the Past

Emma Jade Price, the fifth child of David and Ellen Price, was the first Christmas baby born in Wagga.

Jeff Stokes, top apprentice at Kendell Airlines won an apprenticeship award from General Electric was presented with a cheque for $US1000 by Kendell Airlines managing director, Don Kendell.

Don Smith’s Wagga Winery was advertising opening specials of premium wines from $3.50.

Sturt Street was closed to traffic on Christmas Eve as hundreds of people packed Sturt Street to celebrate at Romano’s Hotel.

Maria, youngest daughter of Ken and Jill Chappelow recently married Gary, son of Noel and Shirley Armstrong at the Wesley Uniting Church. A reception was held at the Wagga Country Club.

Cindy O’Brien is pictured in the Daily Advertiser dressed as an angel. She was one of 120 children from Bethlehem Lutheran School taking part in the Lutheran Sunday School concert.

Lyla and Cyril Kingston celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with a family party at their home.

More than 150 people from needy families attended a special movie screening at Wagga’s Twin Cinema arranged by The Smith Family, St Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army.

Most major Wagga stores will not open on New Year’s Day. Paul Jones and Charles Price Pharmacies will open. Hotels and clubs will be open but there will be no fresh bread except for Wagga Hot Bake.

Wagga Mutual Credit Union is advertising 12.75% for deposits from 3 to 6 months.

50 Years Ago

Alderman Ivan Jack, mayor of Wagga since 1955 has been awarded the MBE for services to local government in this year’s Queens New Year honours list.

Bread was baked over the Christmas holiday period for the first time. Riverina Baking Company spokesman, Ned Fife said all but a few of the 6,624 loaves baked had been sold.

One of the highlights of this year’s Mardi Gras was the escapologist Kito. Town Planner, Sel Rawlings is pictured in the Daily Advertiser securing Kito’s chains before he was suspended 50 feet in the air to escape.

Volunteer lifesaver Malcolm McKenzie is pictured in the Daily Advertiser at the Wagga Beach.

Ald F C White, owner of the timber mill in Mason Street said a fire in a storage bin had caused £1000 damage.

Large crowds swarmed into David Jones for their after-Christmas material sale. Fabrics were available from just 2/- a yard.

Kevin Irons and Jim Wiscombe from the Southern Riverina County Council are pictured in the Daily Advertiser inspecting decimal currency converting machines.

Mr A W Sly has been awarded an honorary long service medal by the NSW Ambulance Transport Board. Murrumbidgee Ambulance Superintendent, Mr L Rees said he hoped the NSW Chairman Mr J Stephens would present the award during a visit to Wagga.

Hoyts Drive In are advertising a New Year’s Eve Midnight Show featuring “The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll” and “Blood and Roses”

Mrs E Mann celebrated her birthday as well as Christmas with family and friends at Romano’s Hotel on Christmas Day.

Mr and Mrs Keith Dunn are pictured in the Daily Advertiser Sunshine Avenue putting the finishing touches on a Christmas tree.

Twelve officers of the Wagga District Ambulance shared third prize of £3000 in the Jackpot lottery. The ticket was held by L G Birchall.

Contact Wagga Wagga and District Historical Society at www.wwdhs.org.au  or on Facebook at wagga.history.