Wagga City Council approved an upgrade at Riverina Wool Combing valued at $48.43 million which will increase employment at the plant from 240 to 321 people.

Spokesman for Athol Street residents, Ray Lucas said their popular Christmas display which last year drew thousands of visitors would start again this year on December 19 for one week.

Trinity Senior High School, coached by Wagga solicitor, Keith Roberts, defeated The Kings School, Parramatta in the prestigious state-wide inter-school mock trial competition.

Wagga’s Mayor, Pat Brassil, announced he would contest the upcoming Federal election as a Labor Party candidate for the seat of Riverina presently held by Noel Hicks.

Wagga Education Centre in Peter Street is spending $150,000 on extensive additions to their headquarters in Peter Street including a large meeting area to be named in honour of Doug Phipps and Lex Bittar.

Wagga hotel licensees, Peter Bolton and Kit Gooley called for an alcohol free main street and uniform trading hours for Wagga hotels.

Maurice Kelly was awarded life membership of the NSW Country Rugby League. He has previously been awarded life membership of Kangaroos, Group Nine and Riverina Division.

 Founder, Joe Hawkins led almost 200 past and present members of the Wagga Pony Club in a parade down Baylis Street to celebrate the club’s 40th birthday.

The Wagga Girls Brigade celebrated its 21st birthday with brigade captain, Wendy Dewar and special guests.

Wagga’s first Mardi Gras in 27 years is being held this week at Bolton Park.

Wagga Tidy Towns chairman, Jack Mullins said that Wagga had won the recycling award in its category at the 1992 Tidy Towns and Environment Awards.

Tony Porter organised a demonstration by more than 150 people against plans for the Federal Government to increase charges on old cars.

50 YEARS AGO

Miss M E Field is leaving Wagga High School after 26 years of service including the last six as librarian.

A new Anglican parish of South Wagga has been formed and the Rev Owen Dowling appointed as priest in charge.

South Wagga Rotary represented by Fred Mumford, John Hepburn and Doug Phipps presented the new 1st Ashmont Boy Scouts and Cubs with three flags at a presentation ceremony attended by more than 100 parents and officials.

Reg Kelly, manager of David Jones said Christmas trading “has never been better with brisk shopping for gifts in all departments”.

Chief Executive Officer, Mr H J Rex said this year’s Base Hospital Fete was attended by 3,000 people and grossed about $4000 in “an extremely successful night”.

Miss Gillian Wilson and Mr Peter Dale were among diners at the Town House Motel on Saturday night.

Wagga Teacher’s College student, Miss Dianne Summergreene, was entertained by Mr Greg Strong at the Astor Hotel-Motel on Saturday night.

James O’Brien and Paul Gavin are joint Dux of the Bishop Henschke Boy’s Primary School.

At Wagga High School the Apex Prize for School Spirit as awarded to Dawn Lowe and Mark Gallagher and the Gissing Memorial Prize for outstanding students was awarded to Robert McDonald and Judith Craig.

President Mrs Beryl Whiting welcomed more than 130 members and friends to the Quota Club Christmas smorgasbord dinner-dance at the Wagga Golf Clubhouse.