Looking back 50 and 25 years from The Daily Advertiser by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society.

Founding members of the law firm Sheekey Williams, Galva Nitschke and John Williams are retiring as partners to be replaced by Wayne Sharwood and Simon Blake.

Lockhart hospital has been merged with Wagga Base Hospital.

The Daily Advertiser is the latest Wagga business to declare itself smoke-free. A smoker’s room has been set aside for those among the 110-full-time staff who still wish to smoke.

Mavis Duff was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship at the South Wagga Rotary changeover dinner which also saw retiring president, Dick Bostock hand over to incoming President, John Wright.

Don Kendell says that Kendell Airlines has purchased new Fairchild Metro 23 aircraft to replace its fleet of Metroliners.

Director General of Education, Dr Ken Boston, described plans for a senior high school in Wagga as exciting.

Well-known Wagga Liberal Party member, John Gray has stepped down from the party’s regional presidency of South West and Country to be succeeded by Wagga branch president, Greg Nichols.

Will Penny has been appointed as playing coach for St Michaels Cricket Club in the 1992-93 season.

The Wagga Sunrise Rotary Club changeover dinner saw foundation president, Brian Andrews handing over to incoming president, Rodney Parsons.

Federal Minister for Education, Kim Beazley opened $4.3m extensions to the CSU William Merrylees library in the presence of local member, Wal Fife, CSU Chancellor, David Asimus and vice-chancellor Cliff Blake.

Wagga’s Grace Bros store is hosting the national Nintendo championship play-offs.

Norm Grinton has retired from the Southern Riverina County Council after 44 years’ service.

Member for Wagga, Joe Schipp rejected claims that his appointment as Minister for Sport Recreation and Racing in the Fahey Government was a demotion.

50 YEARS AGO

At the age of 36, Father Francis Carroll has been appointed as Coadjutor Bishop to the Bishop of Wagga.

Normie Rowe, the “hysterical miracle of Australian Show Biz” is in Wagga with the Normie Rowe Show on stage at Hoyts theatre.

 Wal Blake retired as secretary of the Wagga and District Bowling Association after 12 years’ service.

Dr John Tunley and his wife entertained his parent’s Dr Marjorie Tunley and Dr Leslie Tunley at Romano’s Hotel.

Les Purcell, a well-known farmer and grazier, Leagues Club Director and outstanding Rugby League player in the 1920’s has died.

Seven teachers from small schools in the Mangoplah district attended a one day conference at Burrandana.

Wagga City Council is demanding “unconditional and unreserved” personal apologies from two teenage youths who set fire to waste paper in a garbage receptacle.

District Telephone Manager, Mr Frank Earle said that another 160 telephones would be installed in the South Wagga area.

Rhonda and Joe Schipp have sold Schipp’s Sports Store to Mary and Chas Croker.

Lovelace Watkins is entertaining members of the Wagga Leagues Club on Saturday night.