ROLL OF COUNCIL FOR 1936-7

MAYOR – J. Langdon, Esq., J.P.

Alderman J. L. Leal, J.P. Alderman H. S. Hatwell, J.P. Alderman T. Green, J.P. Alderman F. Worrell Alderman A. A. House Councillor F. G. Phelps, J.P. (Strangways Ward) Councillor J. Mason (Strangways Ward) Councillor M. Waston, J.P. (Musgrave Ward) Councillor E. T. Isley, J.P. (Musgrave Ward) Councillor W. H. D. James (Jervois Ward) Councillor O. R. Turner (Jervois Ward) Councillor J. Sandow, J.P. (Torrens Ward) Councillor W. H. Edmonds, J.P. (Torrens Ward)

Town Clerk & Surveyor – C. E. Wyett Assistant Town Clerk and Collector of Rates – W. H. Brady Lady Clerks – Miss M. M. Matheson, & Miss E. A. Martin Medical Officer – Dr R. G. Burnard (Dr A. J. Clarkson – Locum Tenens) Auditor – W. H. Willsmore A.I.A.S.A. Working Overseer – W. H. Baker Town Hall Porters – L. Woodlands and L. Minear Curator – J. Matheson

CORPORATION OF THEBARTON

MAYOR’S ANNUAL REPORT

18th June, 1937

The Members of the Town Council Thebarton, and Citizens of the Town of Thebarton,

Ladies & Gentlemen,

In presenting this my fifth consecutive report as Mayor, I want to say, at the outset, that as I am not a candidate for the Mayoralty at the forthcoming Elections, I wish to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Mayoress and myself, to thank everyone who assisted us during the past five years and seven months. While the duties appertaining to an official position of this nature have necessarily taken up a considerable amount of our time, and occasionally caused us some anxiety, we both feel that it has been well worth while in that we have, by personal contact with hundreds of people in all walks of life, made many friends, whom we trust will remain so during the years to come.

The Coronation of His Majesty the King is now History, but it is fitting that mention should be made of it in this report. The wonderful spontaneity of loyalty by millions of adherents in England and all British Dominions must have a good effect in the near future by giving other European Nations food for thought should they be contemplating precipitating another World War. Thebarton’s part in the Coronation Festivities took the form of Decorating and Floodlighting the Municipal Building on Taylors Rd, a Coronation Ball in aid of the District Trained Nursing Society, and providing for a Wireless Broadcast in the Assembly Hall for all who cared to attend.

Getting down to mundane matters, your Council has established another milestone in the continued progress of the Town by the construction of a Refuse Incinerator at the northern end of the Town, the contract price being £4,986. The Plant was officially opened by me, as Mayor, on April 23rd. It has been working very satisfactorily and economically. A Woodville Engineer who has recently visited all the States, reports that the Thebarton Plant is by far the best for its purpose he has seen. Too much credit cannot be given to Cnr M. Watson, a member of this Council, and a qualified Engineer, for his untiring efforts in supervising the erection of the plant.

It is pleasing to report that the West Torrens Club have again won the Cricket Premiership. Their home ground is the Thebarton Oval. The West Torrens Football Club, while not successful last year have made a better start this year, and I wish them the best of luck.

The Members of your Council attended the Anzac Service in the new Town Hall and have also accepted invitations to attend Sunday Services in other Churches. It is pleasing to note that the Anzac Service continues to gain in importance, rather than diminish as the years roll by.

Once again it is very gratifying to notice that unemployment is diminishing, and the good prices obtained for our wool and wheat have greatly benefited the State of and Australia generally. This year 140 unemployed applied to work for the clothing provided by the Government, whereas, at the height of the depression, the number was over 500.

During the year, Ald Leal, who for many years has been a Member of this Council, and has occupied the Mayoral Chair, resigned his seat on account of being appointed Chairman of the Municipal Tramways Trust Board. Mr A. A. House was elected unopposed to fill the vacant position.

Ald Hatwell was again elected by a substantial majority as a member of the Central Board of Health. Our Medical Officer of Health, R. G. Burnard, has been on a visit to England, and while there passed the necessary examination to qualify for the important degree of M.R.C.B.

At this Council’s suggestion a conference between representatives of the West Torrens, Henley & Grange, and this Council took place, the object being to suggest to those Councils that they make application to the Fire Brigades Board to be included in The Thebarton Fire Area, which would mean a saving to this Council in their contribution to the Fire Brigade. The matter has not been finalised.

The Headmaster of the Thebarton Central School, (Mr Jacobs), who made himself very popular while in charge, has had to retire owing to attaining the age limit. I am pleased to state that a pupil of the Cowandilla School, Edmund Kennett, of Gladstone Road, Mile End, was top of the whole State in the Qualifying Certificate Examination.

Your Council recently made extensive additions to the room at the rear of the Old Town Hall, and these have been handed over to the Thebarton Branch of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers League, at a nominal rental of 1/- per year.

The Thebarton Band came second in the November Band Contest, the winner being the Melbourne Fire Brigades Band, which the Adjudicator considers the best band in Australia at present. Our Band did well to come second.

In my last report I mentioned that I had received a cheque for £224 from the & Suburban Relief Fund. Of this amount I gave £100 to the Thebarton Womens’ Service Association, and the balance, with the exception of approximately £50 has been spent in providing boots and shoes for school children, relieving distress, and donations to the Unemployed Workers Association, and Old Age Pensioners Association.

Improvements are being made to the Post Office on Taylors Rd. My Council made every endeavour to persuade the Postal Department to erect a new Post Office in a more Central position, but were unsuccessful.

An important alteration to the Local Government Act is that now only those ratepayers will be debarred from voting, who owe “arrears” of rates, this is rates declared 12 months previously. Ratepayers can now vote if the rates declared in July last are not paid even if a fine was added in December last.

The Thebarton Committee of the T.B. Soldiers Button Day, of which the Mayoress was Convenor, were successful in collecting £55-4-7. This amount is outstanding so far as Suburban collections are concerned.

I officially opened the Floral Society’s Centennial Show last September, and the Society is to be congratulated on the success of the function. Thanks are also due to the members of this Society for decorating the front of the office block during the Floral Festival Week. An employee of this Corporation, Mr M. Menz, obtained 8 first prizes and 2 seconds at the Flower Show, and at the Society’s Show in April last Mr Menz was successful in obtaining 15 firsts, 4 seconds, and the Champion Show Dahlia prize.

In connection with the Floral Pageant held during the Centenary Celebrations, I wish to say that, while this Council’s entry was not successful in winning a prize, the fact remains that Thebarton was the first Council to notify the Central Committee of its intention to enter a Float, and this fact no doubt influenced other Councils to also enter. Moreover, the novelty of having our float drawn by a team of bullocks gave pleasure to thousands of sight-seers, and some good was achieved by my having the Float taken to the Childrens Hospital and the Memorial Hospital; but the main feature of Thebarton’s entry was the fact that the late Col. Light was honored in the procession.

Too much praise cannot be given to the following Societies and Associations working in the Town, namely the Women’s Service Association, the District Trained Nursing Society, the Mothers & Babies’ Health Association; Boy Scouts Association, Girl Guides Association, Returned Solders Association, Central School Committee, Infant School Mothers Club, Thebarton Municipal Band, Thebarton Municipal Orchestra, Thebarton Choral Society.

In addition to their Council duties, Members having official positions are :- Ald H. S. Hatwell, (Chairman Finance Committee, President Suburban Municipal & D.C. Association, Member Central Board of Health. Cnr J. Mason, Member of Infectious Diseases Hospital Board, Chairman of Finance Committee of that Board. Cnr Sandow is a member of the Municipal Association; Cnr Isley the Suburban Municipal & D.C. Assoc. The National Safety Council representative is Cnr O. R. Turner. Ovals Assoc representatives Cnr Watson & Cnr. James; The Mayor, Municipal Assoc. Cnr Phelps is Chairman of Our Health Committee; Cnr Isley Chairman Works Committee, and Cnr James Chairman Oval Comtee. Ald T. Green is a Member of the County Board.

The Collection for the Childrens Hospital in Thebarton in May amounted to approximately £73 making a total of £137 collected in Thebarton during that month, the other Societies benefitting being The “Flying Sisters” Fund, and The District Trained Nursing Society.

The Registration of Dogs during the past year has exceeded any previous year, the total being 1202, including 965 Males, 200 Females, and 37 Alsatians.

Several Members of the Council including myself, attended the Meeting called by the Suburban Municipal and D.C. Assocn, in connection with the Infectious Diseases Hospital, when a Motion was carried asking the Government to negotiate with the Local Boards of Health regarding their financial responsibilities in connection with the Northfield Infectious Diseases Hospital, and a Delegation was appointed to wait on the Government.

The total attendance at the 8 League Football Matches held on the Thebarton Oval last season was 28,158 as against 26,191 for the previous year. The expenses of gatemen, advertising, police, umpires, etc amounted to £197/11/6, and Taxation £116/17/9. The Corporation received £128/5/2 against £119/19/8 the previous season and the League received £417/2/8 as against £382/12/5.

In taking a retrospective view of this report and the past year’s work, I think that the Ratepayers generally will agree that the available balance of the revenue over the annual commitments has been spent to the best advantage. There is one increasing cost, the financing of the Infectious Diseases Hospital, that must be met, and although there is a movement on foot to approach the Government to assist the Councils with this extra cost, it is hoped that some good will result from the Conference and that the relief asked for will be granted.

In connection with Councils affairs there are always financial emergencies that occur, such work as the Henley Beach Road Underground Drainage Scheme at a cost of £6,000, and the erection of an Incinerator at a cost of approximately £5,000, are striking examples and which all will agree were very necessary in the interests of the Ratepayers convenience and health.

It has always been the policy of the Council to carry out the most important and necessary work first, and to carefully keep within the ambit of their financial resources and without even considering the raising of rates.

In conclusion, on behalf of the Mayoress and myself, I want to thank the Town Clerk, the office staff, for their able and ready assistance given during our term of office, and to say that their help has been appreciated in every way. The Overseer and the employees have carried out their duties in a very practical way which has given satisfaction to the Members of the Council and to the ratepayers generally.

Yours faithfully,

J. LANGDON,

MAYOR STATISTICS 1936-7

Year of Incorporation, 1883 Area of Municipality, 1038 acres Estimated Population, 14,960 Number of houses, 3799 Length of streets, 25 miles Main roads 3 miles 61½ chains Main roads paved with wood blocks, 51½ chains Main roads paved with bituminous concrete, 122 chains Total Assessment for 1936-7, £622,500 Total rates declared 6d in the £ yielding £15,562 Total Assessment for 1909 when land values were first introduced into Thebarton £169,954 Capital value £2,558,695 Annual (rental) value £127,934

ATTENDANCE OF MEMBERS OF THE TOWN COUNCIL, 1936-7 (Total number of ordinary meetings 24, and 4 special meetings)

Ordinary Special His Worship the Mayor, J. Langdon Esq. J.P. 22 4 Ald J. L. Leal, J.P. 13 4 Ald H. S. Hatwell, J.P. 23 4 Ald T. Green, J.P. 23 4 Ald F. Worrell 23 3 Ald A. A. House 9 - Cnr F. G. Phelps, J.P. 23 4 Cnr J. Mason 24 3 Cnr M. Watson, J.P. 24 3 Cnr E. T. Isley, J.P. 24 4 Cnr W. H. D. James 23 4 Cnr J. Sandow, J.P. 18 3 Cnr W. H. Edmonds, J.P. 24 3 Cnr O. R. Turner 23 3

BUILDING APPLICATIONS Made under the “Building Act”, 1923

DWELLINGS No. Value Fees paid Strangways Ward 2 £912 £4 10 - Musgrave Ward 1 400 2 10 - Jervois Ward 8 5410 26 2 6 Torrens Ward 8 3965 20 10 - Total 19 £10,687 £53 12 6 OTHER BUILDINGS Strangways Ward 6 £9665 £63 - - Musgrave Ward - - - Jervois Ward 1 1400 6 15 - Torrens Ward - - - Total 7 £11,065 £69 15 - ADDITIONS Strangways Ward 8 £457 £4 12 6 Musgrave Ward 5 163 2 10 - Jervois Ward 11 222 4 10 - Torrens Ward 30 1388 13 2 6 Total 54 £2230 £24 15 -

WORKS CARRIED OUT DURING 1936 & 1937

STRANGWAYS WARD

Road Constructed: Holland Street, between Winwood Street and the river.

Centre of Road surfaced with screening and bitumen Chapel Street.

Footways constructed (Penetration Method) Dove Street, north side full distance. Randolph Street, south side. Holland Street. Filsell Street, east side.

Footways surfaced with Bitumen and Screenings Light Tce, both sides, Dew St to Port Road.

Concrete Kerbing Osman Place, both sides, and path formed. Stirling St, west side, full distance and path built up and graded.

New Box Culverts Walter St, for Mr Keane. Walter St, for Mr Burgess. West Thebarton Road, at Incinerator.

Trees New trees planted and staked Trees pruned. Young tress watered on various occasions. Unsuitable trees removed at request of abutting owners.

Miscellaneous Building up low places at Depot Yard. Level Crossing removed and invert constructed Randolph St. Grass poisoned in various streets, along fences. Spoon Drain Beans Rd at intersection Dove St regraded. Footpaths and Watertables cleaned from time to time. Various roads, footpaths, and Watertables repaired with tarred material and screenings. Refuse Incinerator built on land purchased from Hallett & Son, West Thebarton Road, and roads constructed approaching same, and iron fence on Western side. Earth Bank built up at north end of Murray Street. Laying Concrete pipes and concrete slabs corner Phillip Street and Cawthorne Street. Dismantelling and repairing Bitumen Kettles and replacing same. Fixing new street name plates. Spoon Drains repaired at various street intersections.

MUSGRAVE WARD

Centre of road surfaced with screenings and bitumen Rose Street.

Sides of road surfaced with screenings and bitumen East Terrace, between George Street and Maria Street.

Footway constructed (penetration method) South Terrace, south side.

Concrete Watertables Rose Street, Taylors Road to Parker Street. George Street, south side between Taylors Rd & Pearson St, and roadway re- sheeted with tarred material.

New Box Culverts Corner Rose Street and Dew Street.

Trees New trees planted and staked, and watered on various occasions. Unsuitable trees removed at request of abutting owners. Trees pruned.

Miscellaneous Henley Beach Road cleaned 3 times weekly. Fixing new street signs. Spoon Drains repaired at various street intersections. Footpaths, and Watertables cleaned from time to time. Various roads, footpaths and watertables repaired with tarred material and screenings. Grass poisoned in various streets, along fences. Street lawns cut and watered periodically.

JERVOIS WARD

Centre of road surfaced with screenings and Bitumen Meyer Street, from western boundary to Minchin Street.

Sides of road surfaced with screenings and bitumen Shipster Street between North Pde and Ashley Street.

Footways constructed, (Penetration method) Hutchinson Street, west side between Meyer St and Ashwin Pde Bellingham Street, Meyer St to Ashwin Pde west side, and Ashley Street to Oxygen Co east side. North Parade, south side, Taylors Rd to Danby Street. Meyer Street, from Tolley Street eastwards.

Footways surfaced with Bitumen and Screenings Huntriss Street, both sides North Parade to Ashley Street.

Concrete kerbing Ashwin Parade. Bellingham St, Ashwin Pde to Oxygen Co.

New Box culverts Corner Shipster St and Carlton Parade; Corner North Parade and Shipster Street; and Corner Huntriss Street and North Parade.

Trees 55 trees planted in Bellingham St, Ashley St to Ashwin Parade. Unsuitable trees removed at request of abutting owners. Trees pruned, and new trees watered on various occasions.

Miscellaneous Cleaning gratings along Henley Beach Rd, after rain. Cleaning Henley Beach Road 3 times weekly. Ashes and gravel placed on mound at Oval. Ashwin Parade repaired with metal and gravel. Grass poisoned in various streets along fences. Portion of playing arena at Oval top dressed. Tennis Courts resurfaced with Bitumen and Screenings. Several street bracket lamps in Ashley Street, Meyer St, Ashwin Parade, between Tolley St and Hayward Avenue converted to suspended lamps of 100 c.p. Croquet lawns top dressed and cut, and watered as required. Invert filled in at intersection of Huntriss St and North Parade and level crossing made on south side. Culvert widened at entrance to Oval Gates, Taylors Road. Street lawns cut and watered. Streets, footpaths and watertables cleaned from time to time. Various roads and footpaths and watertables repaired with tarred material and screenings. New Street signs fixed. Spoon drains repaired at various street intersections.

TORRENS WARD

Roads constructed Both sides of Hughes Street, full distance, with tarred macadam.

Sides of roads surfaced with screening and bitumen Victoria Street, where Watertable constructed. Cuming Street, full distance.

Footways constructed (Penetration method) Junction Street, both sides. Victoria Street regraded east side to Hughes Street.

Footways surfaced with Bitumen and Screenings Cowra Street both sides. King Street between Victoria Street and Claremont.

Concrete watertables Victoria Street.

Trees 106 Trees planted in Cowra Street, Railway Tce, Attrill Avenue, Hounslow Avenue. Unsuitable trees removed at request of abutting owners. Trees pruned. New trees watered.

Miscellaneous Henley Beach Road cleaned 3 times weekly. Street lawns cut and watered periodically. Grass poisoned along fences in various streets. Rounding off corner and concreting kerb at intersection of Ebor Avenue and Lurline Street, and intersection of Darebin Street and Ebor Avenue. Gravel and metal placed in lanes off Fisher Tce and Ebor Av. Building up roadway intersection Milner St and Darebin St, and grading watertable. Various roads, footpaths, and watertables repaired with tarred material and screenings. Footpaths and watertables cleaned from time to time. New street signs fixed. Spoon drains at various street intersections repaired.

During the year a power roller, and Auto Scythe for cutting grass and weeds, and a Motor Lorry for general work were purchased.

Mrs E. M. Field, Hon Sec Thebarton Women’s Service Assocn reports:- The Association has had a very busy and also a very happy year. There are 119 members on the roll, 10 new members joining during the year and 5 members resigning.

The Officers for the past year have been: President, Mrs M. Watson; Senior Vice President, Mrs J. L. Leal; Vice Presidents, Mrs J. Langdon and Mrs W. Willsmore; Treasurer, Mrs I. Lawrence; Secretary, Mrs E. M. Field, Assistant Secretary, Mrs Thompson Green, Press Correspondent, Mrs J. W. Murrell.

The Association regretted very much that Mrs Willsmore found it necessary to resign from her duties as Secretary, but we are thankful to have her as Vice President. Her valuable advice on all occasions is very much appreciated and is always willingly given.

We are grateful to His Worship the Mayor and the Thebarton Council for their continued interest in the work of the Association and for their financial support. Particularly we should like to thank His Worship the Mayor for his donation of £100, a portion of his grant from the Lord Mayor’s Relief Fund. During the year the Thebarton Municipal Band gave a concert for our funds, which realized the sum of £1/10/-. We are grateful to them and to all others, who have donated money or goods.

We are fortunate that Mrs J. Langdon, our Patroness and the Mayoress of Thebarton, takes such an active interest in our Association. She has helped us gladly in every way possible and endeared herself to us all. As before at our opening meeting the Mayoress was hostess to Members and friends to the number of 200 at an “At Home”.

Our Centenary functions were most successful, namely the Annual Social, the first Annual Women’s Service Assocn Rally, and our Centenary Christmas Party. There were about 400 people, including members and friends of the four sister Associations present at the Rally, which was held in the Thebarton Town Hall. During the evening Cameo sketches were presented, School, Nursing, Baby Welfare, Police and Transport. Re each case, past and present methods were illustrated. These were well done, and caused much amusement and a feeling of thankfulness that things were so much better in the present day. On this and every other occasion the decorations were a feature, and we congratulate the decorating Committee, with Mesdames Hall and Smerdon as Convenors, on their splendid efforts.

At the Christmas Party, Mothers were entertained, and 96 parcels to the value of £92 were distributed to the needy of the Town.

Members of the Association assisted with the Produce Stall at the Colour Carnival in aid of Angorichina. Many of our members also helped with the Thebarton Floral Float.

On Empire Day the sum of £48/1/6 was collected in our Town towards the Childrens Hospital Funds. The Button Day Committee, with the Mayoress as Convenor, has assisted at many Badge Day sales during the year. The Childrens Hospital Committee with Mrs Green as Convenor continues its good work of knitting, mending etc. The Mothers & Babies Committee with Mrs Hatwell as Secretary, is very active, as is also the Minda Committee with Mrs Green as Secretary.

The Bridge Committee (Mrs Richardson, Convenor) arranges parties each fortnight from April till November. These afternoons are well attended and our funds benefit considerably. An important part of our work is carried out by the Philanthropic Committee, Mesdames Willsmore and Steadman (Convenors). Distributions are arranged and each application for help is investigated.

The Social Committee is convened by Mesdames Nicholls and Pfennig and is an important body, gives very efficient service whenever there are refreshments to be prepared and served.

The Courtesy Committee has had Mrs Nelson as Convenor, who carries out her duties most efficiently. Throughout the year, continued calls are made on the Musical Committee, Mrs Lawrence Convenor. We are grateful to her and her assistants.

This year has been a particularly busy one including as it does so many Centenary functions, but each individual member has done her part, and so the load has not weighed unduly on any one section.

We would like to thank every one who has helped in anyway to make this such a happy and successful year.

Mrs A. C. Williams, Hon Sec Thebarton Municipal Orchestra reports:- The Orchestra is still maintaining its membership, in fact increasing it. We have given, up to the present, three concerts, our next taking place on 20th May, and the fifth concert on June 24th.

During the year we have played at several concerts in the suburbs and assisted at Kangaroos on Parade held in Wests Olympic Theatre.

Mr H. W. Tomkins, Hon Sec West Torrens Football Club, reports: The West Torrens Football Club had a poor season in 1936. Misfortune by injuries commenced at the first match, and by the third game, six of the original team was out of action.

Some good games were played by the team, but generally they did not rise against adversity as in previous seasons.

At the conclusion of the season, arrangements were made for a motor tour, under the management of the Secretary, H. W. Tomkins. The itinerary included Renmark, Berri, Mildura, Bendigo, Ballarat, Melbourne, Lorne, Portland, Mt Gambier, and Robe. The tour was educational as well as enjoyable. A Colt’s League was formed under the Football Leagues jurisdiction in 1936, and the West Torrens Colts had the honor of winning the first premiership, and holders of the “Marlow Shield”, and winners of the Cup.

Mr H. W. Tomkins, Hon Sec West Torrens Cricket Club reports: The 1936-7 season for the West Torrens Cricket Club was most successful; the team again had the honor of winning the S.A.C.A. Premiership, and for the third time became the holders of the Walsh Cup. This Cup has to be won five times before it can be won outright. West Torrens have now won it on three occasions. Of the twelve games played the team won nine lost two, and drew one.

A. Sampson with 568 runs headed the Association aggregate of runs, and also won the club batting average. P. Ridings was the leading club bowler.

M. G. Waite and R. G. Hamence represented the club in Sheffield Shield and International matches, and in addition, M. G. Waite, A. Sampson, P. Ridings, and R. Stanford took part in a country tour arranged by the S.A.C.A.

The club was further honored by the appointment of their secretary as manager of the tour through Saddleworth and Pt Pirie, and also the State teams visit to NSW and Queensland.

Mrs E. Hatwell, Hon Secretary Thebarton Branch Mothers & Babies Health Assocn reports: President , Mrs M. Watson; Hon Secretary & Treasurer , Mrs H. S. Hatwell. Committee, Mesdames E. T. Isley, H. Nelson, M. Harrison, H. Storr, Caston, W. H. Willsmore, C. Schafer, Flint, J. Murrell, J. Steadman, A. J. Brown, J. L. Leal, G. Skinner, H. L. Cooke, Field, J. Witty, R. Gordon, Myers, A. Carter, G. Jones, and J. L. Langdon.

Another busy year was experienced by the Sister-in-Charge of the Centre. The attendances totalled 3,881, and visits to homes number 1,074; relief orders 547 for 290 babies and 35 for 22 mothers.

It is with regret that the committee learnt of the resignation of Sister Steward as she has always been a tower of strength to the committee particularly in her wise judgment of the needs of the mothers and in her they have, indeed, lost a friend. During February we invited Sister Steward to a farewell afternoon and made a small presentation.

We welcome to our Centre Sister Burgess and hope she will be very happy with us and enjoy the work at Thebarton.

The Committee appreciates the work done in the district by the Sisters and also voluntary helpers. The latter include Misses M. Flint, V. Babidge and J. Watson.

The Mothers Auxiliary has been very busy during the year. The Baby Competition brought in £36/-/- which was given towards the combined charities and our quota was £37/14/-. To these mothers we say thank you and we feel now that the formation of this club was well worth while. The Committee distributed knitted garments and many yards of flannelette during the year. We desire to thank Mr Measday for gift of wool and Mrs Measday, Mrs W. S. Hatwell and Miss Girlie Hatwell for knitting the same into garments.

In conclusion the Committee thanks the Mayor (Mr Langdon) the Town Clerk (Mr C. E. Wyett), and the Thebarton Council, for financial help, the use of a room for meetings and jumble sales, for garaging the car, and for the practical interest taken in all activities of this branch.

Mr H. W. Ford, Hon Secretary, Thebarton Institute, reports: The Committee in their Annual Report for the year ended 31st December, 1936, express their pleasure in the fact that the continued loss of members over a number of years, to December 1935, seems to have ceased, there being an increase of 12 full members and a decrease of 12 juvenile members during the year, and when scholarship-holders and life members are added, a slight increase is the result.

The financial position of the Institute is sound, there being credit balances in both the general and the building Accounts.

The Committee added 338 volumes in the Fiction and General Literature Section of the Institute, and 39 in the Juvenile Section, an average of 31 books per month. There are 9,012 volumes in the Fiction and General Sections, and 1,666 in Juvenile Room. The Librarian reported that 25,302 books and 11,948 magazines were issued to full members, 3,546 books and 1,378 magazines to the juveniles making a grand total of 28,848 books and 13,326 magazines for the year.

In order to meet the competition of the Commercial or 3d Lending Libraries, a book club was started in January of last year, and books in the fiction section could be exchanged on similar lines to these book shops. The scheme has met with increasing success and is still growing; it meets the need of those folk who like an occasional book to read. Thebarton, like other Institutes, has been hit by the depression and the opposition of numerous Commercial libraries, but the foresight of our predecessors in erecting shops has considerably helped the Committee to pull through, and we await, with some anxiety, the action that the Government will take in regard to the Report of Dr A. Grenfell Price who was appointed to make inquiries on Institutes.

The fees for membership are amongst the cheapest of suburban Institutes, and there seems to be no reason why the majority of residents of the Town of Thebarton should not be subscribers.

Mr E. J. Isley, Hon Secretary, Thebarton Municipal Band, reports: During the period under review, I have much pleasure in stating that considerable improvement has been achieved as the majority of our members are in regular employment and they are all very keen in Contest work etc.

We are still right up to full strength and have several on the waiting list who are anxious to throw in their lot as soon as a vacancy occurs.

This year has been an exceedingly bright one for us, as we have experienced a busy time attending engagements and other functions connected with the Centenary celebrations and the Coronation, that our members have had little time for other interests outside of their Band duties.

We have attended quite a varied list of engagements consisting of the Royal Agricultural Show, Henley on Torrens, 5 C.L. Maughan Church P.S.A., Floral Pageant, Pageant of Progress, Anzac Day Services at Thebarton and Morphett Vale, Elder Park, Coronation Ball at the Centennial Hall, Municipal Concerts, besides assisting various other societies.

In connection with the Municipal Concerts, we wish to take this opportunity of thanking all our patrons for loyal support as we have endeavoured to maintain a high standard at these concerts.

Our members are very keen in connection with the proposed Bi-Centenary celebrations & Band contest to be held in Sydney early next year as we have been selected by the Band Association to represent South Australia in the “A” Grade Contest. With this object in view we propose holding many functions in the near future.

We have been fortunate in securing the service of Mr L. J. Morton in the capacity of Manager who has had a wide experience in connection with this work with “Holdens Band” when they were at their peak.

Our music has been considerably enlarged during the year and today we possess a very fine repertoire to choose from when arranging our musical programmes.

We desire to express our appreciation to the members of the Municipal council and to the Town Clerk for their valued assistance and co-operation and to the members of the Committee for their services during this year and we look forward with confidence to the coming year.

Mr H. B. Ogilvie, Hon Sec, Thebarton Municipal Choral Society, reports: The Thebarton Municipal Choral Society has a membership of 64 with an average attendance of Ladies 24, Gentlemen 14. The Society was very fortunate to have the Services of Mr Bert Evans A.M.U.A as our conductor and we do wish to thank him for his very good service rendered to the Society. Mr Jones is assistant Conductor.

The Thanksgiving Service held on the on Sunday 6th Sept was a huge success, and our Conductor Mr Evans had charge of the large Choir of which our Members were in full attendance. The Society has joined up with the Choral Association of SA this year and Mr Evans and Mr Jones are our Delegates to the Meetings.

I must not forget the thanks due from this Society to His Worship the Mayor, Mr J. Langdon, our President. Our Patron Mr Leal, our Vice Presidents, Alderman Hatwell and Councillor Watson, and Members of the Council, for the use of the Old Town Hall for practice, and the Assembly Hall for our Annual Social. I wish to thank the Committee and officers who have made this work so light for me.

Miss A. M. Poole, Hon Sec Thebarton Infant School Mother’s Club reports: The Club has 300 members enrolled and has had a very successful year.

There have been social evenings and card parties to raise funds for the Club. A sand tray has been provided for the School and a safe and new mats were bought for each class room; a specimen shelf was fitted in Miss Hastwell’s office. Donations have been collected and given to the Thebarton Women’s Service Association and the Pioneer Women’s Memorial.

The Infant School Committee would like to express their very grateful thanks to the Members of the Thebarton Council for their help in every way.

A Christmas Tree was given to the Infant School and Easter Eggs were provided at Easter.

The Head Master, Thebarton Central School reports: The School Committee comprise: Mr J. L. Leal, (Chairman), Rev A. E. Cowley (Secretary), Mr J. H. Tonkin (Treasurer), Mrs A. J. Chesterman (Minute Secretary), Mr T. D. Ackland, Mrs C. G. Williamson, Mrs L. A. Clyde.

The Welfare Club’s Officers are: Mr J. H. Tonkin (President) Mr Measday (Treasurer), Mrs L. A. Clyde (Secretary).

1936 was Centenary Year. Our School played its part in the Children’s Pageant in November. The following numbers participated: Infants 90, Boys 100, Girls 350. This spectacular event entailed much self sacrificing work of three committees of local ladies, whose efforts were rewarded by a well-dressed host of child- performers.

For the Floral Festival in September our school contributed well over 200 pot plants.

Owing to the increased attendance at the Thebarton Technical School, we have had trouble in placing our upper grade lads for Manual Work. A sum has been placed on the estimates to erect a wood-work centre in connection with the school.

During the year a visit was paid to the Shell Installation at Birkenhead – Result: Dorothy Allen won the Shell Essay Prize of £10.

The Secretary, Fire Brigades Board reports: The activities of the Thebarton Brigade for the year 1936 were as follows: Actual Fires 20 Grass and Rubbish 8 Chimney Fires 2 Good Intent Calls 2 Line Faults 1 Sprinkler False Alarms due to water fluctuation 11 Malicious calls 18 Total 62

Mr R. Toombes, Sec Thebarton Sub-Branch R.S.S.I.L.A. , reports:- Up to the 31st December, 1936, a most successful year was enjoyed by the sub-branch, terminating with the most successful picnic conducted by the branch, when approximately 200 members and friends journeyed to Long Gully. Our No 1 Bowls Team gained a much coveted honor by annexing both the R.S.A and State Indoor Bowls Championships, a feat which has not previously been done by any other sub-branch. By the efforts of the members both collectively and individually, the funds of many district and League Charities were augmented, a work which I can assure you the Members of this branch have every intention of carrying on. A number of pension cases of members were investigated, with, in most instances, satisfactory results, also many cases of distress among our ranks assisted. The year ended with a membership of 103, and the finances, although of not very large dimensions, most sound. The new year opened with the members united in one aim, the obtaining from the Town Council better quarters, and we take no small degree of pride in recording the accomplishment of this, due mainly to the hard work of the members, and, this is a fact of which we are justifiably proud, to the sympathetic support we received from the members of the Thebarton Council. It has been said that “You cannot assist a lame dog over a stile by merely sitting on the fence and criticising”, and definitely the Thebarton Council did not sit on the fence and criticise, as can be seen by the very fine room which has been granted to us and which was officially opened by the Mayor, (Mr J. Langdon) on April 15th, 1937. Our appreciation of this fine gesture on the part of the Council is deeper and more sincere than can be adequately expressed in written words, but you have the assurance of the management committee and members that they regard this as a trust and by their conduct and by the management of their branch, will give you no cause, at any time, to regret your action. Already improvements have been made to the clubroom, approximately £50 having been spent, and we hope, as funds permit, more will be added.

The recently formed Ladies Committee have already carried out some very fine work on the interior decorations of the club-room, and we feel sure that when the newness has worn off, and they become more acquainted with the workings of a committee, and of the sub-branch they will prove a great asset to us and enable the branch to take more interest in some of the charitable appeals which we receive from time to time from both the league and the district.

The attendance at our Anzac Service was most pleasing, and again thanks are due to the members of the Council and kindred organisations for the splendid support we receive from them, and we hope that the good fellowship that exists between the Thebarton Sub-branch, and the above will at all times remain as strong as ever, and at no time will anything arise to jeopardise this spirit of comradeship.

The weekly dances held by the branch have unfortunately suffered somewhat with so many counter attractions, but we are pleased to report that they are again on the up grade, and will soon become, we hope, our main source of revenue.

In conclusion I would like to state that at present our membership is 108 a very great improvement to this time last year and our finances although somewhat depleted through furnishing expenses are still sound.

On behalf of the sub-branch I tender our sincere thanks for all the council has done for us and wish all the members every success in their many activities and ambitions.

Mr F. G. Phelps, Secretary, Thebarton Branch, D.T.N.S. Reports :- I have very much pleasure in presenting this Report on behalf of the above Branch. The year has been one of good service and attendance on the Sick and Suffering. Sister Beart has upheld the good work of the Sisters who have served the district in years past. She has attended 260 patients which required 2,800 visits, and her work is highly spoken of by patients and friends. The Sister’s duties are not the easiest and the work done is a great asset to the town, and the residents owe a big debt to this branch of charitable service. We desire to thank Mr M. C. Moore for his kindness in continuing to receive messages from folk who desire the services of the nurse.

Mr H. R. Louis has continued his oversight of the Austin Car and we wonder what we would do if Mr Louis did not assist the Branch and Sister with his many acts of kindness. Thank you Mr Louis.

To the Thebarton Council and the Corporation Office Staff we express our thanks for their splendid assistance financially and otherwise.

To Mr W. J. Mitchell and his assistants we express thanks for their splendid work in organising the Balls on behalf of the Branch. These functions have assisted greatly in helping us to meet our financial obligations.

To the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr & Mrs J. Langdon), our Vice Presidents, Alderman Hatwell and Cr Watson and all the members of the committee and collectors we express our heartiest thanks for the splendid services they have rendered the Branch.

One of our members (Miss Evans) has suffered bereavement in the death of her aged Mother, we extended our sympathy to the bereaved and a wreath was forwarded as a token of sympathy.

Financially we are still in a position to meet our liabilities although our Credit Balance is gradually dwindling, but we anticipate closing our year with a Credit Balance of £30 after paying all expenses.

We would like to thank the Thebarton Combined Charities Committee for its donation of £37:14:0 and all others who have in any way subscribed to the funds, and would appeal to the residents and ratepayers generally that they continue to help us to help others.

From information supplied by the Thebarton Historical Society