Key events in Stanthorpe during 1928:
January 20: The fire fiend had been busy in Stanthorpe for some time. It is only six months since a serious fire occurred which wiped out Simcocks Buildings and threatened the whole town, but we doubt whether a more serious fire has every occurred in the town that which wiped out the whole of an important block on Monday morning… were it not for the fortunate circumstance that the wind was favourable. We believe a great portion of the town would have been destroyed. To say nothing of the great amount of damage done, the dislocation of business and the loss of trade, important records of the Stanthorpe Show Society and the Stanthorpe Hospital have been destroyed in one fell swoop, records which told of the history of the institutions for a decade.
The first alarm was given on Monday at 2.30 am by Miss Kelly, at the Misses Sheahan’s Hotel Central.
Fire was raging in the back of James Cusson’s hairdresser in the Allison Buildings next to the J. Cussens’ Hairdresser, Hotel Central. The National Bank, the Border Post, were threatened.
Bateman & Co Auctioneers, Stock & Station Agents, N. Conomos refreshment rooms, S.B. Simcock saddler and stationer, W.G. Greenland, motor whop and electric accessories; J. F. Clarkes, the people’s corner drapery establishment….it appears the post masters residence would be engulfed…
The opinion is held by many that with an efficient fire fighting organisation in the town, the fire could have been put out….all agree that the hotel could have been saved had Stanthorpe Possessed an organised Fire Brigade.
The disaster has awaked discussion on the question of a water supply for Stanthorpe (AFC Rogerson, Shire Chairman).
Fruit fly recipe (cost 2d/tree): One gallon fruit juice or syrup, 4lb molasses, 8 oz arsenate of lead paste or 5 oz arsenate of lead powder; 3 gallons of water. Spray is applied to foliage in patches only, care being taken to avoid the fruit.
February 1: Glenroy School (between Ballandean and Eukey) is relocated
