Les Norris' "powerhouse", Medley Street
The building on the left (above) was the original power house supplying electricity to Gulgong via a wood-burning generator. It was operated by Les Norris. It produced power from 6am till midnight.
Source: Colin Evans
Source: Colin Evans
In the 1970s the building was known as the Phonograph Parlour and housed a collection of phonograph players and a small collection of silent movies.
Source: VO
Source: VO
Alfred James Norris born in 1859 at Windsor NSW, and married in Mudgee in 1897 (aged 38 years) to Marie Jane Wilkins (aged 28). Alfred died on 11th July, 1919 when Les was aged 22 years.
Les Norris married Kathleen H Lee in Gulgong in 1918 (NSW BDM 11088/1918).Their children, born in Gulgong were:
- Kathleen (NSW BDM 40990/1919)
- Myra (NSW BDM 6950/1921)
- Leslie
Norris moved from Gulgong to Sydney in 1946, He died in 1951 (aged 53) from a heart condition.
Les Norris' achievements in Gulgong included:
- 1920 - providing electricity to Gulgong via a wood-burning generator that he kept going between 6am and midnight. He had a tennis court behind his house which was the marvel of the town when it was illuminated at night time.
- Around 1930 he was captain of the fire brigade.
- He was involved in the tennis club, local rugby and was a clay pigeon shooter.
Gulgong Fire Brigade -1933 or 1934
At the rear of Jim Brooks Plumbing
Members: Les Norris, Dick Gudgeon, Lester Watt, Cecil Watt, Jack Gardiner, Harold Evans, Bill Gaudry, Roley Allen, Bill Oldfield, George Blanning
Inspector Barber next to driver. Watchers at rear of building.
Source: Gulgong Pioneers Museum
Inspection Day 1933 or 1934
From left: Les Norris, Harold Evans, Lester Watt, Roley Allen, Cecil Watt, Bill Oldfield, Dick Gudgeon, Ken Blanning, Jack Gardiner, Bill Gaudry.
Source: Gulgong Pioneers Museum
NEWS ITEMS
The Gulgong motor garage is one of the most modern and up-to-date in the Western district. The proprietor, Mr. Les Norris, is recognised as a thorough practical mechanic, and one who has had considerable experience while with Garratt's, Ltd. He can exectite all class of repairs in a workmanlike manner. The premises are situated in Medley-street, Gulgong, where all class of vulcanising is done. He also keeps large stocks of tyres, tubes and all accessories. He is also sole agent for the Goodyear, Dominion, Cole and Fisk tyres, and the Fiat and Overland cars. Prestolight refills are also obtainable here. Tourists can hire his cars day or night by ringing up Tel. 8
Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved in connection with the death of Mr. Alfred James Norris. The sad event occurred early on Friday morning at the residence of M. L. Norris, in Medley-street.
The late Mr. Norris was 61 years of age, and was a native of Windsor. He was ill a week, and on Sunday prior to his death his son brought him to Gulgong for medical attention. The deceased rallied on Thursday morning, but at night he took a bad turn, and though Drs. Lees and Nickoll (Mudgee), and Nurse Bull gave every attention to the case, death took place early on Friday morning. The immediate cause of death was pneumonia. The late Mr. Norris is survived by a sorrowing wife and one son, Mr. Leslie Norris, proprietor of the Medley-street motor garage. Deceased had resided at Tallewang for 15 years, and prior to taking up a freehold property of 650 acres there, he resided at Cullenbone for many years.
The late Mr. Norris is also survived by the following sisters: — Mrs. J. Niven (Spring Ridge), Mrs. Tapper (Mudgee), Mrs. C. Grady (Mudgee), Mrs. Rodgerson (Sydney), and a brother, Mr. Sid. Norris, of the Junction Hotel, Slasher's Flat.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 17 Jul 1919 Page 16
AT MR. LES NORRIS' MOTOR GARAGE AND RESIDENCE COMPLETELY GUTTED.
A fire occurred at Mr. Les Norris' motor garage and residence at Gulgong this afternoon about 1 o'clock. The motor garage and residence were burnt completely to the ground. The fire was going to full flame and caught on to an old building next door, the, property of Mr. R. W. Heard, but fortunately did not do much damage to this building. The stables in Lynch's Royal Hotel yards were completely burnt to the ground. All Mr Norris' furniture was saved. The damage is estimated at about £1000. The garage and contents were insured.
Power house and residence, built 1920
Later the "Phonograph Parlour" (museum)
Source: VO Dec 2022
Mr. Les. Norris motored to Sydney last week with a party anxious for a trip over the mountains. While in Sydney Mr. Norris intends to give special attention to an electric light scheme for Gulgong. He is enterprising enough, and it would be a great honor if the light was installed in Gulgong by one of our own residents and business men.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 20 Apr 1922 Page 21
STILL IN THE BALANCE. BUT PROSPECTS ARE BRIGHTER.
The question of the proposed electric light for Gulgong again came before the Council on Wednesday last. [remainder not reproduced]
Source: As far as the contractor, Mr. Les. Norris and the Council are concerned the electric light agreement has been finalised. It will still take a little time, however, before a start can be made as the agreement has to have the approval of the Government. Mr. Norris does not expect to encounter any further obstacles and as soon as he has a free hand in the matter he will make a start with the job.
1922 - Motor Car Accident - CAR STRIKES TRUCK.
Whilst Mr Les Norris was returning from the railway station on Thursday last, he collided with a railwav truck, which was being pushed into the siding at Messrs. Loneragans' flour mills. The car was considerably damaged, and Mr. Norris was very fortunate to escape serious injury. — Gulgong "Advertiser."
1922 - The Electric Light WORK TO BE COMMENCED AT GULGONG
Mr. Les Norris intends making a start with the section of the electric light poles on Monday next, and it will not be many months before Gulgong will have electricity, providing, of course, the contractor is not any way hampered. [remainder not reproduced]
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 23 Nov 1922 Page 221922 - After Three Years of Service - GULGONG ALDERMEN AND STAFF EULOGISED.
The last meeting of the present Gulgong Council was held on Wednesday last, and at its conclusion those present, at the invitation of the Mayor, adjourned to the supper room, where refresh
ments were partaken of and several toasts honored.
..."Success to the Electric Light System and the Contractor" was proposed by Ald. Gudgeon and responded to by Mr. Les Norris.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 30 Nov 1922 Page 21
1922 - ELECTRIC LIGHT.
Mr. Les Norris is busy installing the first material in many places in connection with the electric light. Les must have been joking when he asked the council to give him three years to instal the lights. Barring accidents, Gulgong will be under the glare of electricity in January, 1923.
1923 - The Electric Light
Congratulations to Mr. Les Norris for having carried out his electric light contract in such a short space of time! He attributes this result to the splendid staff of men engaged in doing the preliminary work. People who have been used to the dark Gulgong streets were astonished on Wednesday last when the light was turned on for the first time. All that the average person knew was that the light would probably be turned on that night, but Mr. Norris managed to get it on at the most opportune time, when a crowd of people were making their way to the picture show. Some of the private consumers there also given light on that night. The fact that the lighting on Wednesday was only a trial makes the rseult all the more creditable. There may still be little things to attend to, but the light was excellent, and if citizens want a better light than that shown on Wednesday last they are very hard to please. Mr. Norris will probably be besieged by applicants. He deserves every assistance, as he has accomplished in a few months what others failed to do in years. — Gulgong 'Advertiser.'
1923 - GULGONG ELECTRIC LIGHT - OFFICIALLY TURNED ON.
There has a large crowd in front of Norris' garage on Monday evening March 19, when the Mayoress (Mrs. H. J. Gudgeon) officially turned on the light for Gulgong. The Mayor (Ald. H. J. Gudgeon) said he felt sure they would all agree that it was an epoch in the history of Gulgong to have such an event as they were having that night It was years since negotiations first began. They struggled along under great difficulties; and the first contractor, probably through no fault of his own, and certainly, no fault of the council, had to relinquish his project. Mr. Norris' then entered into negotiations, and, as they all knew, had brought his scheme to a successful issue in a very short time. They should all do their best to make it a success for the contractor and help him in every way. The Deputy Mayor (Ald. J. H Stahl) then called on the Mayoress to switch on the light. The Mayoress said she had much pleasure in switching on the electric light, and wished the contractor every success. [remainder not reproduced]
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) View title info Thu 29 Mar 1923 Page 4
Electric light is now being in stalled at the Town Hall, and the contractor (Mr. Les Norris) is kept very busy with installations. The service is giving every satisfaction, and those householders who are fortunate enough to have it installed speak very favorably of it. One business man, whose lighting expenses are somewhat heavy, says that the electric light costs him just half as much as his gas plant
used to cost.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 19 Apr 1923 Page 17
1928 - In Memoriam
NORRIS,— In loving, memory of Alfred James Norris, who passed away, on July 11, 1919. Inserted by his loving wife and son, M. and Les, Norris, Gulgong.
1923 - ANOTHER ENGINE
Mr. Les Norris, who controls the Gulgong electric light supply,is, leaving no stone unturned to make the proposition pay, and to give the best service. He has just received a 10 h.p. Crossley suction gas engine, in order to enable him to give light all day and night, without using the big engine. The latter will now only be used when the load is heavy. Mr. Norris is desirous of giving a continuous service, and this new installation will allow him to do so.
1925 - Tennis Cup Competition - AT GULGONG. "NYM'' ON WEEK- END MATCHES.
On Saturday, with ideal weather conditions ana all courts in perfect order as a result of the recent rains, each of the four matches played was productive of excellent tennis...
Ovalo defeated St. Luke's by five sets to three. Les Norris was the outstanding man of his side, and only for his efforts the bright tennis of Dr. Allport, Messrs. Drew, Thomas and Edwards would, no doubt, have resulted in victory for St. Luke's.
The programme for. next week is as follows: — Avoca v. lona, Snowden v. St. John's. Slapdash v Norris, Ayrleigh v. St. Luke's, Rovers a bye.
1926 - The Mudgee Sports Depot.
WINNERS OP GULGONG CHAMPIONSHIPS
NOTE — I have selected and posted hundreds of Racquets to people, and not a single one has yet been returned as faulty. STAN. GUDGEON. Phone 189.
- GENTS.' SINGLES— Mr. T. Kennedy with Gold Medal Racquet and Restring from STAN GUDGEON.
- GENTS.' DOUBLES— Messrs. T. Kennedy and S. Gossage with Gold Medal and Primoris Racquets from STAN. GUDGEON.
- LADIES' SINGLES— Miss Vera Rayner with Winner from STAN. GUDGEON.
- LADIES' DOUBLES— Miss Vera Rayner and Miss Nessie Hunt with Racquets from STAN. GUDGEON.
- MIXED DOUBLES— Mr. Les. Norris and Miss Hogan with Racquets not from STAN. GUDGEON.
NOTE — I have selected and posted hundreds of Racquets to people, and not a single one has yet been returned as faulty. STAN. GUDGEON. Phone 189.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 16 Sep 1926 Page 28
NORRIS,— In loving, memory of Alfred James Norris, who passed away, on July 11, 1919. Inserted by his loving wife and son, M. and Les, Norris, Gulgong.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 12 Jul 1928 Page 30
1930 - BAKER CUP - TENNIS AT DUNEDOO.
The team which visited Mendooran on Sunday to play for the 'Marchant Challenge Cup,' was narrowly defeated by 14 sets to 1, the games being about equal. Play was very interesting throughout and the result was in doubt until the last set was played. The Dunedoo players speak highly of the sportsmanship of the Mendooran team and are looking forward to another match for the cup which may probably be played on Sunday week.
Weather permitting the finals of the Dunedoo tennis tournament will be played on Saturday, August 16, and results should be interesting. On Sunday a match will be played on the local courts against a team from Gulgong, headed by Les. Norris. Teams will consist of eight men and two ladies.
Attention is drawn to an advertisement appearing in thts issue of the Baker Cup tennis tournament, which will be commenced on Sunday, September 14 and is open to any player residing within 60 miles of Dunedoo. Les. Norris is the pre sent holder and if successful on this occasion will become the owner.
Source:1930 - WEEK-END MATCHES.
In the return match against Les. Norris' team played at Gulgong on August 31, Dunedoo was defeated by 20 sets to 10. The visiting players offer no excuse, but are satisfied they were beaten by a stronger team 0f which the ladies (Mrs. Boyd and Miss M. Winn) were particularly good.
The Dunedoo players greatly enjoyed the day and speak highly of the manner in which they were treated by the home team.
Next Sunday's match, September 7, will be Mendooran v Dunedoo, and will be played on the local courts.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 4 Sep 1930 Page 341938 - TERRIFIC STORM SWEEPS OVER DUNEDOO - Three Inches in Hour
A TERRIFIC storm, the worst in 18 years, swept over Dunedoo on Thursday at 6p.m., when 292 points of rain fell in an hour. Considerable damage was done to business premises in the main street by water and mud. Damage estimated at £10 was done to Hooper Bros.' garage.
Lightning struck the power house, fusing the pump motor. The town was in darkness, except for privately owned lighting plants, for four hours. Mr. A. Massie. proprietor of the power house, started out in his car to reach Gulgong in order to bring back a plant to work the lights. His car bogged three miles out of town. Abandoning the car, he came buck to Dunedoo.
Meanwhile, Mr. Les Norris, proprietor of the Gulgong power house, started out from Gulgong by car, bringing with him the necessary plant. Mr. Norris's car was also bogged at the same spot as Mr. Massie's car. Eventually, Mr. Norris received assistance from a Shell spirit truck and was able to reach Dunedoo. The lights and power were again working at 10.30. It is estimated that £15 worth of damage was done to the plant at the power house.
Nearly a mile of railway line was scoured by the heavy rains at Craboon and Birriwa. Soil was washed from under the lines which rested on the sleepers. Repair gangs worked all night, laying sleepers and filling in with ashes, to make the line safe for the western mail, which was due at 9.37 next morning. The goods pick-up train 24 from Binnaway to Mudgee was stopped at Dunedoo, and the pick-up train 51 from Mudgee to Binnaway was stopped at Gulgong, the lines being unsafe. The line was temporarily repaired early on Friday morning, a ballast down train going over it shortly after 5 p.m. Running at reduced speed, the western mail came through only a few minutes behind schedule.
The Talbragar River, which runs close to the town, and which has been dry for nearly twelve months, was flooded, water rising to the top of the banks. All roads — Cobbora, Mendooran, Gulgong and trunk roads — were impassable. Warnings were issued not to use those roads. Several residents from outlying districts had to stay overnight in Dunedoo. The government dam, which was nearly empty, was flooded.
Fences were washed away, and the state of the roads is such that considerable damage has been done.
Several narrow, escapes from being struck by lightning were experienced by local residents. The telephone lines were disorganised temporarily. Many phones were fused. Light bulbs in many homes fused.
At time of writing, Mendooran received 272 points, as a result of the storm and Cobbora 94. As present indications point to another storm working up, and as the extent of the damage caused has not yet been estimated, a detailed account will appear in next Thursday's issue of the 'Guardian.'
1938 - Gulgong's Great Night - HOSPITAL PIONEER VICE-VERSA BALL
Spectacular Event : Overcrowded Theatre - GRAND PARADE OF FANCY COSTUMES
Spectacular Event : Overcrowded Theatre - GRAND PARADE OF FANCY COSTUMES
The annual Gulgong hospital ball in the Roxy Theatre last evening took the form of a Pioneer Vice-Versa Ball. What a night! It was the greatest in the history of the Institution's annual events and a fine tribute to the promoter, Mr. A. R. Newton. The theatre was overcrowded, the grandparade of nations in fancy costume and the beautiful decorations making a spectacular scene such as is seldom seen in towns like Gulgong...
Those who wore fancy costumes included: ... Mrs. Les. Norris, 'Spanish Senorita'; ...
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 8 Sep 1938 Page 131939 - CRACKER NIGHT
Gulgong's Big Bonfire ON a vacant block of land in Mayne, Street, Empire Day was celebrated in a traditional manner on Wednesday night last. The Gulgong Fire Brigade, under the captaincy of Mr. Les. Norris, organised a display of fireworks, the like of which has not been seen in Gulgong before. The brigade provided several pounds worth of fireworks and lollies for the children of the town. And what a crowd of adults and kiddies turned up! A big fire was lit, and chldren joined in letting off crackers provided. Rockets shot into the air, leaving a trail of colored sparks which cascaded towards the earth. The kiddies had a good time while it lasted— thanks to the initiative of the fire brigade.
1940 - Mr. Les Norris - New Group Secretary
MR. Les Norris (proprietor of Gulgong Electric Power and Supply) was at Binnaway last Sunday appointed hon. secretary of Group 14, Country Rugby League. He and Mr. Roy Brigdon, of Gulgong, attended the meeting as delegates of the Gulgong Rugby League Football Club. Mr. Brigden was re-elected president. It is believed that group head quarters will be transferred from Binnaway to Gulgong.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 23 May 1940 Page 12
ON Sunday last the newly formed Gulgong Clay Pigeon Shooting Club held on the club's shooting ground their first shooting contest. Quite a large crowd attended, considering the distance of the ground from town (three miles) to witness the first event of its kind to be held in this district.
The energetic committee, headed by their live-wire Secretary, Mr. Les. Norris, deserve to be com mended on their initiative; firstly, for introducing this new and intersting sport to our town, and secondly tor the manner in which they organised and carried out the meeting, which was no doubt an outstanding success...
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) View title info Thu 21 Aug 1941 Page 20
Mr. Les Norris was a prize winner at the clay pigeon shoot at Gulargambone on Sunday.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 16 Oct 1941 Page 111942 - Les Norris Wins Gulgong Championship
A SUCCESSFUL day's shoot was conducted by the Gulgong Gun Club in Gulgong last Thursday and Friday.
Chief officials were: Mr. J. Comer (president) and Mr. L. Norris (hon. secretary).
Results: —
First sweepstake: L. Norris 1, F. Brooks (Gilgandra) 2.
Second sweepstake: R. Honeysett 1, E. Ginty (Gulargambone) 2.
First trophy: E. M. Moore (Mudgee) 1, E. Frecklington (Wellington) 2.
Second tropnv: L. Norris 1, E. Bacigalupo (Coonamble) 2.
Third trophy: F. Brooks (Gilgandra) 1, G. Gilbey (Boggabri) 2.
Fourth trophy : L. Norris 1, E. Frecklington (Wellington) 2.
Fifth trophy: F. Brooks (Gilgandra) 1, W. Eather (Boggabri) 2.
Western district double barrel championship: L. Norris 1, E. Frecklington (Wellington) 2, W. Eather
(Boggabri) 3.
Sixth trophy: E. Ginty (Gulargambone) 1, J. Berry (Hornsb.v) 2.
Seventh trophy: L. Norris, 1. P. Brooks (Gilgandra) 2.
Eighth trophy: B. Bacigalupo (Coonamble) 1, A. Walker (Gulargambone) 2.
£8 shoot: E. Frecklington, E. Ginty and F. Brooks divided.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 9 Jul 1942 Page 10
1942 - GULGONG PERSONAL
Mr. Les. Norris and daughter, Myra. are paying a short visit to Sydney. They left Gulgong on Wednesday night last.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 13 Aug 1942 Page 16
1942 - [FIELD DAY]
Mr. Les. Norris, of Gulgong, had a field day at the recent clay pigeon shoot at Gilgandra. He was in remarkably fine form, and won no fewer than three trophies.
1943 - GULGONG PERSONAL
Sister Kathleen Norris, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Norris, Medley Street, Gurgong, arrived, in Gulgong last week to stay with her parents for a while.
1943 - CHANGE OVER - Electricity Reticulation - Council to Buy in Bulk and Sell to Consumers
The electricity reticulation system, after being operated and controlled by the contractor, Mr. Les Norris (whose initiative provided the service), for 21 years, was formally taken over by the Gulgong Shire Council on July 1 last. The council, in doing this, exercised an option with the supplier and acted under a mandate from the ratepayers given at a referendum empowering them to purchase the reticulation system already in operation by Mr. Norris, and from electricity purchased from him in bulk, to sell to the consumers.
Very little hitch occurred in the change over, and tho council's electrial engineer. Mr. Warden, was soon seen busily engaged in making a survey of the system, with the view of effecting any necessary repairs or replacements. The consumers are hopeful that they will benefit by the new arrangements and trust that council will be able to provide as good a service as has been given over the period of years since its inception.
Mr. Norris. as a young man living on the land at Tallawang, interested himself greatly in motor cars, then becoming more known in the country, and after a spell in Sydney, where he went to further his knowledge in this regard, he came back home and for some time ran a car for hire.
He opened up a motor garage and engineering shop on the present site of the power house in partnership with Mr. Vic Bassingwaite. A mistake was made of building the garage of pine, and Mr. Norris and his partner had the misfortune of having the whole works go up in smoke at noon one day.
However, nothing daunted, he started out on his own on the same site. He rebuilt the premises of more substantial material, and with considerable foresight he saw that electrification was coming, and consequently set about qualifying him self for the task of providing that service. When he was ready he applied to the then Gulgong Municipal Council for the franchise to electrify the town. This was granted in 1922, during the term of Alderman H. J. Gudgeon as mayor, and since that time he has provided the
consumers with a service equal to if not surpassing that of many larger towns.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 15 Jul 1943 Page 17
1943 - Les Norris' Meter.
It was resolved that all water supplied to the premises of Gulgong Electric Light Power and Supply be measured by one meter, such meter to be placed close to the road alignment at such location as is approved by council's water inspector.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 26 Aug 1943 Page 16
1943 - GULGONG PERSONAL
Mrs English (nee Miss Kath. Norris), wife of L.A.C. C. J. English, is home in Gulgong with her parents for a couple of weeks. Her mother, Mrs. Les. Norris, has been on the sick list, but is improving.Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 18 Nov 1943 Page 17
1944 - Ex-Gulgong People About the Big Smoke (From Our Sydney Representative)
1944 - Ex-Gulgong People About the Big Smoke (From Our Sydney Representative)
The friends of Mr. Les. Norris are pleased to see him about again after an absence in Sydney through illness.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 27 Jul 1944 Page 17
1945 - Outstanding Success - Pigeon Shoot
1945 - Sale of Gulgong Business for £10,000
The Gulgong Electric Power and Supply Station, owned, by Mr. Les. Norris, has been sold to. Mr. C. R. Fragger, of Guildford, for £,10,000.
Mr. Fragger will take over control of his purchase (which in cludes dwelling and ice and freezing works) early next year. Mr. Norris started the light and power works about 25 years ago, and deserves to be commended for having established this enterprise.
Mr. Norris, who has taken a keen interest in some sporting organisations and public organisations in the town, will be greatly missed by his friends. He and Mrs. Norris expect to leave Gulgong to take up residence in Sydney towards the end of the year.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 25 Oct 1945 Page 17
1945 - Outstanding Success - Pigeon Shoot
A clay pigeon shoot was held at Reedy Creek, Gulgong, on December 11-12, in aid of the Gulgong Roman Catholic Church and Convent. The 'shoot' resulted in a profit of £252/16/2; total proceeds £415/5/2.
The following are the winners of the various trophies: —
...Electric reading lamp: Mr. Les. Norris (Gulgong).
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 20 Dec 1945 Page 16
1946 - GULGONG PERSONAL
Mr. Roy Frazer and Mr. Les Norris returned to Gulgong on Friday afternoon last after having spent a few days in Sydney on business.
1946 - MAINLY ABOUT PEOPLE
Mr. Les. Norris, Gulgong's crack shot, was very successful at the big Easter clay-pigeon meeting at Lithgow during the holidays, when 37 competitors from all over the State took part. He was first in five events, second in four, and divided first and second in another. Mr. E. Ginty, a dead shot from Gulargambone, also had a run of success. He was awarded the title of 'Crack of the West,' and received a special trophy for highest score.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 25 Apr 1946 Page 2 1946 - GULGONG PERSONAL
Mr. Les Norris, formerly of Gulgong and now residing at Coogee, visited town last week. Les received many congratulations on his outstanding performance at the recent clay pigeon shoot at Bathurst, where he won all events and trophies.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 10 Oct 1946 Page 17
1946 - GULGONG PERSONAL
Mr. Les Norris, formerly of Gulgong and now a resident at Sydliey, was a visiter here last week to take part in the two-days pigeon shoot.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 28 Nov 1946 Page 17
1950 - GULGONG PERSONAL
A former business man of Gulgong, Mr. Les. Norris, of Sydney, is reported to be seriously ill. His mother's condition is also stated to be unsatisfactory.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 7 Dec 1950 Page 19Mr. Leslie Whenlock Norris, a former well-known business man, of Gulgong, passed away in Sydney last Friday, aged 53 years.
The late Mr. Norris established the Gulgong Electric Power and Supply over 35 years ago, the business being acquired some five years ago by Mr. C. R. Fragar and a couple of years later by Gulgong Shire Council. Since the Ulan County Council took over the undertaking from the Shire Council the generation of electricity for Gulgong has been carried out from the power station at Mudgee.
Les Norris was a recognised all round sport before he took his departure for Coogee and lived in retirement. He was the mainstay of tennis for many years and was singles champion of the district for some years. He had many friends in the town.
Deceased is survived by his wife and three daughters: Mesdames. English and Richardson and Miss Lesley Norris. His mother, Mrs. Maria Norris also survives him. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved ones.
