1933 - Is Gulgong Slipping?
A Peep at the Old Town To-day - Extract by Arthur Croft]
Let us take a peep at the old town to-day.
In my time the rails have been extended. To-day, they stretch 200 miles either way, and the freight wagon has disappeared altogether.
Two new churches have been built. The Rectory is a handsome stone structure. The Presbytery, Convent, Convent school and class room would grace any town in the State, and a fine new army barracks replaces the old one.
I have mentioned that the old hospital was on Church Hill. In about 1900 the new building was erected, and was regarded as the last thing in modern cottage hospitals. So great has its name become that an entirely new building has become necessary—in fact, one capable of dealing with 500 to 600 patients per year is urgently required. From being run by a wardsman and matron the service now embraces a highly trained medical, surgical and nursing staff, cook, housemaid, wardsman, laundress etc. Last year some 400 patients were treated. The present institution contains public, private and infectious wards; is run on business lines, and is very sound financially. There is talk of adding a maternity ward, but I think that is for a different institution altogether. Why not give, say, the C.W.A. a chance to run the maternity business outright, assisted by funds from the baby bonus foolishness of the Commonwealth and the child endowment funds of the State? However this is a matter for the near future. The maternity business requires urgent attention, and I am pleased to note that two ladies (and leading members of the C.W.A. too) are seeking election to the Hospital Board. If my vote can put them there they have it; and it will be good experience for them in the future. Taken by and large, Gulgong Hospital holds its own with (and leads many) similar institutions in the State.
The theatre and Masonic Hall are handsome, solid and imposing; the Court House and Shire Hall quite in keeping with the requirements of a progressive town and district. The whole business part of the town been practically rebuilt, and this work. ---- proceeds apace. The ----- ------------ soldiers' monument in the --- is set in new and lovely. ------- set shrubberies, a fitting. ---- to those who gave their all for country and Empire.
In the residential parts hundreds of beautiful modern homes, many of them built for centuries, have replaced huts and vacant blocks. There is no better sports ground or show, ground in the west than Gulgong possesses; and by summer public tennis courts will be an established fact. Then the Golf Club has converted the stoney hills alongside the town into a most beautiful links, with a very fine club house dominating the whole of the course. Nor has the march of individual and collective enterprise been left alone — public utilities have come to the front, too. To-day Gulgong has electric light and power; ice works, freezing works; water to be laid on in a few weeks. And last, but not least, the most up-to-date flour mill in the State. So that when the people demand sewerage this will give Gulgong the final appanage of modern civilisation.
And it seems to me that in the stress of civic and individualistic progress the spiritual part has not been overlooked. There is in existence the Men's Brotherhood; and one notices that a parish hall has been mooted. These movements are surely in the right direction. You earnest churchmen should build your halls and recreation rooms. Gather in the youth from 8 to 18; teach them their duties to their homes and to the community in which they live; and you are building up the future stalwart and sturdy citizens of our country.
During my long illness some Gulgong visitors have told me that the old town is slipping. The foregoing facts show the statement to be true—it is slipping into the van of permanent progress and prosperity. Could I come back in ten years time I would find a garden town with crooked streets set in the most beautiful rural scenery, with a matchless climate.
The red dioritic clays of the old goldfield will grow roses that would make a Dean Hole arise from his grave to admire. But more trees are wanted— plant them. Don't bother with the pepper; put out a thousand Acacia Bayleyana a year; together with E. ficifolia and E. rosea in between. Then, when the wattles are getting towards old age, the crimson and rose eucalypts will be the glory of the place.
Now then you golfers, show committee men and park trustees, work for the night is coming. No! the old town will never look back, but will become a State-wide attraction. And now my final little boost, of our town and district is finished. Will you give me space, Mr Editor, to thank the people for their many kindnesses and their cheering helpfulness to me during the 40 years of living among them and working for and with them. They have been so generous that I do not know what I owe them. Any gift within their power they gave to me in loving faith and trustfulness; and as a cadger in public matters they, have never turned me down. A long farewell to you: may prosperity and happiness be your lot. Prosperity is only just around the corner; happiness lies in your selves. There is no real happiness without work— -------- you salt of the earth, work for the night is coming.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 10 Aug 1933 Page 12
