Melbourne Observer. June 20, 2018

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2018

VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

49TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION $2.95

S TATE EDITION Vol 50 No 1705 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969

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FRANCSHISEES WANTED URGENTLY Melbourne Metro and Country Vic Options available; Some territories already trading; Some leads provided Low cost entry

● TV veteran Gordon Bennett and 3AW radio host Philip Brady were each recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

They were pictured at the Survivors luncheon. More pix, Page 12

● See Page 82

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Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

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Showbiz News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

5 must-see Cabaret Festival shows Observer

■ The ninth annual Melbourne Cabaret Festival can be enjoyed until Sunday, July 1, at various venues.

Listed below are five shows out of the 20 new shows appearing in the Festival: Kabaret Dietrich Unveiling the alluring enigma of Marlene Dietrich through song and story with Nikki Nouveau.

Set in Weimar Republic Berlin, Kabaret Dietrich unmasks the trials of the ageing film star, from her early beginnings as a musician, an under-recognised performance career in cabaret and theatre, through to her emergence as a shining legend of the silver screen.

Featuring a repertoire of cabaret classics, including Falling In Love Again, Lili Marlene and La Vie En Rose, delivered in German, French and English with accompaniment by piano, accordion and musical saw.

God Only Knows The Music of Brian Wilson

● Kimba Griffith in The Songs That Saved Your Life in the Melbourne Cabaret Festival.

Jodie performs Woman

● Jodie Stubbs presents Woman ■ Sydney cabaret performer, Jodie Stubbs, the show. This hilarious struggle of Jodie trywill perform her new show, Woman, during ing to balance her family life while realising the Melbourne Cabaret Fringe Festivalat The her dream - and the guilt that went with it – Butterfly Club next month. there was just so much raw humour and emoCo-written with award winning director and tion, we knew it would resonate with a lot of performer, Tyran Parke, Jodie takes audi- people.” ences on a journey of what it is to be a mother, Jodie Stubbs, the show’s co-creator, percareer woman, wife and cabaret chanteuse former and mother of two said she’s thrilled as she attempts to get through a 60-minute with how the show evolved. show without having to check on the kids.

“I’m so pleased with this show because it Originally intended to explore the chang- touches on something so real; this feeling that ing roles of women through the ages, the show many mothers struggle with, of being torn beis now interspersed with interruptions from tween doing something for themselves – Jodie’s home life; an idea that was sparked whether that be a passion or career or simply while creating the show.

The show’s co-writer, Tyran Parke, ex- time alone – and being present for their famiplains, “Creating this show with Jodie was lies.

Performance Details: Monday, July 9 – madness. Sometimes she'd tell her family she was going to the shops but was actually sneak- Saturday, July 14 at 8.30pm Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, ing away to sit in her car to rehearse in peace, Melbourne singing to me on Skype.

Tickets available via The Butterfly Club “We kept trying to wrangle a show under - Cheryl Threadgold these circumstances until I realised this WAS

Brian Wilson is one of the greatest composers of all time. Through the Beach Boys he revolutionised the world of contemporary music.

Behind the song-writing, Wilson’s life was emotional and complex; the music frequently mirroring life as he knew it.

Accompanied by band, cabaret rockstar Drew Downing narrates the life of Wilson through one of the most acclaimed songbooks of any composer.

The Songs That Saved Your Life Features the darkly sensitive rendering of iconic songs from the alternative rock and grunge era of the 1990s, backed by some of Australia’s improvisational jazz musicians.

It includes seminal tunes from The Smiths, Nirvana, The Violent Femmes, and the filmic soundtracks to David Lynch films.

Jazz chanteuse Kimba Griffith will explore these indie rock tunes through the lens of jazz, with improvising musicians including Julien Wilson, sax; Niko Schauble, drums; Ryan Griffith, guitar, and Tamara Murphy, bass.

Audience members can get involved by submitting song requests, mix tape lists, or journals entries to www.teenagejournals.com Fire Walk With Us: The Music Of Twin Peaks A live re-imagining of songs and music from both the Twin Peaks TV series soundtrack (1991) and the prequel film Fire Walk With Me (1992).

Composed by Angelo Badalamenti and David Lynch, this music is a masterclass in minimalist atmospheres, haunting vocals and sinister soundscapes.

This performance work is produced and devised by Brisbane-based Electric Moon and brings together a broad range of musicians from the jazz based, to avant-garde noisemakers, to the four diverse vocalists – all bound together by a deep love for Lynch's most celebrated work.

Practically Perfect – The Music of Julie Andrews For generations she has graced the stage and screen and now in one glorious stage production comes Practically Perfect celebrating the life and music of the legendary Dame Julie Andrews.

Featuring her best-known songs from Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Victor Victoria and more, interwoven with stories about her life on and off the stage, join us for an all singing, all dancing journey from the West End to Broadway and onto Hollywood, just Perfect.

Starring Karla Hillam and Jeremy Hinman.

Melbourne Cabaret Festival 2018: Until July 1 Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel st., Prahran.

All tickets on sale now: www.melbournecabaret.com - Cheryl Threadgold

In This Edition

Isaacson Family History Launch The 3AK Story Jim Long’s War Observations: Matt Bissett-Johnson Whatever Happened with Kevin Trask West Hollywood with Gavin Wood Travel with David Ellis Local Theatre with Cheryl Threadgiold Sulky Snippets with Len Baker Observer Racing with Ted Ryan Rourke’s Reviews with Aaron Rourke The Arts Local Theatre Movies, DVDs Top 10 Lists

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Around Victoria

Women forward

■ Victoria Police has received a number of new inquiries from potential victims since charging Wangaratta GP Stewart Geoffrey Moroney with sex offences, reports the Border Mail.

Drivers nabbed

■ Police last week intercepted two alleged drug drivers. A 41-year-old woman was stopped in Sale and allegedly returned a positive drug test for cannabis, and a 33-year-old woman was intercepted on the Traralgon-Maffra Rd near Tinamba, and allegedly returned a positive test for methamphetamine.

Meter bonanza

■ Warrnambool City Council looks set to make about $1.2 million from paid parking this financial year. New meters in the city centre have been in place for six months and new data show there about 5000 to 6000 sessions are paid daily, says the Warrnambool Standard.

Funds drained

■ A Winchelsea Primary School parent is calling on the State Government to pay for sbestos removal instead of taking money from funding allocated to repair the school’s roof and modernise the school library, reports the Colac Herald.

Forecast

■ Today (Wed.). Mostly cloudy. 4°-14° ■ Thurs. Mostly sunny. 7°-14° ■ Fri. Partly cloudy. 7°-14°

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5

THE TOP 5 COMMENTS HEARD DURING THE W ORLD CUP MA TCH WORLD MAT BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND FRANCE. 5. "Escargot on y ur boot!"

4. "Give me a 'Quatre and Vingt' pie any day!"

3. "A great tactical move getting the Carlton coach to address the Aussie team!"

2. "We might have done better if the officials hadn't used Stevie Wonder to operate the video replay.”

1. "Stop drinking so much beer ... you'll go oui oui all the way home.”

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

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Observer Vale Merle Blaskett inc orpor a ting the Melbourne A d vvertiser ertiser, incorpor orpora Ad Melbourne T ict orian Rur al Ne ws Trr ader ader,, V Vict ictorian Rural New and Melbourne Seniors News News..

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■ Only weeks after the passing of her husband, ventriloquist Ron Blaskett, Long Shots is saddened to report of the passing of Merle Blaskett.

Merle, like Ron, was a pioneer of Melbourne television.

She joined her husband in the earliest days of Channel 9, and handled the popular Sandra Simpkins doll.

Merle and Ron broadcast in the Channel 9 test broadcasts from the Mount Dandenong transmitter in 1956.

Our condolences to sons Ron Jnr and Peter, and their families.

Mike’s 90th

■ “Ho, ho, ho, Jesaulenko, you beauty.”

These famous words of football commentary were uttered by the great Michael Williamson, known mostly for his VFL match descriptions on Channel 7 and 3DB. Mike was host of Pelaco Footy Inquest and a range of other TV shows including Tell The Truth.

Mike, now confined to a wheelchair, after a stroke, was honoured with a 90th birthday party this month.

Amongst those present to help celebrate the milestone were former AFLchief Allan Aylett, Hawthorn legend Peter Hudson, ex- special comments man Frank ‘Bluey’ Adams’, Blues football identity Alex Jesaulenko, and Aussie boxing champion Johnny Famechon.

Back in 2001, when then-3AK celebrated its 70th anniversary, Mike told Long Shots about his early career at the all-night station.

He laughed that on an announcing staff

● ‘Sandra Simpkins’ handled by Merle Blaskett

Long Shots

974, brought news of his colleague Rod Boyd recovering from a triple by-pass operation.

Radio Eastern boss Ray Lawrence was unable to be in attendance.

TV newsman Mal Walden, 75, was in attendance, just back from a trip to Japan.

Mal and wife Pauline are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their second grandchild.

‘Survivor’ John Vertigan had freshly returned from a trip on the ‘Ghan’ to Darwin, and ex-Channel 9 newsman Chris Bahen had returned from a cruise around Tasmania.

One of the pioneers of Channel 0, Roy Hampson, now 87, was present, having recently recovered from leg surgery.

Famous names

edit or@MelbourneObserv er editor@MelbourneObserv or@MelbourneObserver er..c om. om.aa u

with Ash Long, Editor “For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”

of two people, Hal Todd was Chief Announcer.

That made me “Deputy Chief Announcer”, Mike laughed.

Survivors gather ■ Twice a year, veterans of the radio, TV and recording industry

Independently Owned and Operated The Melbourne Observer is printed under contract by Streamline PressPty Ltd, 155 Johns o y, ffor or the publisher Johnstton S t, Fitzr Fitzro publisher,, Local Media Pty Ltd. ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095. Distributed

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● Peter Hudson, Gordon Bennett and Sam Newman celebrate the 90th birthday of Michael Williamson (pictured centre).

gather for the ‘Survivors’ luncheon at the Rising Sun Hotel, South Melbourne.

The winter gathering last Saturday (June 16) saw convenor Bruce McKay bring together some of the best of Melbourne’s broadcaster.

The gathering sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to member Philip Brady, as well as applauding the Queen’s Birthday Honour given to him, and TV man Gordon Bennett.

Bruce brought news of one of the original ‘Survivors’, recording industry giant Ron Tudor, now 94.

Another of the industry’s Bill Armstrong, now in his 90th year, updated the gathering on his latest jazz releases.

Get well

■ Bob Taylor, one of the stalwarts of community station Stereo

■ Making the journey from Geelong for the Survivors luncheon were John Humphries and Pulse 94.7 personality Denis Scanlan.

Former ‘Magic’ presenter Peter Van make the trip from Ballarat.

A former Magic 1278 colleague Jane Holmes attended briefly, and she was pictured with 3AW newsman Denis O’Kane.

Representing the Melbourne Observer were the editor, columnist Kevin Trask and racing editor Ted Ryan.

Long Shits had the pleasure of sitting with former 3NE breakfast presenter Paul Konik, whose career included stints at the ABC, 3UZ, 3KZ and 3XY.

Short Shots

■ Congratulations to businessman Peter Kempen on his OAM in the honours.

■ Entertainer Dorothy Baker, who appeared in the earliest days of Channel 9, has bought herself a new car ... a red hard-top convertible!

■ TV Hits 101, a Foxtel station, has started playing two episodes a night of the early episodes of Prisoner.

■ Geelong readers especially are mourning the passing of radio man Don Dwyer.

Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens ARIES: (March 21-April 20) Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 3.2.6.5.

Lotto Numbers: 3.12.26.24.40.44.

Take nothing and no one at face value as your judgement may not be up to scratch. Making progress in your love life could be most important. Social life is about to become very hectic. Could be a slight hitch in your moneymaking scheme.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day:Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.5.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.23.36.39.8.

A very pleasant period ahead and take advantage of any invitations forthcoming. Many could be in the grip of wanderlust and many could soon be travelling for money or better career prospects.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.40.5.44.

Avoid confrontations with authority. A very impatient period so be extra careful out on the roads. Many could be in for major changes in their relationships.A career change is also indicated.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22) Lucky Colour: Lilac Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.2.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.5.19.7.22.

Personal relationships will be prominent during this period and it is a happy time for family gatherings. Make sure you allow plenty of time to enjoy social activities rather than getting involved in all the hard work behind the scene. Many will be expanding their business opportunities.

LEO: (July 23-August 22) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day:Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3 Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.24.40.11.

A happier and more relaxed period and for many lucks through lotteries, legacies or wise investments. Unexpected opportunities in career ventures and for some a traveller returns. There should soon be happiness about your present love.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23) Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.36.34.40.

Many will be thinking in terms of buying property or moving interstate. People you meet during social activities could become permanent fixtures. Many will become engaged or married or reconcile past differences with present lovers.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23) Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.36.30.22.

Looking after your health during this period could become very important to you. Improving your performance at your career is also very much in your mind just now.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.40.6.20.

Marvellous period for lovers and people that are young at heart. Social life could become too much if you do not watch it. In business and career your achievements will talk for themselves.

SAGITTARIUS: (November23- December 20) Lucky Colour: Pink Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 5.6.9.8.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.36.37.44.

Someone very interesting from you past could suddenly come back to your life again. Do not offer shelter to anyone during the next few weeks as you could put yourself in an awkward position.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.15.26.34.44.

A venture you have not been too happy about could turn out to be a very successful move. Travel is in the cards for this period either yours or someone close to you.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19) Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.24.40.22.

Special people in your life could turn sour if you are not prepared to spend more time with them. Don't let someone irritating ruin your otherwise very happy period with loved ones.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5.6.9.3.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.36.30.11.

Good progress in business and career matters and people willing to listen to your side of the story. Happy reunions with long lost friends will be something to look forward too.

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Melbourne Arts Comic Psychic

● Bernadette Mirabelli ■ Comic Psychic: Are You There, Michael Jackson? will be presented as part of the Melbourne Cabaret Fringe Festival at The Butterfly Club on July 2, 4, 5 and 7 at 7pm.

Madame Elbac has fast made a name for herself in the covens and spiritual festivals of the eastern suburbs as someone who will absolutely take money in return for a muddied glimpse of people’s immediate future.

In this production, she will be attempting to contact ‘The most famous Michael Jackson’.

Using her trusty deck of Zarot cards, she will give Thriller readings, study Bad Auras, and prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that You Are Not Alone, and that The Man In The Mirror is still listening.

Madame Elbac is the alter ego of songwriter, storyteller and performer Bernadette Mirabelli. She is a larger-thanlife, eccentric psychic fortune teller.

Dates: July 2, 4, 5,and 7 Time: 7pm Cost: $25-34 Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne Tickets: thebutterflyclub.com - Cheryl Threadgold

Brothers Nest ■ A beautiful, tranquil property is shot in perfect light as brothers Terry ‘Tez’ (Shane Jacobson) and Geoff (Clayton Jacobson) cycle quietly to their old childhood home.

They don overalls, gloves and foot covers to enter a house inconspicuously with dire plans to kill their stepdad and reclaim what they believe is rightfully theirs.

With a long ‘to do’ list and various rules the plot of Brothers’ Nest does lend itself to black comedy, yet as the film progresses it becomes much more black than comedy.

Its realistic, graphic nature and soulful characters make it more of a tragic drama with some comedic elements. Not one for the faint hearted.

The script written by Jaime Browne is clever and intriguing at times, overstated at others.

There is a lot of dialogue. Some terrific acting by Shane Jacobson and Kim Gyngell helps create an eerie, realistic atmosphere where you could imagine the unthinkable might happen, yet there are twists and turns so we are not sure what, and nothing is ‘taboo’.

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Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 11 Melbourne

Observer

Trip down Memory Laneway ■ Melbourne is the love of Daniel Burt’s life.

And, like any romance, he’s obsessed with its history and says he spends too much time stalking people from its past.

After a sell-out comedy festival season, Daniel returns to spill the secrets on his crush.

In a growing city fixated on what’s new, it’s easy to overlook that Melbourne is a town full of hidden intrigue with oddballs and crazy incidents waiting to be discovered around every stencil-graffitied and urine-soaked corner.

Luckily, Daniel

● Daniel Burt presents A Trip Down Memory Laneway

Burt says he can help shed a comedy light on the events and obscure nostalgia that makes Melbourne what it is today.

In this trademark Melbourne Minor Event, join the awardwinning writer of ABCTV's Hard Quiz as he explores the funny side of the city formerly known as Batmania.

A Trip Down Memory Laneway opens on Monday June 25 and runs until June 30. Bookings recommended.

Performance Season: June 25 – 30 at 8.30pm. Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Pl, Melbourne

White Hat Hackers

■ Krows Bar Kabaret is back at the Carlton Courthouse with White Hat Hackers being presented June 26 – July 1 at La Mama Courthouse.

The show opens with the self-confessed Social Media Junkie Craig List, incapable of getting away from his multiple screens even though his house is on fire.

Because of La Mama Theatre’s recent fire, Krows Bar Kabaret thought their show would be cancelled, but they were told firmly by the La Mama production team that “the show must go on” and it will.

Since then both La Mama and Krows Bar Kabaret have received wonderful community support such as neighbours offering their garage for rehearsal and other artists offering to help replace props and costumes that were lost.

Filar’s Weimar-style Kabaret, White Hat Hackers looks at the contemporary world of digital insanity through a deranged musical filter of associations and tangents and delivers some astutely observed commentary.

Location: The Carlton Courthouse, 349 Drummond St. Carlton Dates: June 26 – July 1

Melbourne Observations

with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Showbiz News

● Hemi Titokowaru in White Hat Hackers.

Preview: Tues. June 26 at Bookings: La Mama 9347 6.30pm. Wed.6.30 pm; Thurs – 6142 www.lamama.com.au Sat. 7.30pm; Sun. 4pm - Cheryl Threadgold

What’s On High Tea Live

■ Little ones and their families are invited to a tea party with a difference when the muchloved children’s band the Teeny Tiny Stevies take to the stage on Sunday (July 1) as part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s High Tea Live series.

The fun morning of treats and music for kids and their grown-ups will also feature a special pre-concert boogie with Andrew McClelland’s Starting School.

While the little ones enjoy the performance and tuck into a High Tea menu designed just for them, parents have the chance to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or a pot of freshly brewed tea with house-made cakes, pastries and scones with jam and cream.

The Teeny Tiny Stevies are Melbourne sisters Byll and Beth from folk band The Little Stevies.

The pair started playing around with children’s songs in 2015 to teach Byll’s threeyear-old about the challenges of toilet training.

The side hobby was so fun and effective that before they knew it they had written and recorded a full-length album, Useful Songs for Little People.

After the runaway success of the first album they are back with the highly-anticipated second release Helpful Songs for Little People.

Featuring irresistible melodies and captivating performances, they create music that keeps children entertained without driving parents crazy.

Before Teeny Tiny Stevies take the stage, DJ Andrew McClelland will get families dancing with his set, Starting School.

The mastermind behind Melbourne’s iconic party Finishing School, has created a dance marathon for kids and adults alike.

There will be smash hits from The Smiths, the Beatles, Beyoncé, Daft Punk, The Supremes, Prince and more.

Arts Centre Melbourne’s High Tea Live series combines Melbourne’s two great loves, food and culture.

Previously known as Jazz High Tea, High Tea Live expands upon the jazz genre with performances featuring swing, rock, cabaret, opera and Broadway as well as special sessions for families.

The beloved Arts Centre Melbourne tradition, features a different act on the first Sunday of every month from March until December.

Date and Time: 11am, Sunday, July 1.

Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, The Pavilion Recommended for children aged 3+ Book: artscentremelbourne.com.au or 1300 182 183 - Cheryl Threadgold

Katya: the minx from Minsk ■ Katya Ulyana Anastasiya Svet is part Bond fan-girl part Eastern European, woman of mystery, with an unapologetic affinity for guns, arguing and vodka.

Her show Katya the Minx from Minsk is being presented at Chapel off Chapel as part of the Melbourne Cabaret Festival on June 20 and 21.

A child of the fall of communism, Katya’s sense of Western culture is a limited to Bond films, and what she has stored up is (therefore) a little dated.

Katya’s grasp of how to handle guns, men and liquor is unorthodox at best (though she considers herself a lapsed-Orthodox) because, in addition to her obsession with the Ian Fleming franchise, Katya has never left her hometown of Minsk, Belarus.

Katya: The Minx from Minsk is a femme

fatale on the brink of discovering her true self as she asks questions about James Bond, his girls, life and death.

With a soundtrack that features Bond themes from Sheryl Crow, Garbage and Chris Cornell, as well at least one Shirley Bassey hit, Katya: the Minx from Minsk is presented by the creative duo behind 2015’s Only the Good Die Young, Green Room-nominated Shanon Whitelock and soul-rock songstress Jessica Papst, with a four-piece band of Melbourne musicians.

Performance Dates: June 20 and 21 at 6.30pm Venue: Chapel off Chapel, 12 Chapel St., Prahran Bookings: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au Tickets: $29-$38.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

ShowbizPeople

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

The Survivors Winter Luncheon Rising Sun Hotel, South Melbourne Photos: Ash Long

● Kevin Trask and Peter Smith

● John Vertigan and Ted Ryan

● Bill Armstrong and Caryl Browne

● Paul Nicholson and Ian Nicholls

● Brian Smith and Bruce McKay

● John Allan and Bob Taylor

● Dorothy Baker and Peter Van

● Denis O’Kane and Jane Holmes

MARKETING FEATURE

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 13

Observer Magazine

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

Aussie scores big in ‘Shot In The Dark’ ■ Hi everyone, from my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.

5th largest economy ■ California's gross domestic product surpassed $2.7 trillion from 2016 to 2017, making the U.S. state the world's fifthlargest economy, bigger than that of even the United Kingdom, according to recently released federal data.

The most populous U.S. state saw a boom in almost every single economic sector, with a $26 billion growth in real estate and $20 billion in the information sector, according to the California Department of Finance.

The state's economic output is now short of only that of Japan, China, Germany, and the total GDP of the U.S. the last time the state's economy ranked as the world's fifth largest was in 2002.

Melbourne to the world ■ From his role as presenter with Bert Newton on Channel 10's morning show 12 years ago to now sitting on top of the world, Shannon Watts has, in the eyes of Hollywood, made the big time.

'Shot in the Dark' is all about the cameramen armed with camcorders and police scanners in search of shocking and grisly crimes on the Los Angeles back streets and freeways after dark.

The video footage ends up on the morning television news service.

The Hollywood movie called Nightcrawler which starred Jake Gyllenhaal was similar to what happens in Shot in the Dark.

Shannon Watts is the creator and executive producer and now after this success on Netflix worldwide, Shannon has many other shows that he is presenting to the major television networks and cable channels.

It's a tough town to get anything produced and Shannon Watts has achieved so much. He is about to build his empire.

A true local boy made good. Behind most Aussies that are trying to make it on the biggest stage in the world is the Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, Alan Johnson who is always there to lend a helping hand to fellow Aussies.

Pictured in front of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood is Mr. Alan Johnson with Executive Producer Shannon Watts.

Coca-Cola as health tonic

Spy agency triples work

● Alan Johnson with Shannon Watts

■ At a time when soda fountains were popular in the US due to the widespread belief that carbonated water was good for the health, American pharmacist John Pemberton came up with his own formula for a health tonic.

Among its ingredients were cocaine, derived from the coca leaf, and caffeine, derived from the kola nut, leading to the name Coca-Cola. It was initially sold as a patent medicine for five cents a glass. It has come along way since then.

US, top oil exporter ■ As global oil markets shift their attention from U.S. shale oil production back to a resurgent Saudi Arabia and Russia and geopolitical concerns bearing down on oil prices, the U.S. is poised to surpass Saudi Arabia next year as the world's largest exporter of crude and oil products.

The U.S. exported a record 8.3 million barrels per day last week of crude oil and petroleum products. Top crude oil exporter Saudi Arabia's, for its part, exported 9.3 million barrels per day in January, while Russia exported 7.4 million barrels per day.

Paris Hilton hacked ■ Paris Hilton made an appearance in federal court for the sentencing of a hacker who authorities say used her bank and credit card information to run up huge bills.

Paystar Bkhchadzhyan was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison Monday and was ordered to pay more than $318,000 in restitution to Hilton's banks and credit card companies. In a deal with prosecutors, she pleaded guilty in November to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

In an unusual move in such cases, the 37-year-old heiress showed up at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse in a business suit and sunglasses to give a victim impact statement.

Santa Monica’s big jobs ■ Here is the top 11 paid positions in 2016 in Santa Monica, CA. The amount shown includes pay, overtime, and benefits.

1. Police Chief = $488,033 2. Deputy Police Chief = $453,831 3. Police Captain = $451,606 4. City Manager = $447,945 5. Asst City Manager = $437,902 6. Asst City Attorney = $436,482 7. City Attorney = $435,751 8. Police Captain = $427,305 9. Fire Captain - Suppression = $412,770 10. Fire Captain - Suppression = $411,823 11. Police Sergeant = $406,487.

Unemployment below 4%

GavinWood

From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd

■ The U.S. unemployment rate has moved below 4 percent the first time it has broken that symbolic barrier since December 2000, according to a report from the Department of Labor Statistics on Friday.

However, job growth was slightly lower than expected in April. American employers added 164,000 jobs in April, less than what economists had previously forecast.

Wages grew 2.6 percent from a year earlier also slightly below expectations. The economy has now been expanding for almost nine years, the second longest streak on record.

Also Black, Hispanic unemployment rates hit record lows. The unemployment rate for black workers hit the lowest on record in April, according to the latest jobs figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The unemployment rate for black workers dropped to 6.6 percent, beating the previous record low of 6.8 percent set in December. The jobless rate for Hispanics fell to 4.8 percent, tying the record reached last year and in 2006. Meanwhile, unemployment for white Americans stood at 3.6 percent.

Out and About

Observer holiday deal ■ If you are considering a move to Los Angeles or just coming over for a holiday then I have got a special deal for you.

We would love to see you at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.

I have secured a terrific holiday deal for readers of the Melbourne Observer and The Local Paper.

Please mention 'Melbourne Observer' when you book and you will receive the 'Special Rate of the Day'.

Please contact: Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood

■ The U.S. National Security Agency collected 534 million records of phone calls and text messages of Americans last year, more than triple gathered in 2016, a U.S. intelligence agency report released on Friday said.

The sharp increase from 151 million occurred during the second full year of a new surveillance system established at the spy agency after U.S. lawmakers passed a law in 2015 that sought to limit its ability to collect such records in bulk.

The spike in collection of call records coincided with an increase reported on Friday across other surveillance methods, raising questions from some privacy advocates who are concerned about potential government overreach and intrusion into the lives of U.S. citizens.

● Jennifer Aniston

www.gavinwood.us

■ Jennifer Aniston at Nello in NYC. ■ Tony Danza celebrating his birthday at Patsy's Italian Restaurant in NYC. ■ Marty Rhone wearing Denim and Lace on the subway in New York City.

■ Jackie Mason cracking up his waitress and the next table at Hi-Life Bar & Grill in NYC. ■ It's a boy for Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons. The couple 36 and 30, respectively welcomed their first child, a rep for Dunst confirmed Tuesday.

■ Taylor Swift's Ex, DJ Calvin Harris and his girlfriend, ■ Aarika Wolf, slammed into another car this weekend, leaving a couple of young ladies injured. Eyewitnesses tell us Calvin's girlfriend, Aarika, was behind the wheel of a Range Rover on a residential street Sunday in Beverly Hills.

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

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Jim Long’s Story: Part 1

Signing on for duty in WWII ■ Just prior to his untimely death in August 1987, Jim Long penned his memoirs of his overseas War service in the Middle East in World War II. The 33,700-word story sees an Australian working-class shoe store worker from Bendigo, volunteer for overseas military service. ★ Recalled. I joined the Army at the beginning of May 1941. This was just after the disastrous campaign in Greece, and it appeared to me it was a signal for many to enlist at this time.

I was 19 with a birthday coming up the following month.

To the “Thirty Niners”, those who had joined up in 1939, we were the “Deep Thinkers”.

Firstly I joined the AMF (Australian Military Forces) and became a “Choco” (Chocolate Soldier), as my parents refused to give their consent fore me to join the 2nd AIF (Australian Imperial Force).

My mother had been a civilian nurse during the 1914-18 conflict and toward the end and afterwards was Matron of a Private Hospital (her own) in a country town.

Here she treated and nursed exservicemen for their wounds and affects of gassing, mostly without recompense, according to my father.

The appalling injuries she saw no doubt influenced her in not giving parental consent, but this was to change some three months later.

Upon enlistment at Royal Park we were questioned in relation to our qualifications, etc., and the branch of the army for which we had a preference.

● Left: Jim Long, VX60817. Right: A ‘Spirit of Salts’ rail motor.

Hat, Khaki, Fur, that was stiff as Sorry fellas, but then you’d reply This was where civilian cooks became army drivers and civilian driv- a board and sat squarely on my skull, “Thats OK – Mate”.

Trousers and Tunic that smelt to high My job in the office was chasing ers army cooks.

My spare time interest was in re- heaven of pest control treatment, and up MV (Motor Vehicle) spare parts pairing cars and a moor bike with Boots so stiff that I walked most un- from local suppliers such as Ford, Motor Spares, Machins, my preference for the branch of ser- naturally.

They were nice people on the Brooklands, Keep Bros & Wood, vice as the Armoured Division.

Not being in the AIF I could not tram, they did not say anything or etc, and raising Purchase Orders.

Being around motor vehicles nenominate 9th Division Cavalry Regi- exchange understanding glances.

We did some elementary foot drill cessitated an Army driver’s licence ment as the unit I most wanted to have joined, and in any case not be- at Royal Park and then I was posted in order to drive same.

Each class required a separate ing A1 I had little hope in any case. to 3rd Military District Workshops test, that is, motor cycles, sedans and A bit like the person who said “I’d at Broadmeadows.

With winter coming on it was a utilities, tonners, carriers and tanks. give my right arm to be cold hole – the wind starts at Broadie The licences were hard to obtain ambidexterous”.

During the first two days at Royal and doesn’t stop as it does another and certain practices had to be observed such as when bringing a 5 ton Park I was issued with my uniform, lap.

My first job was in the Paint Shop truck to a stop it was necessary to go and proceeded home on leave on the under Staff Sergeant O’Flaherty down through the gears in losing mosecond night. who was a big bloke – enormous in mentum.

Many argued it was cheaper to fact in the eyes of a raw recruit.

29 Acheron Avenue, He presented me with the biggest replace brake linings than repair Reservoir – 3073 bass broom I’ve ever seen – Six feet gearboxes.

3rd. December 1986.

We worked as a rule a 5½ day (1.83 m) across I’d reckon – and strict Major John Tilbrook, week, but often received Saturday instructions to keep the spray paint Corps Historian, R.A.A.O.C., afternoon duty as duty drivers or inbooths spotlessly clean.

Directorate of Supply – Army, As fast as dust and over spray structing officers in being able to ride Department of Defence, descended so this enormous bass a motorcycle.

Campbell Park Offices, Here we took great delight in putbroom plied back and forth, in an CANBERRA. A.C.T. 2600. ting them through their paces on a unwinnable war.

Dear Major, After awhile I was promoted or wet grassy circuit.

If I had known that my letters home to my folks some 45 years ago Broadmeadows being reasonably demoted to body preparation, that is would re-surface in 1986/87, then no doubt I would have taken greater close to the city seems to ensure we rubbing down with abrasive paper care with my grammar, etc. I was at that time no literary giant, as you will those parts of a vehicle to be spray had plenty of Camp Concerts from perceive, and I don’t think I’ve gained any ground since then. civilian groups.

A letter home was just that; what the heck if you ended a sentence with painted.

We enjoyed them very much and This took me out into the vehicle a preposition, started a new paragraph commencing with “And” or the appreciated all their efforts. I think park where there were all types of letter “A”. It’s strange looking back at that time for we were taught to World War I vehicles in open stor- the most enjoyment came from joinmake paragraphs as long as we could using semi-colons and commas age – hard tyred vehicles, Laffleys, ing in the songs or a sing-song segeffectually. You will have ample evidence of this.

A pretty girl however, never My wonderful Mother, thoughtfully, and thankfully, kept all of my let- Thornycrofts, Macks, Fire Engines, ment. missed the wolf whistles and cheers.

Road Sweepers, etc., which were of ters received from here and overseas, and this has greatly helped in I recall one Saturday afternoon providing a source of information. It was not possible, on the other hand, immense interest to me.

A clerical vacancy in purchasing when I was detailed as a Duty Driver. to keep letters received.

Someone had designed a steel In drawing upon my memories, racking of the old brain, there is at appeared on the notice board, and ramp with a level steel section at the having been to night time courses at times absolute frustration in trying to picture a face for a name, or reend for under chassis service and reBusiness College in Accountancy member a name for a face. Of course there are many blank patches; pairs of vehicles. and Typing, I decided to apply. uncertainty, and no doubt inaccuracies in that I have endeavoured to The level section was about 5 feet I think I may have been the only recall. In a very broad sense, it was considered prudent, not to recall 9 inches (1.75m) above the ground applicant because I got the job. quite a few things that did happen.

My boss was Sgt (Keith ?) allowing a mechanic to walk under One little credit will be sufficient, thanks. Please feel free to use Reeves, possibly a Permanent Mili- or beneath the vehicle. something like “a member of the unit recalled” etc. Also, feel free please There were no side guards on the tary Forces member. to correct any grammar, tense, or errors, that you will no doubt find. ramps (such as on car transporters He was a terrific fellow with infiWhen I started this exercise I quickly ran into trouble, not only a nite patience, and I owe thanks to today) or on the level end. I was intypewriter that can’t spell was to hand, but it stuttered as well. structed by Major Watkins (our CO) I mentioned initially to you, that I would prepare the information so him for giving me a start in Work- to take a 5 ton truck up the servicing shop Administration that spanned my that my family can pass it down the line in the time to come. Although, this Army years and later on in Industry. ramp – well I got it on the ramp OK, of course, means you will be wading through a lot of information that will In 1941 we lustily sang “My eyes at a 30°angle looking upwards at the be irrelevant, it may also help you in obtaining a climate of the times, are dim I cannot see, I have not sky, no guides left or right – I faltered conditions, food, mail, censor, etc., which I hope will be helpful. brought my specs with me”, in 1986 – the good Major beckoned me to We referred to the barracks in Beirut as Franchet D’Esperey, howthis may still apply but to which may reverse which I glady did to level ever, on checking an Encyclopaedia, I see the French General conbe added “My memory is dim”. ground. cerned spelt his name as Franchet d’Esperey.

The next driver had the help of Names without faces, and faces My son who has carried out the photocopying, advises that any photo’s without blokes left and right giving signals names.

What a shame. you wish to produce can be copied from your copy. In the event of any Blokes that were really great friends and eventually made the level grad. difficulty in this regard, please advise and I will forward the originals to and mates have passed into memory If this was Mark 1 then it would have you. oblivion due to the effluxion of time been Mark XX before it was safe.

- Jim Long Hugh Gunther was probably one and human frailty.

of the most popular Workshops Officers in the Corps. I believe it was at Broadmeadows that I first met him as a Lieutenant. Private or Colonel he treated everybody with respect, and this endeared him to all.

Our RSM was Sarmajor Wells.

A waxed moustouche and fine military bearing made him an impressive figure on parade. About this time he was featured in one of the Melbourne dailies.

To get back to camp after weekend leave it was necessary to get the electric train to Coburg and then catch the rail-motor to Campbellfield siding. The rail-motor was dubbed The Spirit of Salts.

It was a matter of jumping off as quickly as possible and sprinting for half-a-mile (800 m) up hill along Camp Road to be on parade by 0800 hrs.

Toward the end of July 1941 there was a call for certain personnel to volunteer for overseas service on a draft soon to sail. I applied for a clerical position. This was an express job.

Within a few days Capt. Chambers of 2/4thArmy Field Workshops interviewed the applicants at Broadmeadows, and I was fortunate in being selected, and now armed with my parents’ consent, was discharged from the AMF on 5AUG41 and enlistment was effected next day in the 2nd AIF. What an express job this turned out to be. The 2/4th AFW were at Puckapunyal (having moved there from Bendigo) and were on notice to move overseas, destination unknown.

The official war history, Australia in the War of 1939-45, Series 1 (Army) Volume IV, The Japanese Thrust, page 60 erroneously states that 2/4 AFW aboard the Queen Mary sailed for Singapore 4FEB41.

We were attached to 2/4 AFW, although my records show I was posted to 2/4 AFW. Anyway there were some several hundred tradesmen, from all states, under the banner of AAOC Reinforcements attached to 2/4th AFW. It was a busy period, with parade ground training, and also for me work in the 2/4 AFW Orderly Room and the Reinforcements Orderly Room under Sgt Ray Lazenby.

I also helped in the packing of 2/ 4th equipment under Sgt. Alf Hedger.

Alf was a first war veteran, and I believe had been in the Middle East and had returned to Australia with POW’s.

Here he was fronting up for his second trip. I later served with Alf at 2/4th Aust. Base Workshops.

So that no one could be accused of being idle we knitted camouflage nets in between times.

We had several Lines of Communication (L. of C.) Officers to shepherd us to where ever we may be going; our Company Sergeant Major was WOII Murphy.

Each morning the Coombe Bros put us through P.T. (Physical Training exercises). Thank goodness they were of the understanding kind in our early rookie days.

The 2/4th AFW had a Pipe Band, and each morning at reveille marched through the tin huts (actually galvanised iron) awakening not only the slumberers, but the dead as well mine-tinkit. If you have not heard a Pipe Band in a Tin Hut, then believe me you’ve heard nothing, but nothing, yet.

To be continued next issue

www.MelbourneObser ver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 15

Antiques and Collectables

JACK’S ANTIQUES Open 7 Days

After 30 years of trading in Sandringham we have moved to a new showroom, jam packed with interesting quality items, and constantly changing items including lots of antiques and modern furniture, bronze, clocks, vases, displays, French, leadlight, lots of colourful art, etc.

We always buy anything of quality.

368 Reserve Rd, Cheltenham Ring Jack on 9583 7099, 0419 303 861

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

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Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 17

Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 19

The 3AK Story: Part 1

Good Guys and Godbotherers ■ Did you have a ‘Beautiful Music’ experience with radio station 3AK in its first 70 years?

Were you a ‘Wrinkly’? Did you phone the ‘Desperate Line’? Or perhaps one of the 3AK incarnations owes you money.

3AK has been so many different things to different people. It has been Melbourne’s overnight radio station; a comforter during World War II; a Gospel thumper; pop music broadcaster; a crazy bi-lingual radio experiment; and an ‘alternative’ talknews station.

In 2018, it is home to SEN 1116, the Sporst Entertainment Network helmed by Craig Hutchison.

To me, 3AK is a mixture of memories involving childhood entertainment, teenage music, adult talk, business opportunity and someone else’s badly-handled commercial I was born on October 19, 1956 – just 22 days after radio man Geoff Corke fronted Melbourne’s first experimental television transmission from the kitchen of GTV-9’s transmitter at Mount Dandenong.

As a youngster I was enthralled with Melbourne’s media. At 61 I still am.

Our family’s bakelite valve-radio was mostly tuned into the Sunday morning 3DB news broadcast preceded by Dick Cranbourne’s program; 3UZ’s Newsbeat; and whichever station had the rights to broadcast the Saturday afternoon VFL match with my Dad’s beloved Richmond football team.

Summer holidays often had the family listening to the AK ‘Good Guys’ at popular Victorian beach venues.

As a five-year-old youngster, I was excited as a bus load of us were transported to Channel 9’s studios in Bendigo St, Richmond, to see an edition of The Tarax Show go to air on television.

We were marched past the new 3AK studios inside the GTV-9 building. We each returned home with our ‘show-bags’, all now official badgewearing members of the Tarax Club, and all receiving a personalised ‘Gerry Gee’ birthday card by mail when it was our special day.

Top Of The Dial And I remember being transfixed at the Royal Showgrounds, when live transmissions of 3AK programs were put to air from a small ‘outside broadcast’ booth. I watched endlessly as Gary Nicholls (or was it his brother Mike?) spin the next record on the AK turntable, sign the advertising paperwork, and read the weather reports.

In those days, it was common place for suburbs to be listed at random in the station’s weather forecasts – ’16 in the City, 14 in Greensborough, 12 in Richmond’ – and I noted how ‘dee-jay’ Nicholls crossed those districts he had mentioned from a typed A-Z list.

Early each year, Channel 9 would hold a Telethon fund-raiser for the Yooralla School.

In the 1960s, I was a young volunteer collector, which involved a visit on Telethon day to the studios.

Corporate security was nothing like it is in 2018, and I recall innocently wandering the GTV-AK corridors alone, and again watching open-mouthed into the 3AK studios as disc jockey Grantley Dee backannounced a record, also giving the exact time-call from his braille

● Promotional material for radio station 3AK in its Good Guys era. watch.

Every Thursday, ing 3AK story. The Fusion Media traordinary mixture of Italian and Melburnians would await delivery collapse was of great interest in it- English programs… not to mention of the Listener In-TV newspaper to self; the station’s much-vaunted chal- station owner Vernon Margetts’s read the latest of what was happen- lenge to the reigning ABC and 3AW Gospel Sessions in the middle of the breakfast program. ing at Melbourne’s local TV and ra- ‘talk’ champions also fascinated.

Little wonder that it briefly earned I respected the broadcast profesdio studios.

3AK’s sudden marketing cam- sionalism, in grandly different ways, the industry nickname of ‘Radio Tipaign of the early 1970s – ‘Where of its past-and-present hosts such as tanic’.

Through all this, 3AK endured 70 No Wrinklys Fly’ – hit me with ap- Derryn Hinch, John Blackman and Doug Aiton. I am a true fan of the years on air continuously on air. AK peal as a teenager.

Its full-page ads in rock-n-roll talent of its former great stars includ- survived a Depression, a World War, newspapers such as Go Set were ing Bert Newton, Graham Kennedy political and world upheavals.

In its latter times, 3AK had to surplastered, briefly, on the bedroom and others.

I also enjoy true competition vive the wholesale loss of audience walls of my peers.

We would telephone 42-0209 – amongst media, which can only and the collapse of its own business 3AK’s ‘Desperate Line’, or ‘The make radio stations all better servants platform.

In the early 2000s, 3AK was unFriendly Line’ – to have ‘cheerios’ of their public. And, of course, we all dergoing something of a re-birth with sent to ourselves or ridicule our love the underdog.

3AK’s life is a story worth the tell- new owners, led by media strategists school teachers.

Kevin Campbell and Jeff Chatfield.

By then we were listening on the ing.

3AK had an on-air line-up includ3AK celebrated its 70th annivernewly-introduced battery-powered ing Derryn Hinch and Doug Aiton, sary on November 29, 2001. . transistor radio receivers. who have each in the past led their Introduction Beautiful Music “Next to football, there is prob- time-slots (elsewhere) in the Then, just as suddenly, 3AK told me not to listen any more. It dropped ably no industry in Victoria which Melbourne radio market.

To this was added TV-radio man the rock music, and adopted a ‘Beau- commands a more frequent focus of tiful Music’ format that was instead public and media attention than the Greg Evans, former Victorian Chief targeted at my father and his age machinations of the radio industry.” Magistrate Nick Papas, radio veteran Columnist Robert Parsons was Gavin Wood and personalities such group.

It lost me, but the station won a hauntingly correct when he ex- as Yvonne Lawrence, to challenge whole new group of commercially pressed these thoughts in 1989, in the the dominant talk stations 3AW and worthwhile listeners. It was a ratings radio column of Melbourne’s Sun- ABC 774 (3LO).

Breaking News: and business winner for more than a day Observer newspaper.

The Voice Of The Night Parsons could not possibly have decade led by Vern Stone.

Terrorists stopped the world on By the late 1970s and early 1980s, foretold that long-established I was working in media, with senior Melbourne radio station 3AK would September 11, 2001, when they media management positions of my soon witness yet another five new crashed jets into the World Trade owners over the next decade or so. Centre and the Pentagon. This own.

3AK would also see a messy bastardry murdered thousands of citiProfessionally, I viewed a whole range of episodes in 3AK’s life: its multi-million dollar financial col- zens, and paralysed millions more.

The ghastly deeds commenced at failed national CBC experiment; the lapse, an almost-botched change of even-worse Italian-English pro- broadcasting frequency, and disas- 8.45am New York Time when American Flight 11 from Boston crashed gramming; a series of different own- trous listener ratings.

3AK has always been different. into the North Tower of the World ers; and a roller-coaster of business In its first broadcasts 70 years ago, Trade Centre. failures.

In Melbourne, Australia, comIn mid-1999, I sought and won a 3AK sent out its signal when all other senior management position at 3AK. Melbourne radio stations were off mentator Doug Aiton was broadcasting his night-time program on local I had experienced my own set of busi- air.

The station became the city’s radio station 3AK. Local time was ness successes-failures, so the job was extremely important to me in ‘Voice Of The Night’ for 22 years, 10.45pm.

Within minutes, Aiton was reportmy own re-building, as well as that later converting to 24-hour broadcasting, linking with Melbourne’s ing details of the horrible breaking of 3AK. Most people – me included – were best-watched TV channel, topping news.

Soon, at 11.03pm Melbourne unaware of the real severity of 3AK’s the ratings, then floundering under business and financial problems un- an ill-conceived national program- time, a second Boeing 767 hit the South Tower in Manhattan. The der the stewardship of Fusion Me- ming idea. death toll that followed, as the tow‘Radio Titanic’ dia. 3AK’s leaders Mal Garvin and “3AK has had beautiful music, ers collapse exceeded some 3000 Michael Cleary failed to keep the agreement over which we had rock n roll music, heavy metal mu- people.

At 3AK, Aiton undertook an enorsic and no music,” noted Age reporter shaken hands. mous real-time news coverage. He So, for a number of reasons, my Melissa Fyfe.

For a time, it was even headquar- called on his experience as a former manager’s job did not go ahead … so now the subject of 3AK and me tered in a caravan … then later at the reporter for The Age and The Times rear of Melbourne’s Queen Victoria (London). He was soon joined on became personal! air by Derryn Hinch, the man In the years around 1999-2002, Market.

Then it ignored its traditional En- dubbed locally as ‘The Human Headas a media commentator with Media Flash, I reported on the continu- glish-speaking listeners with an ex- line’.

By 1am, Hinch was skilfully painting a picture of Manhattan to shellshocked Melbourne listeners. He stayed on air for a marathon 11 hours, with an extraordinary coverage of the attack.

His decade-long experience as a outstanding New York journalist offerred the best word-pictures available of a world catastrophe.

A large audience stayed up all night to hear the 3AK coverage. A few older listeners recall that 70 years earlier, 3AK was then just embarking as Melbourne’s ‘Voice Of The Night’.

“Twelve months ago some amusement was expressed at the extraordinary schedules of station 3AK, Balwyn, Melbourne,” reported the Listener-In in 1932.

“As almost everyone knows now, these are from 11.30pm to 2am, and from 5am to 7am, with extra hours on Saturdays and Sundays.

“But the once musing innovation, with the effluxion of time has converted itself to something of a necessity to thousands of listeners.

“Unique in Australia, 3AK provides music suitable for supper parties and late dances, and speeds the early morning worker with a song in its heart. These are services for which many are grateful.”

So summed up the first year of radio station 3AK, by a Listener In writer, reviewing the operations of the unique new identity in Melbourne’s night-time commercial radio world.

There had been precious little media fanfare for the opening of Melbourne’s newest radio station.

The Sun News-Pictorial announced in a two-paragraph snippet that the official opening on Sunday, November 29, 1931, would be conducted by the Postmaster-General, Mr Green.

As it turned out, the ‘Akron station’ was opened at 12.30pm by the Mayor of Camberwell, Cr McCamish, “in the unavoidable absence of the Postmaster-General”.

3AK launched itself to the 1500 kilocycle band, on 200 metres, on a quiet Sunday.

The station’s first broadcast came from a bedroom at the home of founder George Frederick Thomas Palmer at 8 Yerrin St, Balwyn, E8 – then on the outskirts of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

George Palmer was father to Clive Palmer, a businessman-politician who made his own headlines in the 21st Century.

- Ash Long

1932 programs

■ Monday-Friday. 11.30pm12.30am, Late supper music.

12.30am to 2.00am: dance music interspersed with vocal and novelty numbers. 5.00am-7.00am Early breakfast session. Bright recorded music and re-broadcasts of foreign ‘short-wave’ stations provided atmospheric conditions are favourable. (Monday, September 19, 1932).

■ Saturday. 5.00am-7.00am Early breakfast session. Bright recorded music and re-broadcasts of foreign ‘short-wave’ stations provided atmospheric conditions are favourable. 1.00pm-2.00pm, Luncheon music and theatre news.

11.30pm-3.00am, Program of popular dance numbers. (Saturday, September 17, 1932).

Page 20 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Victorian History

Isaacson family history launched ■ The late Peter Isaacson, who died last year at age 96, was publisher of the Observer from 19771989.

His life, especially his distinguished military history as an Air Force pilot during World War II, has been well recorded.

There is, of course, a wider clan, and Sue Hargrave launched The Isaacson Family book at Fitzroy on Sunday (June 17) The impressive publication traces the history of descendants of Solomon and Babette Isaacson, who arrived in Australia in the 1850s.

Sue Hargrave (nee Marks), in her impressive 110-page book, writes: “Solomon Isaacson was born in Vilna, Russia in 1817.

“His father was Isaac with further details of his family unknown.

“In 1824, aged 7, Solomon was residing in Alsace, France, and was most likely known as ‘Solomon son of Isaac’ (Hebrew name: ‘Shlomo ben Yitzak’).

“When French Napoleonic laws 1808-13 required surnames it was common for a son to adopt his father’s given name for a new surname - ‘Solomon son of Isaac’ becoming ‘Solomon Isaacson’.

“In about 1834, as a teenager, Solomon established a wadding factory and when probably in his 20s in approximately the late 1830s, he travelled to the USA where he pursued several occupations including dentistry and where he prospered.

“In 1852, aged 35 and hearing of rich gold discoveries in Australia, Solomon sailed on the Albus from Philadel.phia to Melbourne. En route he was robbed of all possessions save one US dollar which was his sole wealth when he arrived in Melbourne in that same year.

“Solomon then walked to the Ballarat goldfields, gaining employment en route breaking road metal.

“By 1854, Solomon had moved to the small goldfields town, Pleasant Creek (later renamed Stawell) and in that year opened a draper’s shop in Commercial St. “Three years later, in 1857, he established the drapery and general store in Main St which (save for two periods in Alsace) he operated for 43 years until sold in 1900 shortly before he died.”

The Ballarat Star of February 17, 1857, noted that Solomon Isaacson was naturalised an Australian citizen on the previous day in the Supreme Court of Victoria.

“In 1861, Solomon returned to

● A

● The Isaacson drapery shop at 80 Main St, Stawell, after the family returned from France around 1881. The three ladies were helpers in the store and the home; Babette, Céline, Isidore; Solomon with Abel, Rebecca, Alex, Michel, and the gentleman on the extreme right an assistant.

Europe and in Alsace, France, on November 18, 1862, he married Babette Levi (Levy), daughter of Michel and Henrietta (Levy).

“The Levi family was wealthy with Michael one of the region’s largest oil and starch manufacturers.

“In obtaining Michel’s and Henrietta’s consent to marry their daughter, Solomon undertook that every seven years he would bring Babette back to see them in Alsace.

“Babette was born in Ingwiller, Alsace, France, and at the time of their marriage was 23 years old and Solomon 45 years old.”

Their child were Isidore, Céline, Michel, Alexander (Alec), Rebecca, Abel, Arnold, and Esther (stillborn).

Solomon and Babette were devoutly Jewish and brought up their children in Judaism.

Babette worked in the business, and was an astute fashion buyer for the drapery business and regularly travelled to Melbourne visiting warehouses and factories in Clifton Hill, Richmond, Collingwood and Flinders Lane in Melbourne.

The Horsham Times of October 5, 1900, recorded Solomon’s passing, describing him: “one of the oldest residents of the town ... devoutly religious in accordance with Jewish custom”.

“He died as he had lived, a good Jew.” The Isaacson Family has chapters about the descendants of ● Babette Isaacson, 1880 Solomon and Babette Isaacson.

Caroline took on a job as a jour■ Lieutenant Colonel Isidore Isaacson was awarded the Victoria nalist at The Age, mainly writing Decoration, and had taken to a full- about dances, cultural events, and time military career after operating women’s affairs.

She became a Captain in the Ausan import business in Flinders Lane.

Isidore was Chief Censor in the tralian Women’s Army, and later Melbourne Military Censorship became Women’s Editor at The Age, Office in 1914-15, replacing Sir then The Argus, then Editor of her son’s Southern Cross suburban John Monash.

He later worked in organising re- newspapers.

“She was Jewish but she was not habilitation and employment of orthodox and only kept the High Holy wounded Australian soldiers.

The Marks family are part of this days,” Peter wrote.

■ The family of Céline Isaacson bloodline.

■ Arnold (Tony) Isaacson, then and Maurice Gross includes only about 39, met his wife-to-be Caroline child Ré (Rachel) Gross who mar‘Lynka’, then 19, in London during ried architect Joseph Plottel.

World War I. In 1926 Joe designed and had The Isaacson Family notes that built St Kilda Synagogue in Charnthe couple, with son Peter and daugh- wood Crescent and later the additer Barbara, moved to Australia. tions to the building.

Arnold ran his own representaJoe is survived by grandchildren tive business, then applied for a job Hal, Colin and Jo Hallenstein and ● The Isaacson brothers: from left, Alec, Arnold, with the Lamson Paragon business. their children and grandchildren.

Isidore, Abel and Michel.

● Peter Isaacson ■ Michel Isaacson and wife Pauline lived in a large corner house in St Kilda Rd, not far from the Junction.

Shirley Minnie Polack (nee Isaacson) wrote: “My Grandma Pauline was not an affectionate woman - Grandpa was much more approachable.. They bickered a lot.

“Grandma Pauline was a strange woman. She had been very spolit and Grandpa’s sister, Rebecca, told me that Grandpa married her for her money of which there seemed a good supply and all the Isaacson brothers seemed to bot off her.

“Mt Grandma Pauline was born in the Western District in Coleraine where her father and his brother, the Lessers, had a general store.

“They were probably the only Jews in the district and the brothers and their their wives (who were sisters) ran the store.”

■ ‘Uncle Alec’ was the single one and quite a character, wrote Shirley Polack.

“Uncle Alec was supposed to have been on love with an actress but most of his life he supported a mistress, Biddy, who was kept well away from the family, although my parents used to visit her in later life.

“Alec travelled overseas, was a director of the radio station 3KZ and had been in partnership at one time with the management of the Tivoli Theatre in Melbourne.

“Uncle Alec drove a very old Renault car, yellow, and everyone in Melbourne knew it. The city was smaller in those days, of course.

“Alec would sit at the corner of Elizabeth and Collins Streets, before the days of traffic lights, where there was a policeman on point duty and Uncle Alec would fall asleep.

“The poloiceman would come across, tap him on the shoulder sand say, “Wake up Mr Isaacson.”

■ Rebecca Isaacson, the fifth child, married David John Sloman, a baker, from Castlemaine, at the Stawell Town Hall in a traditional Jewish wedding.

They had three children: Maurice, Irma and Cora. Maurice attended Wesley College, trained as an accountant, and became General Manager and Director of Hoyts Theatres.

He became the 1939-40 Mayor of Prahran. ● Copies of The Isaacson Family can be ordered at $65 each, plus postage, through Sue Hargrave, 48 Barrett St, Albert Park.

Phone: 0400 414 537.

www.MelbourneObser ver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 21

People

Launch of Isaacson Family book At Sloman family home Photos: Malcolm Threadgold

Family gathers for book launch ■ Members and friends of the Isaacson family attended the launch on Sunday of Sue Hargrave’s book, The Isaacson Family.

Isobel and Dr Graeme Sloman hosted the event in their Fitzroy home, where Sue’s husband Bruce alerted guests to the official launch with a hearty bugle call.

Sue has authored the compilation of personal stories contributed by members of her family, along with anecdotes and facts. Enquiries: 0400 414 547.

- Cheryl Threadgold

● Tim and Julie Isaacson.

● Sue Hargrave with her book The Isaacson Family

● Isobel and Dr Graeme Sloman.

● Hal and Sue Hallenstein

● RPierre, Alison and Richard Harcourt

● Megan and Tony Isaacson

● Ian Armstrong and Damian Vuleta

● Kaye and Andy Dennis with Jill Message

● John Harcourt and Catriona McPhee

● James Marks (Sue’s brother) and wife Maureen

● Bruce Hargrave

● Nick and Elissa McCallum

Page 22 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Magazine

■ Jack Benny was one of the world's most loved comedians during the 20th Century. Jack developed a wonderful character on radio, television and also in films.

He used running gags throughout his showbusiness career with superb comic timing - the "penny pinching" miser, the vain playboy and the "would be" violinist.

Benjamin Kubelsky was born in 1894 in Chicago, Illinois, to Jewish parents who had emigrated from Europe.

By the time he was 17 he was playing his violin in local vaudeville shows.

He joined the Navy during World War I and returned to showbusiness after the war ended.

In 1921 he was working as a comedian and began to use the stage name of ‘Jack Benny’.

Around this time, he met Sadie Marks who became a part of his stage act and they married in 1927.

The couple adopted a daughter. Sadie Marks later used the stage name of ‘Mary Livingston’.

Jack was cast in one of the early talking films, The Hollywood Revue of 1929, which featured many of the popular film stars including Laurel and Hardy.

His next film was a flop and Jack was released from his film contract.

In 1932 Jack Benny began his radio show which was to become one of the most popular programs in America.

There were a group of regular performers

Whatever Happened To ...

Jack Benny

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

including his wife Mary Livingston, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Phil Harris and Dennis Day. Jack used the popular song Love in Bloom as his theme music for the radio show.

Another running gag was his age - he celebrated his 39th birthday 41 times.

His television series began in 1950 and ran for 15 years. He got one of the longest laughs in history in the sketch where he is confronted by a robber with a pistol who says, "Your Money or your life?" - the laughs went on and on until the robber asked, "Well?"- another period of laughter till Jack replied, "I'm thinking it over!"

His films included Buck Benny Rides Again, Charlie's Aunt, Love Thy Neighbour, George

● Jack Benny Washington Slept Here and the film that he always "sent up" in comedy sketches - The Horn Blows at Midnight.

When he began to do his Las Vegas stage shows my cousin Diana Trask worked with him.

Diana recalls in her autobiography that Jack loved the comedian George Burns and he would fall down on the ground laughing at his jokes.

George suggested to Jack that they go to Jeanette Mc Donald's opening night and said, "Wouldn't it be funny if, when Miss McDonald began to sing we both burst out laughing." Jack agreed to go along with the joke.

They were seated in the front row on opening

night and when Jeanette McDonald began to sing Jack broke into hysterical laughter whilst the deadpanned George Burns sat there smoking his cigar, shrugging his shoulders and telling nearby audience members, "I don't know what's wrong with him."

Jack Benny toured Australia in 1964 with Johnny O'Keefe and appeared at the Comedy Theatre.

Diana Trask was there when Jack blew out the candles on his 70th birthday cake.

At the time of his death in 1974 he was going to make the film The Sunshine Boys and the role was taken over by his longtime friend George Burns.

At his funeral service George Burns was too upset to make it through the eulogy. Bob Hope took over and said, "For a man who was the undisputed master of comedy timing, you would have to say this is the only time when Jack Benny's timing was all wrong. He left us much too soon."

The mean character was not true, this wonderful comedian was very generous and he is sadly missed.

Kevin Trask Kevin can be heard on 3AW The Time Tunnel - on Remember When Sundays at 9.10pm And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon

School uniform dates back 460 years

■ There is a school in England that to maintain traditions dating back to when it began caring for children of the “fatherless and poor” over 460 years ago, still outfits its pupils today in the uniforms of all those years back.

And it still provides a free education to children of families in need, having been founded at the instigation of a young King Edward VI after listening to an impassioned sermon about those “fatherless and poor” delivered by the Bishop of London in early 1552.

Edward rallied around him prominent church and business leaders and wealthier private citizens, and in November of 1552 declared open Christ’s Hospital School in empty State buildings he gave in Newgate Street, London.

Within a year over 500 pupils had enrolled, and Edward himself as Patron signed a Royal Charter the following year giving the school royal recognition and assistance.

Sadly, he was to die of tuberculosis just 11 days later, never to see all the good he was to help create, and in 1666 most of the school’s buildings were destroyed in The Great Fire of London, but no lives were lost.

Christ’s Hospital School today is located near Horsham, 70km south of London, and has a near-900 boarding and day pupils, with a good proportion attending on bursaries and scholarships provided by wealthy modern-day donors to cover the costs of their education, board, travel, uniforms, sportswear, and even weekly pocket money.

By contrast, for parents able to pay for their children to board at the school it costs around the equivalent of A$20,000 per child for each of the three annual terms, and for day pupils up to A$13,500 per term.

And the school uniform still consists of a long blue coat, matching knee breeches for boys and skirts for girls, yellow socks, and a white neck band from the Tudor era all those years ago.

Game bet

■ Wine consortium Australian Vintages Limited that embraces McGuigan Wines, Miranda, Nepenthe, Tempus Two and Passion Pop, has plenty of reason to raise a glass or

OK. With John O’Keefe Cutest little baby face

■ It’s a coincidence but two of Australia’s most iconic baby faced fellas on telly are in the news this month.

First is ‘Baby’ John Burgess who celebrated his 75 th birthday with family and friends in a knees-up in Perth.

John spent most of his telly time presenting national quiz programs, plus being a regular on Perth radio.

John’s interest in radio was instigated by John Laws who spotted potential at an early age.

‘Baby’ John was also a very capable junior sportsman representing NSW in tennis. ★ Next cherub faced kid off the block is the return to our screens of Tom Woodhouse who is about to re-appear flogging his bookie services .

You will recall Tom was previously here, there, everywhere a few years ago until TV regulators made him tone down his advertorials.

Be prepared, Tom will be in your face again , and commercial channels are falling over themselves to get a piece of the pie

Ralph Carr’s legal dispute

● England’s Christ’s Hospital School pupils have worn the same Tudor-era uniform for over 460 years. export market after mainland China, the United States and the United Kingdom, with sales of a near 50,000,000 cases in the twelve months to September last year worth AU$190,000,000.

Interestingly our reds outsell our whites in Canada two-to-one, being matched on the table as Neil McGuigan found, with some interesting offerings.

“Australian reds are generally popular matches with lamb and beef wherever you go,” he says. “But in Canada where game meats are so abundant, you’ll actually find these wines equally popular on restaurant and home tables with such options as reindeer, boar, moose and rabbit.

“And if you are visiting Canada and want to try some of those game meat offerings, which you really with David Ellis should do, and have an Aussie red with three to vino enthusiasts in Canada, them, a Cabernet Merlot such as our because in 2016 those enthusiastic Ca- Black Label is a good match and quite nadians downed a whopping readily available.

“Also with Canada having some 2,340,000 bottles of AVL’s wines.

McGuigan Wines Chief of the best seafood in the world, a Winemaker, Neil McGuigan who’s just white like Bin 9000 Semillon that’s also back from a visit to Canada, says that’s widely available across Canada, a 128 per cent increase on sales of makes for a great match with the wonfive years ago. And Canada overall derful British Columbia salmon.”

- David Ellis is now Australia’s fourth biggest wine

Struth

■ Plenty of media space has been spent over the dispute between RCM Touring and Big Deal Touring.

It's all over a claim by Big Deal Touring claiming they remain unpaid over wages and services supplied to RCM Touring in conjunction with The Elvis Tribute Tour, Priscella Presley Show, AFL Dustin Martin Meet and Greet, and the cancelled Roy Orbison Hologram Show.

RCM Touring is headed by high profile management agent Ralph Carr who pulls the strings looking after Tigers star Dusty Martin.

The legal battle will play out in Sydney courts next month.

Son of Sir Tom Jones

■ Jonathan Berkery is seen busking most days on the streets of New Jersey, singing covers made world famous by his Dad, Sir Tom Jones.

Jonathan is the illegitamite son born out of a brief flirtation between model Katherine Berkery and Tom back in 1988.

Son Jonathan busks per day, stacks shelves at night and calls a homeless shelter home.

Tune in to hear Red

■ Tomorrow , Thursday , turn your dial to 3AW for the Mitchell program and you might catch Red Symons making his now-weekly appearance on commercial radio doing a segment with Neil Mitchell.

The station is testing audience reaction to Red. The Mitchell program has a history of fostering future stars - some years back the program introduced Tom Elliott as a regular but brief segment presenter .

Tom impressed and went onto to become full-time drive announcer.

Station management is watching the Red experiment with interest.

- John O’Keefe ● For the latest in showbiz news, turn to the Observer Showbiz section every week.

You will find columnists Cheryl Threadgold, Aaron Rourke, Jim Sherlock and Peter Kemp.

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 23

Observer Classic Books

Hard Times - by Charles Dickens ‘Mrs. Bounderby, no: you know I make no pretence with you. You know I am a sordid piece of human nature, ready to sell myself at any time for any reasonable sum, and altogether incapable of any Arcadian proceeding whatever.’

‘I am waiting,’ she returned, ‘for your further reference to my brother.’

‘You are rigid with me, and I deserve it. I am as worthless a dog as you will find, except that I am not false — not false. But you surprised and started me from my subject, which was your brother. I have an interest in him.’

‘Have you an interest in anything, Mr. Harthouse?’ she asked, half incredulously and half gratefully.

‘If you had asked me when I first came here, I should have said no. I must say now — even at the hazard of appearing to make a pretence, and of justly awakening your incredulity — yes.’

She made a slight movement, as if she were trying to speak, but could not find voice; at length she said, ‘Mr. Harthouse, I give you credit for being interested in my brother.’

‘Thank you. I claim to deserve it. You know how little I do claim, but I will go that length.

You have done so much for him, you are so fond of him; your whole life, Mrs. Bounderby, expresses such charming self-forgetfulness on his account — pardon me again — I am running wide of the subject. I am interested in him for his own sake.’

She had made the slightest action possible, as if she would have risen in a hurry and gone away.

He had turned the course of what he said at that instant, and she remained.

‘Mrs. Bounderby,’ he resumed, in a lighter manner, and yet with a show of effort in assuming it, which was even more expressive than the manner he dismissed; ‘it is no irrevocable offence in a young fellow of your brother’s years, if he is heedless, inconsiderate, and expensive — a little dissipated, in the common phrase. Is he?’

‘Yes.’ ‘Allow me to be frank. Do you think he games at all?’

‘I think he makes bets.’ Mr. Harthouse waiting, as if that were not her whole answer, she added, ‘I know he does.’

‘Of course he loses?’

‘Yes.’ ‘Everybody does lose who bets. May I hint at the probability of your sometimes supplying him with money for these purposes?’

She sat, looking down; but, at this question, raised her eyes searchingly and a little resentfully.

‘Acquit me of impertinent curiosity, my dear Mrs. Bounderby. I think Tom may be gradually falling into trouble, and I wish to stretch out a helping hand to him from the depths of my wicked experience. — Shall I say again, for his sake? Is that necessary?’

She seemed to try to answer, but nothing came of it.

‘Candidly to confess everything that has occurred to me,’ said James Harthouse, again gliding with the same appearance of effort into his more airy manner; ‘I will confide to you my doubt whether he has had many advantages.

Whether — forgive my plainness — whether any great amount of confidence is likely to have been established between himself and his most worthy father.’

‘I do not,’ said Louisa, flushing with her own great remembrance in that wise, ‘think it likely.’

‘Or, between himself, and — I may trust to your perfect understanding of my meaning, I am sure — and his highly esteemed brother-in-law.’

She flushed deeper and deeper, and was burning red when she replied in a fainter voice, ‘I do not think that likely, either.’

‘Mrs. Bounderby,’said Harthouse, after a short silence, ‘may there be a better confidence between yourself and me? Tom has borrowed a considerable sum of you?’

‘You will understand, Mr. Harthouse,’she returned, after some indecision: she had been more or less uncertain, and troubled throughout the conversation, and yet had in the main preserved her self-contained manner; ‘you will understand that if I tell you what you press to know, it is not by way of complaint or regret. I would never complain of anything, and what I have done I do not in the least regret.’

r

e rv se US N Ob N IO BO CT SE

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

tude, not his ill-humour and caprice. Careless fellow as I am, I am not so indifferent, Mrs. Bounderby, as to be regardless of this vice in your brother, or inclined to consider it a venial offence.’

The wood floated before her, for her eyes were suffused with tears. They rose from a deep well, long concealed, and her heart was filled with acute pain that found no relief in them.

‘In a word, it is to correct your brother in this, Mrs. Bounderby, that I must aspire. My better knowledge of his circumstances, and my direction and advice in extricating them — rather valuable, I hope, as coming from a scapegrace on a much larger scale — will give me some influence over him, and all I gain I shall certainly use towards this end. I have said enough, and more than enough. I seem to be protesting that I am a sort of good fellow, when, upon my honour, I have not the least intention to make any protestation to that effect, and openly announce that I am nothing of the sort. Yonder, among the trees,’ he added, having lifted up his eyes and looked about; for he had watched her closely until now; ‘is your brother himself; no doubt, just come down. As he seems to be loitering in this direction, it may be as well, perhaps, to walk towards him, and throw ourselves in his way. He has been very silent and doleful of late.

Perhaps, his brotherly conscience is touched — if there are such things as consciences. Though, upon my honour, I hear of them much too often to believe in them.’

He assisted her to rise, and she took his arm, and they advanced to meet the whelp. He was idly beating the branches as he lounged along: or he stooped viciously to rip the moss from the trees with his stick. He was startled when they came upon him while he was engaged in this latter pastime, and his colour changed.

‘Halloa!’ he stammered; ‘I didn’t know you were here.’

‘Whose name, Tom,’ said Mr. Harthouse, putting his hand upon his shoulder and turning him, so that they all three walked towards the house together, ‘have you been carving on the trees?’

‘Whose name?’ returned Tom. ‘Oh! You mean what girl’s name?’

‘You have a suspicious appearance of inscribing some fair creature’s on the bark, Tom.’ ‘Not much of that, Mr. Harthouse, unless some fair creature with a slashing fortune at her own disposal would take a fancy to me. Or she might Charles Dickens be as ugly as she was rich, without any fear of ‘So spirited, too!’ thought James Harthouse. society in which he has his part to play, he rushes losing me. I’d carve her name as often as she ‘When I married, I found that my brother was into these extremes for himself, from opposite liked.’ even at that time heavily in debt. Heavily for extremes that have long been forced — with the ‘I am afraid you are mercenary, Tom.’ him, I mean. Heavily enough to oblige me to very best intentions we have no doubt — upon ‘Mercenary,’ repeated Tom. ‘Who is not mersell some trinkets. They were no sacrifice. I him. Mr. Bounderby’s fine bluff English inde- cenary? Ask my sister.’ sold them very willingly. I attached no value to pendence, though a most charming characteris- ‘Have you so proved it to be a failing of mine, them. They, were quite worthless to me.’ tic, does not — as we have agreed — invite Tom?’ said Louisa, showing no other sense of Either she saw in his face that he knew, or she confidence. If I might venture to remark that it his discontent and ill-nature. only feared in her conscience that he knew, that is the least in the world deficient in that delicacy ‘You know whether the cap fits you, Loo,’ reshe spoke of some of her husband’s gifts. She to which a youth mistaken, a character miscon- turned her brother sulkily. ‘If it does, you can stopped, and reddened again. If he had not ceived, and abilities misdirected, would turn for wear it.’ known it before, he would have known it then, relief and guidance, I should express what it ‘Tom is misanthropical to-day, as all bored people though he had been a much duller man than he presents to my own view.’ are now and then,’ said Mr. Harthouse. ‘Don’t was.

As she sat looking straight before her, across believe him, Mrs. Bounderby. He knows much ‘Since then, I have given my brother, at various the changing lights upon the grass into the dark- better. I shall disclose some of his opinions of times, what money I could spare: in short, what ness of the wood beyond, he saw in her face her you, privately expressed to me, unless he remoney I have had. Confiding in you at all, on application of his very distinctly uttered words. lents a little.’ the faith of the interest you profess for him, I ‘All allowance,’ he continued, ‘must be made. I ‘At all events, Mr. Harthouse,’ said Tom, softwill not do so by halves. Since you have been in have one great fault to find with Tom, however, ening in his admiration of his patron, but shaking the habit of visiting here, he has wanted in one which I cannot forgive, and for which I take him his head sullenly too, ‘you can’t tell her that I sum as much as a hundred pounds. I have not heavily to account.’ ever praised her for being mercenary. I may been able to give it to him. I have felt uneasy for Louisa turned her eyes to his face, and asked have praised her for being the contrary, and I the consequences of his being so involved, but I him what fault was that? should do it again, if I had as good reason. Howhave kept these secrets until now, when I trust ‘Perhaps,’ he returned, ‘I have said enough. ever, never mind this now; it’s not very interestthem to your honour. I have held no confidence Perhaps it would have been better, on the whole, ing to you, and I am sick of the subject.’ with any one, because — you anticipated my if no allusion to it had escaped me.’

They walked on to the house, where Louisa reason just now.’ She abruptly broke off.

‘You alarm me, Mr. Harthouse. Pray let me know quitted her visitor’s arm and went in. He stood He was a ready man, and he saw, and seized, it.’ looking after her, as she ascended the steps, an opportunity here of presenting her own im- ‘To relieve you from needless apprehension — and passed into the shadow of the door; then put age to her, slightly disguised as her brother. and as this confidence regarding your brother, his hand upon her brother’s shoulder again, and ‘Mrs. Bounderby, though a graceless person, of which I prize I am sure above all possible things, invited him with a confidential nod to a walk in the world worldly, I feel the utmost interest, I has been established between us — I obey. I the garden. assure you, in what you tell me. I cannot possi- cannot forgive him for not being more sensible ‘Tom, my fine fellow, I want to have a word bly be hard upon your brother. I understand and in every word, look, and act of his life, of the with you.’ share the wise consideration with which you affection of his best friend; of the devotion of his They had stopped among a disorder of roses — regard his errors. With all possible respect both best friend; of her unselfishness; of her sacri- it was part of Mr. Bounderby’s humility to keep for Mr. Gradgrind and for Mr. Bounderby, I think fice. The return he makes her, within my obser- Nickits’s roses on a reduced scale — and Tom I perceive that he has not been fortunate in his vation, is a very poor one. What she has done sat down on a terrace-parapet, plucking buds training. Bred at a disadvantage towards the for him demands his constant love and grati Continued on Page 24

Page 24 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

From Page 23 and picking them to pieces; while his powerful Familiar stood over him, with a foot upon the parapet, and his figure easily resting on the arm supported by that knee. They were just visible from her window. Perhaps she saw them.

‘Tom, what’s the matter?’

‘Oh! Mr. Harthouse,’ said Tom with a groan, ‘I am hard up, and bothered out of my life.’

‘My good fellow, so am I.’ ‘You!’ returned Tom. ‘You are the picture of independence. Mr. Harthouse, I am in a horrible mess. You have no idea what a state I have got myself into — what a state my sister might have got me out of, if she would only have done it.’

He took to biting the rosebuds now, and tearing them away from his teeth with a hand that trembled like an infirm old man’s. After one exceedingly observant look at him, his companion relapsed into his lightest air.

‘Tom, you are inconsiderate: you expect too much of your sister. You have had money of her, you dog, you know you have.’

‘Well, Mr. Harthouse, I know I have. How else was I to get it? Here’s old Bounderby always boasting that at my age he lived upon twopence a month, or something of that sort. Here’s my father drawing what he calls a line, and tying me down to it from a baby, neck and heels.

Here’s my mother who never has anything of her own, except her complaints. What is a fellow to do for money, and where am I to look for it, if not to my sister?’

He was almost crying, and scattered the buds about by dozens. Mr. Harthouse took him persuasively by the coat.

‘But, my dear Tom, if your sister has not got it —’ ‘Not got it, Mr. Harthouse? I don’t say she has got it. I may have wanted more than she was likely to have got. But then she ought to get it.

She could get it. It’s of no use pretending to make a secret of matters now, after what I have told you already; you know she didn’t marry old Bounderby for her own sake, or for his sake, but for my sake. Then why doesn’t she get what I want, out of him, for my sake? She is not obliged to say what she is going to do with it; she is sharp enough; she could manage to coax it out of him, if she chose. Then why doesn’t she choose, when I tell her of what consequence it is? But no.

There she sits in his company like a stone, instead of making herself agreeable and getting it easily. I don’t know what you may call this, but I call it unnatural conduct.’

There was a piece of ornamental water immediately below the parapet, on the other side, into which Mr. James Harthouse had a very strong inclination to pitch Mr. Thomas Gradgrind junior, as the injured men of Coketown threatened to pitch their property into the Atlantic. But he preserved his easy attitude; and nothing more solid went over the stone balustrades than the accumulated rosebuds now floating about, a little surface-island.

‘My dear Tom,’ said Harthouse, ‘let me try to be your banker.’

‘For God’s sake,’replied Tom, suddenly, ‘don’t talk about bankers!’ And very white he looked, in contrast with the roses. Very white.

Mr. Harthouse, as a thoroughly well-bred man, accustomed to the best society, was not to be surprised — he could as soon have been affected — but he raised his eyelids a little more, as if they were lifted by a feeble touch of wonder. Albeit it was as much against the precepts of his school to wonder, as it was against the doctrines of the Gradgrind College.

‘What is the present need, Tom? Three figures?

Out with them. Say what they are.’

‘Mr. Harthouse,’ returned Tom, now actually crying; and his tears were better than his injuries, however pitiful a figure he made: ‘it’s too late; the money is of no use to me at present. I should have had it before to be of use to me. But I am very much obliged to you; you’re a true friend.’

A true friend! ‘Whelp, whelp!’ thought Mr. Harthouse, lazily; ‘what an Ass you are!’

‘And I take your offer as a great kindness,’ said Tom, grasping his hand. ‘As a great kindness, Mr. Harthouse.’

‘Well,’ returned the other, ‘it may be of more use by and by. And, my good fellow, if you will open your bedevilments to me when they come thick upon you, I may show you better ways out of them than you can find for yourself.’

‘Thank you,’ said Tom, shaking his head dismally, and chewing rosebuds. ‘I wish I had known you sooner, Mr. Harthouse.’

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Observer Classic Books ‘Now, you see, Tom,’ said Mr. Harthouse in conclusion, himself tossing over a rose or two, as a contribution to the island, which was always drifting to the wall as if it wanted to become a part of the mainland: ‘every man is selfish in everything he does, and I am exactly like the rest of my fellow-creatures. I am desperately intent;’ the languor of his desperation being quite tropical; ‘on your softening towards your sister — which you ought to do; and on your being a more loving and agreeable sort of brother — which you ought to be.’

‘I will be, Mr. Harthouse.’

‘No time like the present, Tom. Begin at once.’

‘Certainly I will. And my sister Loo shall say so.’

‘Having made which bargain, Tom,’ said Harthouse, clapping him on the shoulder again, with an air which left him at liberty to infer — as he did, poor fool — that this condition was imposed upon him in mere careless good nature to lessen his sense of obligation, ‘we will tear ourselves asunder until dinner-time.’

When Tom appeared before dinner, though his mind seemed heavy enough, his body was on the alert; and he appeared before Mr. Bounderby came in. ‘I didn’t mean to be cross, Loo,’ he said, giving her his hand, and kissing her. ‘I know you are fond of me, and you know I am fond of you.’

After this, there was a smile upon Louisa’s face that day, for some one else. Alas, for some one else!

‘So much the less is the whelp the only creature that she cares for,’ thought James Harthouse, reversing the reflection of his first day’s knowledge of her pretty face. ‘So much the less, so much the less.’

Chapter VIII— Explosion THE next morning was too bright a morning for sleep, and James Harthouse rose early, and sat in the pleasant bay window of his dressing-room, smoking the rare tobacco that had had so wholesome an influence on his young friend. Reposing in the sunlight, with the fragrance of his eastern pipe about him, and the dreamy smoke vanishing into the air, so rich and soft with summer odours, he reckoned up his advantages as an idle winner might count his gains. He was not at all bored for the time, and could give his mind to it.

He had established a confidence with her, from which her husband was excluded. He had established a confidence with her, that absolutely turned upon her indifference towards her husband, and the absence, now and at all times, of any congeniality between them. He had artfully, but plainly, assured her that he knew her heart in its last most delicate recesses; he had come so near to her through its tenderest sentiment; he had associated himself with that feeling; and the barrier behind which she lived, had melted away. All very odd, and very satisfactory!

And yet he had not, even now, any earnest wickedness of purpose in him. Publicly and privately, it were much better for the age in which he lived, that he and the legion of whom he was one were designedly bad, than indifferent and purposeless. It is the drifting icebergs setting with any current anywhere, that wreck the ships.

When the Devil goeth about like a roaring lion, he goeth about in a shape by which few but savages and hunters are attracted. But, when he is trimmed, smoothed, and varnished, according to the mode; when he is aweary of vice, and aweary of virtue, used up as to brimstone, and used up as to bliss; then, whether he take to the serving out of red tape, or to the kindling of red fire, he is the very Devil.

So James Harthouse reclined in the window, indolently smoking, and reckoning up the steps he had taken on the road by which he happened to be travelling. The end to which it led was before him, pretty plainly; but he troubled himself with no calculations about it. What will be, will be.

As he had rather a long ride to take that day — for there was a public occasion ‘to do’ at some distance, which afforded a tolerable opportunity of going in for the Gradgrind men — he dressed early and went down to breakfast. He was anxious to see if she had relapsed since the previous evening. No. He resumed where he had left off. There was a look of interest for him again.

He got through the day as much (or as little) to his own satisfaction, as was to be expected under the fatiguing circumstances; and came riding back at six o’clock. There was a sweep of some half-mile between the lodge and the house, and

he was riding along at a foot pace over the smooth gravel, once Nickits’s, when Mr. Bounderby burst out of the shrubbery, with such violence as to make his horse shy across the road.

‘Harthouse!’ cried Mr. Bounderby. ‘Have you heard?’

‘Heard what?’ said Harthouse, soothing his horse, and inwardly favouring Mr. Bounderby with no good wishes.

‘Then you haven’t heard!’

‘I have heard you, and so has this brute. I have heard nothing else.’

Mr. Bounderby, red and hot, planted himself in the centre of the path before the horse’s head, to explode his bombshell with more effect.

‘The Bank’s robbed!’

‘You don’t mean it!’

‘Robbed last night, sir. Robbed in an extraordinary manner. Robbed with a false key.’

‘Of much?’

Mr. Bounderby, in his desire to make the most of it, really seemed mortified by being obliged to reply, ‘Why, no; not of very much. But it might have been.’

‘Of how much?’

‘Oh! as a sum — if you stick to a sum — of not more than a hundred and fifty pound,’ said Bounderby, with impatience. ‘But it’s not the sum; it’s the fact. It’s the fact of the Bank being robbed, that’s the important circumstance. I am surprised you don’t see it.’

‘My dear Bounderby,’ said James, dismounting, and giving his bridle to his servant, ‘I do see it; and am as overcome as you can possibly desire me to be, by the spectacle afforded to my mental view. Nevertheless, I may be allowed, I hope, to congratulate you — which I do with all my soul, I assure you — on your not having sustained a greater loss.’

‘Thank’ee,’ replied Bounderby, in a short, ungracious manner. ‘But I tell you what. It might have been twenty thousand pound.’

‘I suppose it might.’

‘Suppose it might! By the Lord, you may suppose so. By George!’ said Mr. Bounderby, with sundry menacing nods and shakes of his head.

‘It might have been twice twenty. There’s no knowing what it would have been, or wouldn’t have been, as it was, but for the fellows’ being disturbed.’

Louisa had come up now, and Mrs. Sparsit, and Bitzer.

‘Here’s Tom Gradgrind’s daughter knows pretty well what it might have been, if you don’t,’ blustered Bounderby. ‘Dropped, sir, as if she was shot when I told her! Never knew her do such a thing before. Does her credit, under the circumstances, in my opinion!’

She still looked faint and pale. James Harthouse begged her to take his arm; and as they moved on very slowly, asked her how the robbery had been committed.

‘Why, I am going to tell you,’ said Bounderby, irritably giving his arm to Mrs. Sparsit. ‘If you hadn’t been so mighty particular about the sum, I should have begun to tell you before. You know this lady (for she is a lady), Mrs. Sparsit?’

‘I have already had the honour — ’ ‘Very well. And this young man, Bitzer, you saw him too on the same occasion?’ Mr. Harthouse inclined his head in assent, and Bitzer knuckled his forehead.

‘Very well. They live at the Bank. You know they live at the Bank, perhaps? Very well. Yesterday afternoon, at the close of business hours, everything was put away as usual. In the iron room that this young fellow sleeps outside of, there was never mind how much. In the little safe in young Tom’s closet, the safe used for petty purposes, there was a hundred and fifty odd pound.’

‘A hundred and fifty-four, seven, one,’ said Bitzer.

‘Come!’ retorted Bounderby, stopping to wheel round upon him, ‘let’s have none of your interruptions. It’s enough to be robbed while you’re snoring because you’re too comfortable, without being put right with your four seven ones. I didn’t snore, myself, when I was your age, let me tell you. I hadn’t victuals enough to snore.

And I didn’t four seven one. Not if I knew it.’

Bitzer knuckled his forehead again, in a sneaking manner, and seemed at once particularly impressed and depressed by the instance last given of Mr. Bounderby’s moral abstinence.

‘A hundred and fifty odd pound,’ resumed Mr. Bounderby. ‘That sum of money, young Tom locked in his safe, not a very strong safe, but that’s no matter now. Everything was left, all right. Some time in the night, while this young

fellow snored — Mrs. Sparsit, ma’am, you say you have heard him snore?’

‘Sir,’ returned Mrs. Sparsit, ‘I cannot say that I have heard him precisely snore, and therefore must not make that statement. But on winter evenings, when he has fallen asleep at his table, I have heard him, what I should prefer to describe as partially choke. I have heard him on such occasions produce sounds of a nature similar to what may be sometimes heard in Dutch clocks. Not,’ said Mrs. Sparsit, with a lofty sense of giving strict evidence, ‘that I would convey any imputation on his moral character. Far from it. I have always considered Bitzer a young man of the most upright principle; and to that I beg to bear my testimony.’

‘Well!’ said the exasperated Bounderby, ‘while he was snoring, or choking, or Dutch-clocking, or something or other — being asleep — some fellows, somehow, whether previously concealed in the house or not remains to be seen, got to young Tom’s safe, forced it, and abstracted the contents. Being then disturbed, they made off; letting themselves out at the main door, and double-locking it again (it was double-locked, and the key under Mrs. Sparsit’s pillow) with a false key, which was picked up in the street near the Bank, about twelve o’clock to-day. No alarm takes place, till this chap, Bitzer, turns out this morning, and begins to open and prepare the offices for business. Then, looking at Tom’s safe, he sees the door ajar, and finds the lock forced, and the money gone.’

‘Where is Tom, by the by?’ asked Harthouse, glancing round.

‘He has been helping the police,’ said Bounderby, ‘and stays behind at the Bank. I wish these fellows had tried to rob me when I was at his time of life. They would have been out of pocket if they had invested eighteenpence in the job; I can tell ’em that.’

‘Is anybody suspected?’

‘Suspected? I should think there was somebody suspected. Egod!’ said Bounderby, relinquishing Mrs. Sparsit’s arm to wipe his heated head.

‘Josiah Bounderby of Coketown is not to be plundered and nobody suspected. No, thank you!’

Might Mr. Harthouse inquire Who was suspected?

‘Well,’ said Bounderby, stopping and facing about to confront them all, ‘I’ll tell you. It’s not to be mentioned everywhere; it’s not to be mentioned anywhere: in order that the scoundrels concerned (there’s a gang of ’em) may be thrown off their guard. So take this in confidence. Now wait a bit.’ Mr. Bounderby wiped his head again.

‘What should you say to;’ here he violently exploded: ‘to a Hand being in it?’

‘I hope,’ said Harthouse, lazily, ‘not our friend Blackpot?’

‘Say Pool instead of Pot, sir,’ returned Bounderby, ‘and that’s the man.’

Louisa faintly uttered some word of incredulity and surprise.

‘O yes! I know!’ said Bounderby, immediately catching at the sound. ‘I know! I am used to that. I know all about it. They are the finest people in the world, these fellows are. They have got the gift of the gab, they have. They only want to have their rights explained to them, they do. But I tell you what. Show me a dissatisfied Hand, and I’ll show you a man that’s fit for anything bad, I don’t care what it is.’

Another of the popular fictions of Coketown, which some pains had been taken to disseminate — and which some people really believed.

‘But I am acquainted with these chaps,’ said Bounderby. ‘I can read ’em off, like books. Mrs. Sparsit, ma’am, I appeal to you. What warning did I give that fellow, the first time he set foot in the house, when the express object of his visit was to know how he could knock Religion over, and floor the Established Church? Mrs. Sparsit, in point of high connexions, you are on a level with the aristocracy, — did I say, or did I not say, to that fellow, “you can’t hide the truth from me: you are not the kind of fellow I like; you’ll come to no good”?’

‘Assuredly, sir,’returned Mrs. Sparsit, ‘you did, in a highly impressive manner, give him such an admonition.’

‘When he shocked you, ma’am,’ said Bounderby; ‘when he shocked your feelings?’

‘Yes, sir,’ returned Mrs. Sparsit, with a meek shake of her head, ‘he certainly did so. Though I do not mean to say but that my feelings may be weaker on such points — more foolish if the term is preferred — than they might have been, if I had always occupied my present position.’

To Be Continued Next Issue

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 67

Best Places

Page 68 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

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Best Places

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 69

Page 70 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

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Maeburn Cottages 33 Mairburn Rd, Metung VIC 3904 Phone: (03) 5156 2736 www.maeburncottages.com.au

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 71

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Best Places

Page 72 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

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Metropolitan and Regional Victoria

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A LOCAL, WHO KNOW S LOCAL NEEDS

Prices start from $2500

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Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 73

Observer Crossword Solution No 3 T H R A S H E D GR EM L I N S DWE L L I NG MON UME N T N I OCHRE E G URN R D O O A C R AW RAD I A TOR PRE TOR I A ORDA I NED HERA L DRY C I L S I L L M N SN I P E N I RA Y S L I E H A I R DO N OR I F I C E R WR E S T L E D A S C E N D M E M I GH T E S T OK YO S E WE E D S R O ON T AR I O Y A S P EC T E L A T E S T N HA Z ARDS E L NUMB ED E HE ADOF F I ENDE AR Z U E S K I MOS R A B A B A V R RUD E R I L UR I D L Y I G U I P R GNOCCH I E M N L E E HARNE S S ED T I L ER I H CORG I GA T ECRA SH Y E N O SCOT I ND I ANA OT I S A R R O DOM I C I L E OR I G I N I R NA P L E S EMB A LMER R O H I M N N SN I DE R F O E N R N P I ERC I NG SURG I CA L NA I V E T E A BRE A S T T R U L A L OE A S T N S N URE A R O A T RE A T ED R E A RM P I A NO MOU L T S A L U T E S U G ME L E E R MRS N P I E B E X I S T R X I MP A L E U S A Y SO HEDGE NOS E S M HUBCA P B I N O D S R O N T O E A N T E R E MM A A L MANNED I EM I R S T AM I NA SHAM O N I NE T Y I RS PCA I R H C D T T D PRODS M E I MACHU R A S TON I SH AC I DRA I N T L L AMA I R E H P HNOM T W R E H V O C MAMB A S I E S T A U T I F F T ADPO L E GOA L L AMB L E S N W ROS Y C US SR A A SHE T H I F I L L ANK ARA L RE A LM MAN I C UNDER S ROAD I E E R S T Y L E C E T A E EON I OCE AN M T PREM I S E MECCA M I L ER GHANA USHERED N MARE U R E S A R B D I SC O E R O L M I S S I ONS S T R I K ERS T E ACA K E P L A Y SUP S S U L B T N T HRE E L T I I R D A T U TOR I A L E N O U G H U W M Y R I A D WO O DW I N D A I E T T R I M ON T HEGO C L E F N E L E RECORDERS A S S E S T R MOR S E R E S P R A Y E D N R I A G C PR I MA T E O R I L D Y I MP AR T S R A L I B I N G N I GH T G MANAGED A T HO L I ER F CAG I E S T E L E A V EN M B A S P I RED N A B I DED N A S T RA Y T N EWSMA N S N RA B A T U R HE T UP R R RE BU T O L MERGE S I RAGT I ME E PRANCE S E S ANE L Y U O Q MAMA G F S ARAH C H V E A L R D O GRANU L E S MA I N T A I N P I CKMEUP MA V ER I CK G L A RE F N E OT T ER E R S EC N C E YODE L L ED L EG I RONS DE F ROS T S DECAN T ED

Church

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Page 74 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Observer Victorian Sport

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Melbourne

Chris’s week never to be forgotten ■ Wallan based reinsman Chris Shinn enjoyed a week he won't forget last week after driving three winners in two days. Combining with NSW based Paul Fitzpatrick to guide Sportswriter-Just Look At Me gelding Dee Double You to victory in the MC Security 2Y0 Pace over 2180 metres at his home track Kilmore on Tuesday, Shinn then snared a double at Tabcorp Park Melton on Wednesday, piloting both Whizbang Dan and Makin Art Magic for mother Ruth in their respective races.

Dee Double You despite racing uncovered from gate five outside the pacemaker Our Road To Macca, gained the upper hand on the final bend and defied all challengers to prevail by a half head only over Delightful Jazz which sprouted wings on turning from mid-field, with Tidal Surge running home late from last to be third 1.5 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.8.

Whizbang Dan bred and raced by a couple of harness racing veterans - Ron Kelly and Charlie Moore was successful in the 2240 metre Hygain 3Y0 Trotters Mobile. Sent forward from gate five to park outside the well supported Severe Storm (gate four), Whizbang Dan a gelded son of Danny Bouchea and Shania Court outstayed his rivals to record a 1.4 metre victory in 2-05.1 over Quick Witted which trailed the leader, easing three wide on the final bend, with Severe Storm weakening to be third 1.9 metres away.

Six year old Art Major-A little More Magic gelding Maken Art Magic captured the Christmas In July Pace for C1 class over 2240 metres in identical fashion after racing exposed from outside the front line, accounting for the leader First And Erst by 1.9 metres in 2-00.5.

Waltzingwithsierra was third 1.1 metres back after always being handy.

Rocket in flight

■ "Rocket" Rod Petroff joined forces with Gippsland (Trafalgar) trainer Chris Hunter to land the 1690 metres Mitchelton Wines Pace for four year olds and upwards at Kilmore with 7Y0 Elsu-Rhythmaka mare Feel The Rhythm in a rate of 2-01.1.

Given an easy time from gate three after dropping the the back of the pole line leader The Cobblers Piece from Rita Burnett's stable, Feel The Rhythm used the sprint lane to perfection to record a 3.4 metre victory in advance of The Cobblers Piece.

The heavily supported Goes Boom (one/one) was third a half neck away after easing three wide on the home turn.

Led all the way

■ Geelong raced on June 5 and very honest Majestic Son-Golden Teardrops filly Sovereign Minx finally broke through for her first victory in thirteen outings by taking the Frank May 3Y0 Trotters Mobile over 2100 metres.

Bred and raced by Trafalgar's Chris Hunter, Sovereign Minx with regular reinsman Rod Petroff in the sulky, led all of the way from gate two, kicking clear on the final bend to record a 2.1 metre margin in advance of Majestic Time which moved to the outside on on turning after trailing. Roughie Allens Delight was third 11.8 metres back after a cosy trip three back the markers.

The mile rate a leisurely 2-05.6.

Drew perfectly

■ The Pacing Priest - Father Brian Glasheen formerly from St Bernards Parish in Bacchus Marsh now retired, was in the winners stall at Maryborough on June 7 following the victory of his home bred Courage Under Fire-Bit Of A Gem 4Y0 mare Be Not Afraid in the 1690 metre HRTC Bendigo Concessional Drivers Pace for C0 class.

Trained at Bacchus Marsh by Phil Chircop, Be Not Afraid driven by Western District (Scotts Creek) junior Xavier O'Connor after drawing perfectly in the pole, led throughout to win in a breeze 8.8 metres in advance of Lick My Lips which trailed in a rate of 2-00.2. Apollon was third 3.7 metres back off a mid-field trip.

Harness Racing

Melbourne

Observer

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

Settled three back

■ Bacchus Marsh reinsman Matthew Whittle who doesn't handle the reins all too often landed the Yabby Dam Racing Trotters Handicap for T1 or better class over 2570 metres at Geelong on June 5 aboard 8Y0 Zooma-Sun Legend gelding Zoomas Legend in a rate of 2-04.5. Trained at Coimadai by father Graeme, Zoomas Legend raced by the Whittle family stepped cleanly from 20 metres to settle three back along the markers as Chrisken Kiosk led from a lone 10 metre mark.

Relegated a spot when Valley Ess Jay took over mid-race, Zoomas Legend was taken away from the markers to lead up the outside division at the winning post with a circuit to travel.

Surging past the leader prior to the home turn opening up a sizable margin, Zoomas Legend scored by 13.3 metres from Argyle Melody which followed the winner home in the last lap, with Chrisken Kiosk a head away in third place after extricating from the inside approaching the final bend. The mile rate 2-04.5.

Took the honours

■ Shepparton (Lemnos) trainer/driver Nathan Jack took the honours for the night at Swan Hill on Wednesday providing three winners with the first to arrive being Well Said-Musical Delight colt Young Rooster ($1.40) in the DNR Logistics 2Y0 Pace over 1750 metres.

Trained by Nathan, Young Rooster began very fast to lead from gate five and after being rated a treat, ran out an easy 7.2 metre victor in 2-00.2 ahead of Keayang Kookai on debut which trailed, with another first starter Colossal Stride 1.2 metres away in third place after racing exposed from the bell.

Six year old mare Spic And Sparkled (Pacific Fella-Spic And Spangled) landed the Egmont Park Stud Pace for C0 & C1 class over 1750 metres for Toolern Vale trainer Paul Gabriel.

Enjoying a sweet passage from gate five following the poleline leader Lick My Lips, Jack angled Spic And Sparkled ($2.00) off the back of the leader on the home turn and the pair went head and head to the wire, with Spic And Spangled drawing clear to win by an 11.2 metre margin in a rate of two minutes even. Growse was third a half neck away.

Veteran Charlton trainer Mark Boyle who over the years has won numerous races at Nyah and Swan Hill, combined with Jack to snare the 1750 metre Spoons Riverside 3Y0 Pace with Western Terror-Prestigeous Stride gelding Bruised Ego paying Supertab odds of $6-00.

Enjoying the run of the race from the pole trailing last start Charlton winner Just Makemine Diamonds which flew across the field from outside the front line to lead for Grant Campbell, Bruised Ego finished determinedly along the sprint lane to gain the day by 3 metres from the heavily supported death-seating Yeah Whatever, with Our Uncle Alan (one/one - three wide home turn) 2.3 metres back in third place. The mile

Stable double

■ At Terang on June 6, veteran Hamilton trainer Jim Barker (a former Rothacker medallist) snared a stable double with a pair of seven year olds - Pacific Fella-Rayelle Lady gelding Aerodyne Fella taking the Terang Home Hardware Pace for C0 class over 2180 metres and SafariJewell Of Cobargo gelding Johnny Redcoat the Reichas Stores Terang & Cobden Pace for C1 class over the same trip.

Aerodyne Fella (David Murphy) having start 106 enjoyed a sweet passage from the pole trailing the well backed leader Golden Cullen (gate three) before easing off his back on the home turn.

Despite being carried wide in the straight as the leader shifted ground badly, Aerodyne Fella scored by 1.5 metres (and would possibly have won on protest) over the leader, with Vuitton running on late from mid-field to be third 1.7 metres away.

The mile rate 2-01.9. Johnny Redcoat driven by granddaughter Jackie Barker ran home at 100 miles an hour along the sprint lane from three back the markers to prevail by 2.3 metres from the poleline pacemaker Gnotuk which led in a rate of 2-03. The Prince Of Opal (one/two) was third a head away.

Two wins in a row

■ Terang trainer Mattie Craven's high priced Kiwi import Master Moonlight made a one act affair of the DNR Logistics Pace for C1 class over 1690 metres at Maryborough on June 7.

Driven by brother Glen, Master Moonlight a three year old gelded son of Art Major and Miss Moonlight was given time to find his feet from gate three before ambling forward to assume control at the bell.

Never let go, Master Moonlight coasted to the wire 21.4 metres ahead of Our Edward Lewis which trailed after leading out from gate five, with Major Patron (one/one - three wide last lap) third 6.8 metres away.

In winning Master Moonlight raced by a large syndicate including several well known harness identities past and present, brought up two wins in succession on Australian soil, returning an electric mile rate of 1-53.5.

Never perturned

■ Great Western's Kerryn Manning (the world's most decorated reinswoman) is becoming a regular at Swan Hill meetings and was successful last Wednesday with Kiwi bred Raging Bull-Coca Vicola filly Our Bare Knuckle ($1.10) in the Bill Gurnett Pace for C1 class over 2240 metres in a rate of 2-01.

Going forward three wide from gate five to park outside the leader Kissing Game (gate two), Kerryn was never perturbed at any stage as Our Bare Knuckle coasted to the wire 1.5 metres in advance of Kissing Game. Major Patron was third 3.4 metres away after gaining inside runs from last.

Long chase

■ Terang duo Marg Lee (trainer) and son Jason (driver) provided the most impressive Swan Hill winner on the night when 4Y0 Roll With JoeJilliby Jasmine gelding Jilliby Chevy ($1.20) greeted the judge in the fast class race of the evening - the Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Pace for C2 to C4 class over 1750 metres.

First up since February, Jilliby Chevy began well from gate five to cross Boom Time (gate four) and allowed to run, had his rivals chasing a long way out. Giving full rein on turning, Jilliby Chevy scored by 3.2 metres in a mile rate of 153.9 over Boom Time who kept with him, with Poppys Princess (five back the markers) 21.2 metres away in third place.

Shuffled back

■ Veteran Campbells Creek (Castlemaine) trainer Keith Semmens was in the winners stall at Maryborough on Thursday when honest home

Sulky Snippets This Week

■ Wednesday - Kilmore, Thursday Maryborough/Echuca, Friday - Mildura/ Ballarat, Saturday - Melton, Sunday Warragul, Monday - Maryborough, Tuesday - Bendigo.

Horses to follow

■ Fly Cheval, Delightful Jazz, Bad Billy, Godofthunder, La Player, Hot Breakfast, Loyola Trios, Lick My Lips, Auntie Poppy, Classic Maker, Wrappers Delight.

bred 4Y0 Downunder Muscles-La Poeme gelding Downunder Barkers was successful in the Aldebaran Park Trotters Mobile for T0 class over 2190 metres. Driven by a very much inform Gavin Lang, Downunder Barkers possied one/one from gate five before being shuffled back a spot when Majestic Pinevale moved around to face the breeze at the bell. Still wel back approaching the final bend, Downunder Muscles finished full of running out wide on straightening to records a 2 metre victory over Needabacardi which raced three wide for the final circuit, with Majestic Pinevale 7.2 metres away in third place. The mile rate 2-04. Keith's sons David and Jon share in the ownership.

Raced outside

■ Popular Inglewood trainer Grant Innes' mos consistent Four Starzzz Shark-Firetail mare Erico chalked up her eighth victory in 45 outings by taking the Darryl Wagstaff Funerals Pace for C3 & C4 class over 2190 metres a Maryborough.

Raced by Grant and wife Franceen, Erico driven hard by Greg Sugars at the start, led throughout from the pole, defeating Top Of The Ace which raced outside her by a half head in a mile rate of 1-58.6. Saint Davids Field (three back the markers) was third 1.8 metres back. I was Greg's 200th winner for the season.

At Tabcorp Park

■ At Tabcorp Park Melton on Wednesday, 4Y0 Bacardi Lindy-Paige Olivia gelding The Paigeboy bred and raced by Hopetoun Park principal Graeme Rayner was a tough winner of thetrots.com.au Trotters Mobile for TR0 class over 1720 metres. Trained at Hopetoun Park by Ross Sugars and driven by daughter Kylie, The Paigeboy raced exposed for the majority of the journey outside the leader Bridie Okane, bu drew clear over the concluding stages to score by 7.1 metres from Coco Lombo (three back the markers) and Bridie Okane who was 3.8 metres back in third place. The mile rate 203.6.

Baker’s Briefs

■ Outstanding filly Shez All Rock became the first Australian representative to win a "Harness Jewels" since they were first instigated 11 years ago, when successful in the $150,000 3Y0 Diamond at Cambridge in New Zealand's North Island on Saturday June 2. Formerly trained in the Goulburn Valley by Mark Pitt, Shez All Rock now in the barn of Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen led all of the way, coasting to a five length victory in 1-51.8. Australians did extremely well on the day, with Wobelee (Chris Alford) third and Petes Big Jim (Shane & Laura Tritton) second and Dance Craze (Anton Golino - David Butcher( third during the afternoon.

- Len Baker

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 75 e urn lbo Me

Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

ver N ser O Ob TI C SE 3

Observer Showbiz

Theatre: Confetti and Chaos .................................... Page 77 Theatre: Audition for ‘Les Mis’ ........................................ Page 76 Country Music: St Petersburg Ballet .............................. Page 77 Jim and Aar on: Reviews, Top 10 lists ................................... Page 7788 Aaron: Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, auditions ........... Page 83 PL US THE LLO OVATT”S MEGA CRO PLUS CROSSSWORD

84 CHARING CROSS ROAD Cracked Smiles

● Aaron James Campbell, Emma Jevons and Patrick Gibson in Cracked Smiles.

■ Thatcher’s Boy Theatre presents Cracked Smiles from July 17-22 at Chapel off Chapel in Prahran.

Written and produced by Thatcher’s Boy Artistic Director Kieran Gould-Dowen, Cracked Smiles is directed by Immerse Drama’s Gemma Flannery.

The play is set in the communal area of a psychiatric institute, where eight psychopaths cause chaos and misery on a daily basis.

A currency of poker chips nobody can afford, sexual favours, manipulated news, and a chess game only the powerful men can touch, are all but normal to these killers.

Obeying blindly to all inappropriate commands is their blinkered nurse Luna, until one day, after watching an innocent man die, she realises enough is enough.

But has she got the power to regain control from those corrupt and in power, or will she be their next blood-soaked victim?

In Cracked Smiles, each character represents a different crack of corruption in our own society, be it politics, corporations, media, law, even freedom.

Every single thing you see and hear is a metaphor for something so much bigger.

Gould-Dowen says it is hard to not feel disappointed by the state of the world at the moment.

“It all feels a little crazy … so taking those pains and ideas and turning them into different psychopaths – walking, talking metaphors - has been extremely fun and interesting to play with.”

The characters are all set in the same room, where everything represents something else and the actors get to tackle their own pains about the world.

Dates: July 17 - 22 Time: 7.30pm (5.00pm on July 22) Cost: $20-35 Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran Tickets: chapeloffchapel.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Showbiz Briefs ■ Sleeping Beauty will open at the Comedy Theatre on Friday next week (June 29). Red carpet starts at 6.30pm; showtime at 7.30pm.

■ Top Dog Film Festival, a canine filled program of dog films, screens on Tuesday, July 31 at Village Crown Cinemas, and on Wednesday, August 1 at the Astor Theatre.

■ In Mish Grigor’s participatory theatre work, The Talk, the taboos of sex, relationships and family dynamics are laid bare.Thursday, July 5-Saturday, July 14 at the Northcote Town Hall.

■ Museums Victoria is planning an extensive NAIDOC Week 2018, with exhibitions opening June 28.

● Pam Christie Burkett as Helene Hanff in 84 Charing Cross Road, playing in Mount Waverley until June 23. Photo: Karim Ghantous.

■ Peridot Theatre presents 84 Charing Cross Road, a true story adapted by James Roose Evans from the book by Helene Hanff, at the Unicorn Theatre in Mount Waverley until June 23.

Three and a half thousand miles geographically divides struggling writer Helene Hanff’s New York apartment and Marks and Co., the antiquarian book store at 84 Charing Cross Road, London, but they are united by books.

Symbolising this unity are the identical book-lined shelves in both sets, well designed by Andrew Ferguson and Horrie Leek.

Era-authentic costume design by Jen Hunt, adds visual aesthetics.

The 20-year correspondence between Helene and book store manager Frank Doel and his staff members began in 1949.

Social and historical commentary entwines with dialogue ● James Morrison when reading the letters.

■ To sum up this concert in one word – WOW! American books are compared to British books, and Helene The Others brought together three giants of the music sends packages to Frank and his staff to help with rations. industry in Australia – James Morrison, trumpeter; Paul Helene dreams of travelling to England for the 1953 CoronaGrabowsky, composer and pianis;t and Spiderbait’s rock tion, and Frank buys his first car in 1952, a 1939 Morris. In the drummer Kram in an unforgettable performance at 1960s, they talk of Carnaby Street and the Beatles.

Melbourne Recital Centre.

The finesse of Horrie Leek’s direction and the strong cast of Kram originally floated the idea with James and Paul actors ensures this engaging story is beautifully brought to life. suggesting they could combine to do “ something wild”, Pam Christie Birkett is perfectly cast as Helene, skilfully with no preconceived guidelines. developing confidence with her career progression over time, The result was memorable, with these three musicians but retaining passion for literature and the nostalgic letter-writcoming together to celebrate and share their love of music ing correspondence. as part of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

Andrew Ferguson delivers a fine performance as book store These masters treated the audience to a showcase of manager Frank Doel, capturing his pleasant sincerity, and a their extraordinary musical talents and then let go and formality as ‘Mr Doel’ in Helene’s letters, to eventually delightcombined with a show of spectacular improvisation, dising in being called ‘Frankie’. playing the brilliant skills of musicians at the pinnacle of Terrific performances are also enjoyed from Frank’s staff their craft. members: Katie Macfie (Cecily Farr), Michael Knuckey (Mr The obvious love of music, passion, warmth and humour Martin), Camille Alexander (Megan Wells), Colin Sephton (Wilbetween them shone through and bonded the trio, and the liam Humphries) and Monica Greenwood (Maxine Stuart/Joan audience showed their appreciation with a standing ovation Todd). at the conclusion.

This personal story involving a shared love of literature, also It was such a privilege to be part of a most sophisticated, contains a message not to delay following dreams. unique and masterful jam session.

Topped off by traditional warm hospitality extended by PeriThe Others were supported by Appian Way in the opendot Theatre, this is a delightful theatre experience. ing act. Zac Hurren, saxophone, Carl Harvoe, trumpet, Performance Season: Until June 23 at 8pm Sam Anning , bass, and Sam Bates, drums – another team Venue: Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, of extremely talented musicians.

Lechte Rd, Mt Waverley We hope there will be many more opportunities for the Bookings: http://www.peridot.com.au/index.php/bookings or James, Paul and Kram to perform this rare gem again.

9808 0770.

- Review by Jill Page - Review by Cheryl Threadgold

The Others

Page 76 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz

Country Music, Radio, Theatre, Almanac Les Mis auditions ■ The Young Australian Broadway Chorus will mount a new production in January of the world’s most popular musical Les Misérables.

Following its acclaimed youth production of Wicked in 2018, Les Misérables will be presented with a cast and orchestra of young performers, and play at the National Theatre, St Kilda for 10 performances, January 18 – 27.

Auditions are now being held for talented young performers to experience the intensive rehearsal process that goes into creating a major musical production, as well as the thrill of performing such an iconic work.

The rehearsals and performances will take place in the school holidays in December and January.

The YABC is a well known for its programs and productions for young people.

Each year, thousands of children and young adults participate in musical theatre training with the organisation, culminating in spectacular seasons of concerts at the National Theatre.

Cast submissions close on July 19.

Visit the Les Misérables website www.lesmiz.com.au to download the full information pack and details on how to submit details to be considered for an audition.

Lst any relevant training in singing and acting along with previous performing experience, including school musicals, detailing production, year and role played.

Performers may be asked to submit a video audition prior to booking an audition.

Applications are currently open to young people who will be aged 15-21 during the performance season in January. nformation regarding children’s cast, orchestra and backstage positions will be released shortly.

Les Misérables contains adult themes. It is asked that people auditioning familiarise themselves with the synopsis and content prior to booking an audition.

Audition Dates: Tuesday, July 24; Saturday, July 28; Sunday, July 29.

Venue: Stage School Brunswick Studios, 23 Allen St, Moreland.

- Michael Wilkie

Wrestling event ■ WWE Super Show-Down will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, October 6, featuring the largest roster of WWE Superstars and Legends ever to appear in the country.

Kerry O’Brien Publicity says tickets will go on sale on Thursday, June 28.

At Hawthorn Arts Centre Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

August 2018 marks 130 years since the foundation stone was laid at the former Hawthorn Town Hall, now HawthornArts Centre.

This John Beswicke-designed building has been the centre of community life for 130 years.

It has housed the post and telegraph office, the police lockup and the fire brigade, it has seen mayoral balls, Red Cross war work, graduations and citizenship ceremonies.

Hawthorn Historical Society presents an exhibition pf historical photographs, memorabilia and items from the Town Hall Gallery Collection which celebrates the many ways in which this building has been part of the community and adapted to the changes in society since the 19th century.

Exhibition: Saturday July 7 - Sunday August 2., Unknown, Untitled The Town Hall Gallery Collection comes from humble beginnings formed by the donations and bequests of local dignitaries and the addition of former Camberwell, Kew and Hawthorn municipal collections.

The Collection focuses on harnessing the breadth of creative activity and history our city encompasses.

Four contemporary artists have been commissioned to create new work based on the historical and civic items in the Collection.

The selected artists will spend time getting to know the Collection in order to find aspects and elements that will drive their contemporary responses.

The exhibition will feature items from the Collection alongside the new works they inspired, promising viewers a new way of seeing historical works and cultural objects.

Exhibition: Saturday July 7 - Sunday August 26.

Hawthorn Arts Centre 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn.

- Peter Kemp

Benalla Art Gallery Michael Johnson Ensemble Harpist and composer Michael Johnson has performed in major concert venues and festivals throughout Australia.

He has been the resident musician at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne for over a decade, performing the Harp in the Gardens recitals and Twilight Music concerts, providing his music for thousands of overseas guests and visitors to the gardens.

Michael Johnson is returning to Benalla after a very enjoyable concert in 2016.

The ensemble will perform new compositions in relaxed and melodic styles, enhanced

by Michael's warm connection with the audi-

r Obser vbeiz On This Day Show

Wednesday Thursday June 21 June 20

■ Actor Errol Flynn was born in Hobart in 1909. He died aged 50 in 1959.

Footballer Dick Reynolds was born in 1915.

He died aged 87 in 2002.

Former Premier Joan Kirner was born as Joan Hood in 1938.

She died in 2015.

■ Boxer Lionel Rose was born in Warragul in 1948.

He died aged 62 four years ago John Paul Young was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1950 (68).

Racing driver Craig Lowndes was born in Victoria in 1974 (44).

Prince William Arthur Philip Louis Windsor is 36 today.

Melbourne Arts ence. Sunday June 24 at 3pm.

Benalla Art Gallery Botanical Gardens, Bridge St. Benalla - Peter Kemp

Welsh Male Choir

■ Since its inception in 1984, Melbourne Welsh Male Choir has become known for its special sound and the boldness and ambition of its concert productions.

The choir is steeped in the Welsh Choral tradition but still proudly Australian.

Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Kate Amos are attractions at the Choir’s performance this weekend.

Teddy Tahu Rhodes has performed with some of the world's leading opera companies, starred in productions of The King and I and Sweeney Todd.

Teddy was guest artist at the 25th anniversary of the Melbourne Welsh Singer of the year concert in August last year.

Also appearing is Kate Amos, a Melbourneborn soprano holding a Melbourne Conservatorium of Music BMusic (Perf) Honours and Masters of Music (Opera Performance). She was the Welsh Male Choir Singer of the year in 2016.

Season: Saturday June 23 at 2pm. Venue: Melbourne Recital Centre 31 Sturt St. Melbourne.

- Peter Kemp

FTG Arts Society Print and Drawings A fine collection of Prints and Drawings from the Ferntree Gully Arts Society members.

Exhibition: July 1 - 29. !1am - 4pm All Welcome. Free entry..

FTG Conducts Life Drawing, Still Life, Print, Portraiture, Artist Workshops and a Children's art class.

Private Art classes are available as well.

Members and non-members are welcome.

For more information the-hutgallery. wordpress.com/ The Ferntree Gully Arts Society The Hut Gallery 157 Underwood Rd, Ferntree Gully - Peter Kemp

Madagascar Jr ■ Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr will be presented live on stage by the Young Australian Broadway Chorus from July 1114 at the Union Theatre, Parkville.

Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, the plotting penguins when Madagascar Jr bounds onto the stage.

The large cast of 70 young performers will bring to life outlandish characters as they travel from New York City to Madagascar.

Based on the blockbuster DreamWorks animation motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr, this story follows a bunch of crack-a-lackin’ friends who escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

Lead actor Jackson Hurwood who plays the famous Alex the Lion said: “I’m really looking forward to how much fun I can have with the role of Alex. The costume is sensational so I will be able to completely immerse myself into the character and become an allsinging, all-dancing, joke cracking Lion.”

Artistic Director of the YABC, Robert Coates, says, “It’s quite an undertaking to put on a show where all the characters are animals … singing and dancing animals.

“Putting on a production like Madagascar Jr is particularly special for us. Since it is adapted from the DreamWorks animated film, young children get to experience the magic and thrill of live theatre when the characters they’ve seen in a movie come to life on stage right before their eyes.”

The YABC is a musical theatre course for young people aged 8-18, providing a mix of tuition and on-stage performance.

Performances: Wednesday, July 11 11am and 2pm, Thursday, July 12 - 2pm and 7pm, Friday, July 13 - 11am and 2pm, Saturday, July 14 - 2pm and 7pm. Location: Union Theatre, University of Melbourne. Cost: $22.50-$27.50. Book Online: www. madagascar-jr.com Parkville, or by Phone:8199 8344. - Cheryl Threadgold

Brothers Nest From Page 11 A melodic score, wonderful sound engineering and interesting angles make this a well made film (directed by Clayton Jacobson) that should provoke discussion.

Despite understanding that human nature can lead to this course of action, this film is not for anyone who does not wish to witness graphic death and violence or who are wanting a light-hearted film with the stars of Kenny.

- Review by Elizabeth Semmel Melbourne

Observer

Friday June 22

Saturday June 23

■ Film preducer Mike Todd was born in 1907.

He died aged 51 in 1958 when his private plane Lucky Liz, named after wife Elizabeth Taylor, crashed.

Actress Meryl Streep was born in 1949 (69).

TV sports commentator Bruce McAvaney was born in South Aust. in 1953 (65).

■ Edward III, King in 1936, was born in 1894.

He died aged 77 in 1972. He abdicated so that he could marry Wallis Simpson.

Singer Diana Trask was born in 1940 (78).

Actor Bryan Brown was born in Sydney in 1947 (71).

Actress Geraldine Turner is 69 (1949).

Sunday June 24

Monday June 25

Tuesday June 26

■ Recording industry pioneer Bill Armstrong is 89.

Drummer Mick Fleetwood is 76 (1942). He was born in Cornwall, England.

Athlete Raelene Boyle was born in Coburg in 1951 (67).

Michael Tuck, AFL veteran, is 65 (1953).

■ Actress June Lockhart, who played the mother in the Lassie TV series, was born in 1925.

Singer-songwriter Carly Simon was born in New York City in 1945 (73).

English comedian Rick Gervais was born in 1961 (56).

■ Singer Marcie Jones is 73. She was born in Melbourne in 1945.

Opera singer June Bronhill was born as June Gough in Broken Hill in 1929. She died aged 75 in 2005.

Actor Steve Bisley was born in Newcastle, NSW, in 1950 (68).

US singer Chris Isaak is 62 (1956).

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of Jocks Journal for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Jocks Journal is Australia’s longest running radio industry publication.

Find out more at www.jocksjournal.com

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 77

Observer Showbiz

TV, Radio, Theatre

St Petersburg Ballet ■ For the first time in 65 years, classical ballet returns to the Princess Theatre when Russia’s acclaimed St Petersburg Ballet Theatre presents Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece Swan Lake from Wednesday, June 20.

Founded in 1994, the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre is renowned globally not just for its beautiful Vaganova trained dancers but also for its stunning, grand, full-length productions.

Led by prima ballerina Irina Kolesnikova, the company travels internationally and has in its repertoire such classical masterpieces as Giselle, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty.

The popular company is in such demand that it gives 200 performances every year.

First performed in St Petersburg in 1895, Swan Lake, with its unrivalled “white acts”, dramatic ballroom scene, and sublime music returns to the Princess Theatre.

Swan Lake tells the classic love story of Prince Siegfried and the Swan Princess Odette torn apart by the villainous sorcerer Rothbart in a story where true love conquers all.

Tour producer, Andrew Guild, who was first introduced to Russian ballet in 1969 said: ‘Without doubt, Swan Lake is the world’s most famous classical ballet and no one dances it as beautifully as the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre.

“What’s more, I can’t think of a more beautiful theatre than the Princess to present this full length, lavish production. The brief season showcases Russian classical ballet on a grand scale ... in Melbourne’s grandest theatre. I urge every ballet lover not to miss it.”

The 60-member St Petersburg Ballet Theatre comes to Melbourne from sold-out seasons in London and Paris and after hugely successful tours in Asia, Europe and South Africa.

Performance Season: From June 20 for strictly limited season Location: Princess Theatre, 163 Spring St, Melbourne Bookings: Ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100. www.st-petersburg-ballet.com - Michael Wilkie

Radio Confidential

■ The Beach Boys have joined the Smooth FM on-air line-up. Mike Love, Bruce Johnston and Al Jardine started last weekend hosting a series of special weekend shows from 4pm-5pm, Sundays.

■ Original community radio station 3CR is conducting its annual fundraising radiothon.

■ Bob ‘King’ Crawford, radio identity best known for his organisation of Free Entertainment In the Park, died on Saturday (June 16).

■ Georgia Linnell has joined Macquarie Sports Radio as a Producer for the Drive program. This is her first media role.

■ SEN 1116 is advertising to fill a casual announcer’s position for The Overnight Crowd -Midnight-6am).

■ Former 3AW Marketing and Promotions Manager David Mann was promoted to the rank of ‘AM’ in thje Queen’s Birthday Honours.

■ A Music Director/Announcer is required at Power Fm/3BA Ballarat. See details at www.jocksjournal.com ■ Radio stations 3GG Gippsland is seeking to appoint a journalist. The appointee will also be filing news bulletins for 2XL Snowy Mountains.

■ Newsreader James Royce is leaving Gold 104.3 and Kiis 101.1, to start at Triple Melbourne and Fox. ■ Macquarie Media Limited has today announced it has reached a new six year commercial AM radio broadcast agreement with Cricket Australia. In Melbourne, cricket will be heard on Macquaruie Sports Radio.

The Wedding Reception: Confetti and Chaos

■ Interactive Theatre International presents The Wedding Reception: Confetti and Chaos! on June 30 at 7.30pm at the Clayton Bowls Club.

Totally immersive and highly improvised, The Wedding Reception is a two-hour theatrical dining experience that’s all confetti and chaos.

The show invites audiences to become guests at a very surprise, not-so-civilised wedding reception ... cue gatecrashers, misbehaving family, and secrets better left in the closet.

The Wedding Reception: Confetti and Chaos features four performers playing nine characters in a mix of laughter, love and tears – plus there’s a three-course meal, and maybe even some dancing.

The cast performing in Clayton includes Dan Wood, Katie Grace Cooper, Donna Gray and Ben Hood, one of the original devisers and writers of the show.

Venue: Clayton Bowls Club, Namatjira Park, Springs Rd, Clayton South Date: June 30 only Time: 7:30pm (doors at 7pm) Tickets: $65 per person – all tickets include a two-course meal plus cake for dessert (special diets catered).

Bookings: manager@bowlsclayton.com.au 9544 9929 PG (occasional adult content)

● London cast of The Wedding Reception: Confetti and Chaos! Katie Grace Cooper (bride), Otis Waby (Will), Ben Hood (Ricky) and Suzanna Hughes (Marge).

Which Way Home?

■ The roadtrip comedy, Which Way Home is 80,000 years in the making and will be steering its way to the Clocktower Centre on Thursday (June 21).

Presented by the Ilbijerri Theatre Company, this tale of the relationship between a father and daughter is written and also performed by Katie Beckett, alongside Kamahi Djordon King.

Drawing on the personal memories of Beckett’s own childhood and growing up with her single Aboriginal father, Which Way Home tells the story of Tash (Katie Beckett) who goes on a roadtrip with her dad (Kamahi Djordon King) back home to Country where the sky is higher, and the world goes on forever.

It’s a long way from the wide streets and big old houses of Tash’s childhood. Dad still thinks he’s the king of cool, but he’s an old fella now and it’s time for Tash to take him home.

Which Way Home is an indigenous production that tells a contemporary story celebrating dads and single parents, with laughter, tears and even a twist at the end.

Katie Beckett won the Balnaves Indigenous Playwright’s Award for her work with Which Way Home, one which she claims is one of her most significant achievements.

Ilbijerri is Australia’s leading and longest running Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderTheatre Company, creating challenging and inspiring theatre creatively controlled by

● Kamahi Djordon and Katie Beckitt in Which Way Home. indigenous artists. Their stories Date and Time: Thursday, are provocative and affecting June 21 at 8pm and give voice to their unique Venue: Clocktower Centre, and diverse cultures.

750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Each year the company Ponds travels to national, regional and Bookings: 9243 9191 or remote locations across Aus- www.clocktowercentre.com.au tralia and the world.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Showbiz, Media Briefs

■ Bon Jovi have announced the Australian leg of their This House Is Not for Sale Tour, presented by TEG Dainty. The tour will kick off in Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday, December 1.

■ Maddison Connaughton has been appointed as Editor of The Saturday Paper.

■ A total of 7000 homeless and disadvantaged street vendors have sold The Big Issue since the social enterprise began – a milestone reached as the magazine celebrates its 22nd birthday. The Big Issue was first sold from the steps of Flinders St Station in June 1996.

■ Variety - the Children's Charity- celebrated 90 years with its Heart of Variety Gala at the Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne on Friday (June 15). Last year, Variety Australia distributed $11,180,504 in grants.

Brothers Wreck

● Trevor Jamieson and Dion Williams in Brothers Wreck.

Photo: Tim Grey ■ Youth suicide is a compelling issue and one not simply confined to indigenous cultures.

Set in the tropical confines of Darwin, Jada Albert’s Brothers Wreck speaks to the disproportionate prevalence of suicide within indigenous communities and the powerless of individuals and institutions to address the matter effectively.

The rawness of the issue comes out in Albert’s language, based on first-hand experience, and the sparseness of the set (Dale Ferguson) – sheets of raw plastic and flywire doors holding out the rain and the heat; powerful images of impending crisis.

The audience are confronted by offstage cries.A suicide has been discovered.

This shatters the earlier bucolic images of fishing and dancing mimed at the play’s opening.The family’s world will never be the same.

The repercussions are felt most strongly

by Ruben (Dion Williams) whose self-recrimination and sense of guilt in having lost his friend, Joey, send him on a destructive spiral.

Physical, emotional and verbal anger exude from Williams’s performance.

This is not an easy role. David, the counsellor (Trevor Jamieson), is powerless to help recommending Ruben continue court ordered assistance.

David knows precisely what Ruben is experiencing having witnessed other suicides in the community but he is part of the bureaucracy against which Ruben rails.

Adele (Leonie Whyman) and Jared (Nelson Baker) experience both the loss of Joey and are left floundering in the wake of Ruben’s caustic conduct.

Adele is Ruben’s cousin but she is more a sister as Ruben has been raised within her immediate family.

Jared was a close friend of Joey and attempts to rescue Ruben just as he attempted to save Joey.

All three boys would fish together near old wrecks – the brothers’ wreck.

Redemption, of sorts, comes in the arrival of Auntie Adele (Lisa Flanagan) who visits her sister dying in hospital.

This prospective death adds to the litany of challenges not just facing Ruben but entire indigenous communities; health care, employment, education and identity.

Adele restores a sense of respect and dignity. She has managed to persevere even though she has her own burdens to carry. And it is Adele’s sense of family that sees Ruben and the others through the immediate crisis.

The anger, frustration and helplessness are palpable elements in Albert’s play and her direction of this Malthouse performance testifies to the genuineness of the issues and the interpretation given by the cast who work well together as a family.

The universal nature of the issue make it a play with which countless will only too readily identify – the Lifeline referral number in the program 13 11 14 an appropriate reminder for those seeking assistance.

Performance Dates: Until June 23 Venue: Malthouse - Merlyn Theatre Bookings: boxoffice@malthousetheatre. com.au or 9685 5111 - Review by David McLean

Page 78 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Observer Showbiz

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs with Jim Sherlock, Aaron Rourke What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs FILM: RED SPARROW: Genre: Mystery/Thriller.

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons.

Year: 2018.

Rating: MA15+ Length: 139 Minutes.

Stars: ***1/3 Verdict: A young Ballerina is recruited to 'Sparrow School,' a Russian intelligence service where she is trained in brutal physical and psychological manipulation, her first mission, targeting a CIA agent who threatens to unravel the security of both nations.

Jennifer Lawrence's star status is well secured with a gripping and commanding scene-by-scene performance as the tormented Ballerina turned spy in this totally absorbing post Cold War "Cold War Espionage Thriller," as her presence proves as seductive off screen as on.

Co-star Joel Edgerton pulls in a solid performance as her CIA counterpart, along with Matthias Schoenaerts as the manipulative Russian minister, veteran Charlotte Rampling as the emotionless 'Sparrow School" headmistress, also Ciaran Hinds, Mary Louise Parker, Joely Richardson and Jeremy Irons as a Russian General.

The Antithesis of the far more high-end action driven "Jason Bourne," "James Bond," "Kingsman: The Secret Service," "Mission Impossible," and "Atomic Blonde," this is more reflective of John Le Carre and grounded as such '60s and '70s spy classics as "The Looking Glass War," "The Spy Who Came in From the Cold," along with "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," "The Lives of Others," "Bridge of Spies," to name a few.

No car chases, no shoot-outs, no leaping from buildings, no pyrotechnics, the pacing retains high tension and interest throughout, and what director Francis Lawrence and writer Justin Haythe have created is a tough, intelligent, old fashioned, violent, gripping and arresting no-frills spy tale of shadows, twists, deception and morality and political manipulation that delivers a punch!

The first in "The Red Sparrow Trilogy" by Jason Matthews - Red Sparrow, Palace of Treason, The Kremlin's Candidate with Russian counterintelligence chief Dominika Egorova and CIA agent Nate Nash.

FILM: FINDING YOUR FEET: Cast: Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall, Joanna Lumley.

Year: 2017.

Rating: M. Length: 111 Minutes.

Stars: ***½ Summary: On the eve of retirement a middle class, judgmental snob discovers her husband has been having an affair with her best friend, and is forced to move in with her estranged and eccentric pot-puffing sister who lives on an impoverished inner-city council estate, where it becomes a tale of survival and reinvention.

Sublimely driven character driven romantic-comedy-drama is what the British and British cinema do best, and even though this may not be the ripest of all apples on the well worn tree of life, this is nonetheless a note-worthy addition to a much loved formula that has grasped our emotions and senses with a firm grip for generations.

With its refined but firm sense and thread of laugh-out-loud-humour, loss, warmth, friendship, family, loneliness and love, its affectionately drawn and delightfully quirky but grounded characters shine due to wonderfully fetching performances by Imelda Staunton as the snob, or fish, out of water in her new environment, Celia Imrie as her free-spirited sister, the delightful Joanna Lumley and David Hayman as her equally free-spirited friends, but most notably, veteran Timothy Spall in an immaculately anchored performance firmly grounded in reality, pathos and hilarity.

Director Richard Loncraine, whose previous credits include "5 Flights Up" (2014) with Diane Keaton, the superb "My House in Umbria" (2003) with Maggie Smith, and the outstanding "The Gathering Storm" (2002) with Albert Finney as Winston Churchill, has created a nicely paced, bittersweet and undemanding slice of life with a strong sense of living and community.

FILM: BLACK PANTHER: Genre: Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi. Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker.

Year: 2018.

Rating: PG. Length: 134 Minutes.

Stars: *** Summary: Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, King T'Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country's new leader, however, he soon finds that he is challenged for the throne from factions within his own country, and when two foes conspire to destroy Wakanda, the hero known as Black Panther must team up with a C.I.A. agent and members of the Wakandan special forces, to prevent W akanda from being dragged into a world war.

Good solid adventure film is unusually distant from the Marvel universe, yet remains firmly rooted in it, a 21st century technological throwback to '70s cinema with a splash of the Africana mythology of "The Lion King," latter part James Bond, "Shaka Zulu," "Roots" and the dramatic intensity and spectacle "Games of Thrones," among others, all thrown in the mix, the sense of déjà vu is strong.

As much a deep rooted political statement as a culture one, the action is strong, the pacing smooth and performances from a stellar cast all convincing enough, and even though it makes for high end entertainment, it's familiarity and subsequent CGI effects are off par compared to previous Marvel efforts.

Director and co-writer Ryan Coogler (Creed-2015) has created the most unique and entertaining stand-alone historically significant "past meets the future" entry in the series to date, cementing it firmly in both cinematic and cultural history, and any flaws aside, it is a journey worth taking, but only just.

- James Sherlock

Rourke’s Reviews Believer ■ (MA). 123 minutes. Now showing at selected cinemas.

A super-slick, highly charged remake of Johnnie To's excellent 2012 Hong Kong thriller Drug War (****)(available on DVD through Madman Entertainment), this may not be quite as good as the original, but still offers movie-goers a rewarding viewing experience.

Detective Won-ho (Cho JinWoong) has been chasing the mysterious Mr. Lee for two years, without success.

After a drug laboratory is destroyed, Won-ho crosses paths with sole survivor Rak (Ryoo JoonYeol), who agrees to help the drug squad catch his unseen boss. To do this, Won-ho and his colleagues will have to cross the line and enter the criminal world, and the more the detective trusts his underworld informant, the more he believes he will capture the ruthless drug kingpin.

The source material has been considerably changed, leading to a big reveal which is unfortunately anti-climactic; the ending however is thoughtful and quietly ambiguous.

Superbly crafted, with many fine performances (supporting actor Kim Ju-hyeok tragically died in a car accident October last year, making this his final film appearance), Believer is a strong crime thriller that deserves to be seen on the big screen.

RATING - ***½

Incredibles 2 ■ (PG). 118 minutes. Now showing at cinemas everywhere, including IMAX 3D. While it may not reach the heights of the original, which (to me) still holds the crown as the best Pixar film to date, this belated sequel proves to be surprisingly good, using it's retro setting to to explore a number of issues relevant to the state of the world today.

The Parr family return, trying to fit in with a world that has outlawed them and their unique abilities.

When the brother-and-sister team of Winston and Evelyn Deavor (Bob Odenkirk and Catherine Keener), of DevTech industries, talk Helen (Holly Hunter) and Bob (Craig T. Nelson) to help overturn the ban on 'Supers' by showing the public what they can do, it will set in motion a series of events that will not only put the Incredibles in constant danger, but the entire world too.

Writer/director Brad Bird (Ratatouille, The Iron Giant) again treats his characters with genuine care, while seemingly referencing every 60's film/TV show ever made, at times reminding me of the hilarious OSS117 films.

The voice work is outstanding, the animation truly dazzling, but its thematic undercurrents is what gives this highly entertaining follow-up added dramatic punch.

RATING - ****

Disobedience ■ (MA). 114 minutes. Now showing at selected cinemas.

● The uniquely talented Parr family return for Incredibles 2 After scoring big at this year's Academy Awards with A Fantastic Woman, Chilean film-maker Sebastian Lelio makes his english language debut with Disobedience, a somber, intelligent drama that remains on the right side of melodrama.

Rachel Weisz plays Ronit Krushka, a successful New York photographer who is informed of her father's sudden death. Returning to her close-knit Jewish neighbourhood after what has been a very long absence, Ronit re-unites with childhood friends Dovid (Alessandro Nivola) and Esti (Rachel McAdams), who have since married.

Tension mounts as Ronit and Esti are drawn towards one another, reigniting a forbidden relationship the two had when they were teenagers.

Co-writer/director Lelio slowly builds the drama, allowing the characters to naturally develop and find their way, and skilfully avoids both people and place from falling into caricature or cliche.

Oscar winner Weisz (The Constant Gardener) is in top form, commanding the screen throughout with a finely tuned performance.

RATING - ****

The Leisure Seeker ■ (M). 112 minutes. Now showing at selected cinemas.

Totally artificial and predictable, this ineffectual road movie makes all the expected turns before arriving at its glaringly obvious destination.

Ella and John Spencer (Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland) are a retired couple who decide to hit the road in their vintage RV, which they call 'The Leisure Seeker'. John is suffering the early effects of dementia, so Ella wants to use this journey to make him remember the people and moments that helped build their rich, long-lasting marriage.

Attempting to pinpoint their parents' location are worried offspring Will (Christian McKay) and Jane (Janel Moloney).

Sutherland and Mirren are professional, but just cannot bring these cliched roles to life.

For a movie that runs nearly two hours, there is little character depth or development, and the two grown children have little to do or say.

It's hard to believe this is from the same director who gave audiences the far superior Like Crazy (2016).

RATING - ** - Aaron Rourke

Top 10 Lists JUNE 17-23 THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. OCEAN'S 8.

2. DEADPOOL 2.

3. SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY. 4. HEREDITARY. 5. AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. 6. KAALA. 7. TEA WITH THE DAMES. 8. THE BOOKSHOP. 9. LIFE OF THE PARTY. 10. DUCK DUCK GOOSE. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: JUNE 14: DISOBEDIENCE, TAG, THE INCREDIBLES 2, THE LEISURE SEEKER, UPGRADE. JUNE 21: BROTHER'S NEST, EDIE, FOXTROT, IDEAL HOME, LOBSTER COP, JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM. THE DVD AND BLU-RAY TOP RENTALS & SALES: 1. LADY BIRD [Comedy/Drama/Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts].

2. 12 STRONG [Action/War/History/Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Pena].

3. SWEET COUNTRY [Western/Crime/ Drama/Hamilton Morris, Sam Neill, Bryan Brown].

4. BLACK PANTHER [Action/Adventure/ Sci-Fi/Chadwick Boseman, Martin Freeman].

5. RED SPARROW [Action/Thriller/Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton].

6. WINCHESTER [Horror/Mystery/Thriller/ Helen Mirren, Jason Clarke].

7. GAME NIGHT [Comedy/Mystery/Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman].

8. FINDING YOUR FEET [Comedy/Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall, Joanna Lumley].

9. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI [Drama/Frances McDormand].

Also: I TONYA, STRONGER, THE SHAPE OF WATER, MOLLY'S GAME, DEN OF THIEVES, THE COMMUTER, 15:17 TO PARIS, REX, BEAST OF BURDEN, BRAVEN. NEW HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK: TOMB RAIDER [Action/Adventure/Drama/ Alicia Vikander, Dominic W est].

2:22 [Thriller/Romance/Sci-Fi] Michael Huisman, Teresa Palmer, Maeve Dermody].

HANGMAN [Mystery/Crime/Thriller/Al Pacino, Karl Urban, Brittany Snow].

DVD AND/OR BLU-RAY NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSIC MOVIES HIGHLIGHTS: THE LAST REMAKE OF BEAU GESTE [Comedy/Adventure/War/Marty Feldman].

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: VIKINGS: Season 5 - Part 1.

OCCUPIED: Series 2.

THE AMERICANS: Season 5.

ROBOT CHICKEN: DC Comics Special 1 3.

- James Sherlock

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 79

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 81

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Rural News

WINTER IS HERE, ORDER YOUR TANK NOW

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 83

Observer Showbiz

Local Theatre with Cheryl Threadgold and team DIAMOND VALLEY SINGERS ■ The Diamond Valley Singers present eight performances of Rogers and Hammerstein’s Broadway show Cinderella, Enchanted Edition, from July 6 – 14 at the newly refurbished Warrandyte High School theatre.

Directed by Tamblyn Smith and with musical direction by Lucas Wilson-Richter, this Enchanted Edition is based on the 1997 teleplay.

According to director Smith, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most unknown show brings to life this classic fairy-tale of Cinderella , “with a score like only they can write”.

“I'm one lucky director, getting to work on this show, with this company, with this team and this cast,” says Tam, who explains that by using a limited colour palette and a minimalistic set, the focal point will be the story and actors.

Cinderella is a musical show for all ages.

The Diamond Valley Singers motto of ‘Acting locally and thinking Globally’ will see proceeds from the performances being donated to international needs Australia, Open House in Ivanhoe and the Elizabeth Nursery School in Malawi.

Performance Details: July 6, 7, 13, 14 at 8pm; July 7, 8, 11, 14 at 2pm Venue: Warrandyte High School theatre, Alexander Rd., Warrandyte Website: www.dvsingers.org

PRIVATE LIVES ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents Noel Coward’s classic comedy Private Lives from July 6-21 at 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna.

Directed by Karen Wakeham, the plot of this jazz-age comedy tells of loving couple Elyot and Amanda having hastily divorced and both married again to different spouses.

Both new couples find themselves honeymooning in the same Deauville hotel in adjoining suites. The original pair discover that they’re still in love after all and flee to Paris, pursued in haste by new partners, Sybil and Victor.

Coward's plays are said to have been written as vehicles for himself, and the witty language that characterises them is a reflection of his own crisp diction, vocal energy, and idiosyncratic tone.

Performance Details: July 6 – 21 at 8pm; 2pm matinees on July 8, 15 and 21.

Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna Tickets: $27 concession/concession $24, Group of 10 plus $22 per ticket.

Bookings: www.htc.org.au or 9457 4117.

ARK THEATRE ■ ARK Theatre presents the ARKadian Authentic All-Woman Old Time Music Hall (the 2nd) from July 6 – 14 at Lilydale Heights College Performing Arts Centre, Lilydale.

Written for the Lilydale-based company

by Geelong-based Colin Mockett and directed by Fiona Carter, this show will be a “fond reincarnation of the vaudeville and music hall shows of yesteryear”.

This all-singing, all-dancing production is an all-woman show, with perhaps a few men to round out the numbers. Audiences will be treated to lively renditions of songs, many familiar favourites, and all are encouraged to sing along.

Piano accompanist will be Miss Brooklyn Keybourne, and colourful characters in costumes will recreate the atmosphere and entertainment of a 1918 music hall.

Chairman Ross will again offer a rendition of G and S favourites and it is said the show will Performance Details: July 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 8pm; July 7, 14 at 2pm Venue: Lilydale Heights College Performing Arts Centre, 17 Nelson Rd., Lilydale (enter via Gate 2).

Tickets: $20 each, incl. program and complimentary light refreshments Bookings: www.arktheatremelb.com or call Rosey on 0409 860 225.

After Hours Cabaret Club ■ The After Hours Cabaret Club and Tash York's Adulting are heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and to help them get there they are hosting a fundraiser at the Toff in Town on July 8 at 6.30pm.

Adulting and The After Hours Cabaret Club have had huge success within the Australian Fringe circuits, with sell out seasons, great reviews and even picked up an award along the way, and next … is the world's biggest fringe festival, the Edinburgh Fringe.

Hosting around 3500 shows, the Edinburgh Fringe is said to be both the hardest and most exciting festival to be a part of in the world.

It is a festival where legendary performers got their start including the likes of Billy Connolly, Robin Williams, The Flight of the Conchords, Sammy J, Graham Norton, Tim Minchin and many more.

This year award-winning cabaret star Tash York and international burlesque sensation Miss Bettie Bombshell are selfproducing their shows to make their debut at this incredible festival - which is an expensive process.

Both of these performers have performed in the Edinburgh Fringe before but this is their first time producing their own shows.

In order to participate they are covering the costs of their own flights, accommodation, posters, publicity, venue hire, musicians, performer fees and more.

“We’ve pretty much just

taken all the money we’ve made on the shows this year and spent it to cover our costs for Edinburgh,” says York.

Both shows have been selected to perform at one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious venue hubs in Underbelly, and this was obviously an offer they couldn’t refuse.

Fundraiser performance date: July 8, doors open at 6.30pm Location: The Toff in Town, Level 2, Curtin House, Swanston St., Melbourne.

Cost: $30 plus booking fee per show, or $50 and booking fee for both.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Latest shows, auditions SHOWS

SHOWS

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Morning Sacrifice (by Dymphna Cusack) Until June 30 at 29A Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Loretta Bishop. Bookings: 1300 131 552.

■ Sherbrooke Theatre Company: The Old People are Revolting (by Devon Williamson) June 22 - 30 at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director: Emma Barber. Bookings: 1300 650 209, ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Season's Greetings (by Alan Ayckburn) June 22 - July 7 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers rd., Parkdale. Director: Martin Gibbs. Bookings: www.mordialloctheatre.com ■ The 1812 Theatre: 10 x 10 Minute Original Plays (by various playwrights) June 28 - 30 at 8pm, 2pm matinee on June 30 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Under Milk Wood (by Dylan Thomas) June 28 - July 14 at 2 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Sandy Green. Bookings: www.wlt.org.au ■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Barefoot in the Park (by Neil Simon) June 29 July 14 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Director; Kelly Clifford. Bookings: GPAC 5225 1200.

■ Frankston Theatre Group: The Communication Cord (by Brian Friel) June 29 - July 8 at the Langwarrin Performance Centre, Warrandyte Rd., Langwarrin. Director; David McCall. Bookings: trybooking.com ■ Ark Theatre Inc: The ARKadian Authentic All-Woman Old Time Music Hall the Second, July 5 - 14 at the Lilydale Heights College Performing Arts Centre, 17 Nelson rd., Lilydale.

Tickets: $20. Booking enquiries: ark_theatre@yahoo.com.au ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Private Lives (by Noel Coward) July 6 - 21 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Karen Wakeham. Enquiries: www.htc.org.au or 9457 4117.

■ The Mount Players 15th One Act Play Festival: July 6 - 8 at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Contact Leo on 9458 582 838.

■ Ballarat National Theatre: Mr Bailey's Minder (by Debra Oswald) July 7 - 14 at Her Majesty's Theatre, 17 Lydiard St., Ballarat. Director: Linda Davey. Bookings: 5333 5888.

■ Encore Theatre: The Weekend (by Michael Palin) July 13 - 28 at Clayton Community Cen-

tre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Dexter Bourke.

Bookings: 1300 739 099. Or www.encoretheatre.com.au ■ Diamond Valley Singers: Cinderella (Rogers and Hammerstein's Broadway Show) July 6 14 at the Warrandyte High School theatre, Alexander Rd., Warrandyte. Director: Tam Smith. Bookings: www.dvsingers.org ■ The Mount Players 15th One Act Play Festival: July 6 - 8 at the Mountview theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Entries: PO Box 216, Macedon. Phone contact: Lee Vandervalk 0458 582 838.

■ Dandenong Ranges One Act Play Festival: July 20 - 22 at The Gem Theatre, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Festival director: Sharon Maine. www.gemcoplayers.org/festivals/. Entries: Gemco Players Community Theatre Inc., PO Box 480, Emerald.

AUDITIONS ■ Eltham Little Theatre is holding simultaneous auditions for their Season Four and Five productions.

On Golden Pond (by Ernest Thompson) June 25 and 27 at 7pm at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Eltham. Director: Roderick Chappel. Audition enquiries: roderickchappel@ozemail.com.au Loot (by Joe Orton) June 25 and 27 at 7pm at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Michelle Swann. Audition Enquiries: michelleswann65@gmail.com ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Pack of Lies June 24 at 2pm and June 26 at 7.30pm at Guide Hall, Glebe Ave., Cheltenham. Director: Cheryl Ballantine Richards.

Enquiries: cheryl_richards@bigpond.com ■ Hartwell Players: Realism (by Paul Galloway) July 8 at 2pm and July 9 at 7.30pm at .Fleigner Hall, 31-39 Highland Avenue, Oakleigh East. Director: Samuel Chappel. Enquiries: 9513 9581.

■ Encore Theatre: Speaking in Tongues (by Andrew Bovel) July 15 at 2pm, July 16 at 6pm at Fleigner Hall, 31-39 Highland Ave., Oakleigh East. Director: Louise Woodward. Enquiries: 0416 777 356.

■ Peridot Theatre: Sylvia (by A R Gurney) July 23, 25 at 7.30pm at Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Susan Rundle. Enquiries: 0416 298 136.

MOMENTS IN TIME ■ Josh Staley welcomes audiences to attend his show Moments in Time, being presented during the Melbourne Magic Festival from July 10, in the Secret Room at 35 Johnston St., Collingwood.

Moments in Time is created and presented

by Josh, who says his performance is dedicated to the most difficult form of illusion – close up magic.

The show features an array of mystery, suspense, comedy and theatre which Josh says will challenge the way audiences look at what is really possible.

Performance Season: July 10 at 7.30pm – July 14 at 8.30pm Venue: The Secret Room, 35 Johnston St., Collingwood Tickets: $30/$25.

Bookings: https://magicfestivalpremier.eventfinda.com.au/2018/momentsin-time/melbourne/collingwood

MOVIE: FOXTROT ■ Writer-director Samuel Maoz’s first picture Lebanon was set inside a tank. The catalyst was his own experiences as a tank gunner in the army – something of an inside view of war.

The opening of the triptych Foxtrot is set in the apartment of Daphna and Michael Feldman (Sarah Adler and LiorAshkenazi).

She opens the apartment door and collapses when she sees two soldiers who have come to inform them of the death of their son Jonathan (Yonatan Shiray).

We see that the military has a well-rehearsed process to manage parents of dead soldiers. This starts with Daphna being sedated without her husband’s permission. The second segment of the film is set at checkpoint Foxtrot where their son is stationed.

Here, life is boring and Palestinians are not well treated.

The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival where our own David Stratton was a judge. The prize goes back to 1951 when it was first won by A Streetcar Named Desire.

Foxtrot was also Israel’s submission to the Academy Awards (no cigar) and was condemned by Israel’s Minister of Culture for its depiction of a brutal act.

Michael explains the dance steps from the dance Foxtrot and we see that no matter where you go, you always end up at the same starting point. This is something of a metaphor for the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

This anti-war film has much going for it.

As well as its Venice success it picked up eight Ophirs at the 2017 Israel Film Awards including Best Film, Director and Actor.

There is a sense of poetry and depiction of the hopelessness of war and how civilians are the ones that suffer, not just soldiers.As a line in the film says, “In war, shit happens.”

There will also be detractors who see the film as gloomy, under-lit, boring and slowpaced. Three out of five stars. Foxtrot runs 113 minutes. It opens Thursday (June 21).

- Review by Greg Every

KIM MYHR ■ In the second of two distinctive concerts as part of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, at The Sub Station, Norwegian Kim Myhr excelled with his 12-string guitar in collaboration with artists from the Australian Art Orchestra, and with luminaries such as Tony Buck (The Necks) and Peter Knight.

Following Myhr’s previous night’s concert of Three Solos this second outing was a world premiere that Myhr composed for a 10 piece orchestra, titled or rather Untitled for Guitar and Orchestra.

It wasn’t an all Myhr performance as this new work embraced all the ensemble as he wanted, “the entire ensemble to be the focal point of the work, and to have the different parts feel like songs, even though they never really materialised in a fully formed melody” Turn To Page 00

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 84 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 3 Across

1. Beaten convincingly 6. Mischief-makers 11. Residing 15. War memorial 20. Uncooked 21. Yellow pigment 22. Cremation vase 23. Heater 24. South Africa's capital 25. Consecrated as priest 27. Coat-of-arms study 28. Window ledge 29. Take shot from cover 31. Light beams 32. Bouffant or beehive 36. Opening 37. Struggle 38. Rise 41. Strength 44. Capital of Japan 45. Unwanted plants 48. Toronto's province 49. View 52. Trendiest 56. Dangers 57. Deadened 58. Divert (4,3) 61. Make beloved 62. Arctic people 63. Addis ..., Ethiopia 64. More uncivil 65. Shockingly 66. Pasta dumpling dish 67. Utilised (resources) 71. Bathroom floor & wall specialist 73. Welsh dog 75. Enter uninvited 80. Citizen of Glasgow or Edinburgh 82. Movie hero, ... Jones 83. Singer, ... Redding 85. House 86. Source 88. Italian seaport 90. Body preserver 91. Derogatory 93. Up to date, ... of 94. Penetrating 95. Operation, ... procedure 96. Innocence 97. Synthetic fertiliser ingredient 99. Plant, ... vera 100. Gave therapy to 104. Refurbish with weapons 105. Baby grand 106. Lose feathers 107. Greets 111. Brawl 113. Mr & ...

114. Filled pastry 115. Live 117. Transfix 118. Authority (3-2) 121. Evade decision 122. Snouts 125. Vehicle's wheel cover 126. Assents with head 127. In contact with 129. Raise stakes, up the ...

131. Jane Austen novel 132. Staffed 135. Muslim leader 136. Energy 139. False 140. XC 144. Animal welfare group (1,1,1,1,1) 145. Spurs 146. Ruined Inca city, ... Picchu 147. Amaze

Across

148. Polluted shower (4,4) 149. Peru beast 150. Cambodia's ... Penh 152. Poisonous tree-snake 154. Midday sleep 157. Minor quarrel 158. Young frog 162. Soccer net 163. Saunters 166. Bright (future) 167. Soviet states (1,1,1,1) 169. Tennis great, Arthur ...

171. Home stereo (2-2) 172. Turkey's capital 173. Kingdom 175. Frenzied 176. Below 179. Travelling stagehand 180. Fashion sense 182. Anticipated arrival (1,1,1) 183. Universal age 184. Great sea 186. Supposition 189. Holy city 190. Distance runner 191. West African land 192. Guided (to seat) 196. Female horse 197. Spine part 198. Misbehaves (5,2) 199. Assignments 201. Picketing workers 202. Flat bun 203. The ... Tenors 204. Lesson 205. Sufficient 208. Large indefinite number 210. Flute category 211. ..., taut & terrific 212. Constantly busy (2,3,2) 213. Musical symbol 215. Chroniclers 219. Donkeys 221. Dot/dash code 223. Repainted (car) 227. Ape or monkey 228. Bestows (knowledge) 230. Elsewhere excuse 231. Nocturnal hours 232. Dealt with 233. More sacred 234. Least frank 238. Yeast 239. Hoped (to) 240. Complied, ... by the rules 243. Off correct path 246. Reporter 247. Moroccan port 250. Angry & flustered (3,2) 251. Refute 253. Unites 256. Alexander's ... Band 257. Frisks (about) 258. Rationally 262. ... & papa 263. Duchess of York 266. Calf flesh 268. Fine particles 269. Keep up 270. Tonic (4-2-2) 271. Unorthodox person 272. Football arbiter 273. River creature 274. Just a minute, wait a ...

275. Sang alpine-style 276. Prisoner's shackles (3,5) 277. Thaws 278. Poured

y,

Down 1. Portable lamp 2. Half-diameters 3. Steam burn 4. Cupid 5. Bold 7. Adversaries 8. Glorify 9. Boneless lamb cut 10. Peruse quickly 11. Lower 12. Man/beast 13. Slimmest 14. Sets alight 15. Dr Jekyll's alter ego (2,4) 16. ... & twos 17. Russian mountains 18. Actor, ... Murphy 19. Trifled 24. Conspire 26. Tied 30. Vexed 33. Loss of memory 34. Straighten again 35. Foreboding 38. Normally (2,1,4) 39. Wilder (of scheme) 40. Small lumps 42. Promissory notes (1,1,2) 43. Genetic mixes 46. Conclusions 47. Indian pulse dish 49. Plug converter 50. June birthstone 51. Mortification 53. From Mali or Kenya 54. Downy duck 55. Wood-eating insect 59. Keeping clear of 60. Fruit farms 67. Water outlet 68. Regret 69. Bewitch 70. Seclusion 72. Schedule 74. Irons or putters (4,5) 76. Meekness 77. Of the skull 78. Side of sofa 79. Wasp relatives 81. Likens 84. Cuts off 87. Mutually held (2,6) 89. Row 91. Informal photo 92. Austrian or Czech 98. Double bike 101. Cuban dance 102. Anew 103. Edits (text) 108. Within reach (2,4) 109. Built-up (zone) 110. Praise highly 112. Ridiculously 116. Give permanent fame to 119. Agreement to end hostilities 120. Doleful 123. Female hormone 124. Wipe out 128. Cotton tops (1-6)

,

Down 132. Gestures without words 133. Rock face recess 134. Explode 137. Longed (for) 138. Potato variety 141. Koran religion 142. Internet message 143. Long time 151. Hassle 153. Scottish children 155. Internal 156. Group of bees 159. Tank's weaponry 160. Boards 161. Tear jaggedly 164. Find fault with 165. Select band 168. Smudging 170. Ravenously 173. Recall 174. Familiarises 177. Insulin takers 178. Edge of highway 181. Stencil 185. Bidding sales 186. Teen idol (3,4) 187. Stretchy tape 188. Underwriter 193. Secret collector 194. Willingly 195. Feared greatly 200. Closing 201. System of drainage 206. Romantic US falls 207. Home for terminally-ill 208. Tiny amounts of time 209. Vigilantly 211. Tsar's wife 214. Naval escort ship 216. As a group (2,5) 217. Speaking publicly 218. Falters 220. Space film genre (3-2) 222. Radio acknowledgment 224. Mercury & Pluto 225. Born Free author, Joy ...

226. Optic orb 229. Cleaning agent, caustic ...

232. Meals list 235. Sticking quality 236. Bury (corpse) 237. Blue gem 241. Annoying 242. Aimless person 244. Game hunter 245. Bowmen 248. Bigoted 249. Light-rail car 251. Please reply (1,1,1,1) 252. Smiled brightly 253. Humid 254. Writer, ... Dahl 255. On a par 259. Rink 260. Decree 261. Coupled 262. Inconsiderable 264. Colony insects 265. Copied

g

Solution on Page 73

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607 Lygon St RESERVOIR. Broadway Newsagency.

279 Broadway.

RICHMOND. Swan St Newsagency. 108 Swan St. RICHMOND. Vernons Newsagency. 308A Bridge Rd. RINGWOOD EAST. Ringwood East Newsagency. 52 Railway Ave. RINGWOOD NORTH. North Ringwood Newsagency. 182 Warrandyte Rd. ROBINVALE. Robinvale Newsagency. 67 Perrin St. ROSANNA. Rosanna Newsagency. 135 Lower Plenty Rd. ROSEBUD. Rosebud Newsagency. 1083 Point Nepean Rd. RYE. Rye Newsagency. 2371 Pt Nepean Rd. SALE. Sale Newsagency. 310 Raymond St. SANDRINGHAM. Sandringham Newsagency. Shop 5, 18-34 Station St. SCORESBY. Scoresby Newsagency. 14 Darryl St. SEAFORD. Seaford Newsagency. 124 Nepean Hwy. SEBASTOPOL. Sebastopol Newsagency.

Shop 3, 'Safeway Complex'.

SHEPPARTON. Goulburn Valley Newsagency. 314 Wyndham St. SHEPPARTON. Lovell Newsagency. 246 Wyndham St. SOMERVILLE. Somerville Newsagency.

Shop 24, Plaza, Eramosa Rd. SOUTH MELBOURNE. Clarendon Newsagency. 9 Thistlewaite St. SPRINGVALE. Springvale Newsagency.

321 Springvale Rd. STRATHFIELDSAYE. Strathfieldsaye News and Lotto. Shop 5, 939 Wellington St. TARWIN LOWER. Tarwin Lower Newsagency. 45 River Drive.

TATURA. Tatura N’agency. 138 Hogan St. TEMPLESTOWE. Macedon News and Lotto.

THORNBURY. Normanby News and Lotto. 25 Macedon Rd TOORADIN. Tooradin Newsagency. 92 South Gippsland Hwy. TOORAK. Toorak Village Newsagency.

479 Toorak Rd. TORQUAY. Torquay Newsagency. 20 Gilbert St. TRARALGON. Seymour Street Newsagency. 83 Seymour St. TRARALGON. Traralgon News and Lotto.

51-53 Franklin St. TULLAMARINE. Tullamarine Newsagency. 2/191 Melrose Dr. VERMONT. Vermont Authorised Newsagency. 600 Canterbury Rd. VERMONT SOUTH. Vermont South Newsagency. Shop 14, 495 Burwood Hwy. WANTIRNA SOUTH. Wantirna South Newsagency. 223 Stud Rd. WARRAGUL. Warragul Newsagency. 43 Victoria St. WARRNAMBOOL. Reinheimers Newsagency. 145 Koroit St. WATSONIA. Watsonia Newsagency.

Watsonia Rd. WHEELERS HILL. Wheelers Hill Newsagency.

WODONGA. Mahon's Newsagency. 168 High St. YARRAVILLE. Yarraville Newsagency. 59 Anderson St.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 87

Victorian History

Murder at the Mountain Rush ■ News of the murder in 1862 of Edmund Cuckson, about four miles from the Mountain Creek diggings, between Queenstown (St Andrews) and Mountain Rush (Kinglake) spread quickly.

The Argus reported: “The district coroner held an inquest on Tuesday on the body of Mr Edmund Cuckson, who was found on Saturday last murdered, near an old hut, a little off one of the tracks between Smith Gully and Mountain Rush, New Caledonia diggings.

“The jury returned a verdict of ‘Wilful Murder against some person or persons unknown’.”

The Age, on May 29, 1862, said: An inquest was held by Dr Candler, on Monday last, at the Caledonian Diggings, Evelyn, on the body of Edmund Cuckson, the proprietor of the Wilddog Brewery, near Queenstown, who was murdered on the night of Friday, the 23rd instant, near the Big Hill, on the Mountain rush road.

The jury having been empanelled, proceeded to view the body of the murdered man, and the following depositions were then taken : — John Haynes, miner, residing at Smith's Gully, Caledonian Diggings, deposed that he had known the deceased, Edmund Cuckson, for the last seven or eight years.

On Saturday morning, the 24th instant, about 10 a.m., witness started with a pack horse from Smith's Gully, to go to the Mountain rush.

When about seven miles from Smith's Gully, near an old hut, the pack horse, belonging to witness, shied. It went on, and witness then saw the body of a man lying a little off the road, about ten or twelve yards from the old hut, and close to a waterhole.

Witness did not go up to the body nearer than about ten yards. He could see the face of the man, but did not at the time identify it as that of Mr Cuckson.

Witness was satisfied that the man was dead as he saw flies about his face, and also because of the whiteness of his face. He did not touch the body at all.

After looking at the man for a moment, Witness ran on to the catch the pack-horse, and having caught it, proceeded on his journey.

A mile further on the road he met Mr Albert Nash, Hermann Stemmam, Mr Pasain, and another person, walking.

Witness asked them if they had met any one. They said they had met two persons with swags on the Mountain rush, near Mr Hirst's store.

Witness told them that he had seen a body lying by the roadside at the hill.

The persons he met went on in the direction of the body, and witness continued on to the Mountain rush.

On Friday, the day previous to that on which witness say the body of deceased, he left the Mountain rush about four o'clock in the afternoon, on horseback, for Smith's Gully.

He arrived there about seven o'clock. The old hut, at which the body of deceased was found, was about three miles from the first creek on the Mountain rush, and about seven from Smith's Creek, the place where witness lived.

On his journey home to Smith's Gully, in the afternoon of Friday, wit-

Suspect traced

● the original Queenstown Cemetery in Smith's Gully, between Panton Hill and St Andrews. ness saw only one man. That man Charles Jepe, senior constable at lows : — Mr T. F. W. Ford deposed was sitting on a swing close to the Queenstown, deposed that the find- that he had made a post mortem exhut where witness on the following ing of Mr Cuckson's body had been amination of the deceased. day found the deceased. reported to him. at Eltham, on SatHe was a strong muscular man, The man had made a sort of mia- urday evening, at half-past eleven in apparently good health.

The only marks of external viomia, and was boiling his billy at a o'clock. fire he had made, On Sunday morning he went to lence were a gunshot wound in the When witness came up to him, the place where deceased lay, at the right side of the neck, just above the he said, ' Good evening, mate.'

Big Hill, on the Mountain rush road. clavicle, a slight bruise at the back Witness replied, ' Good evening.'

He found the deceased lying on of the head, and a number of He then asked witness whether that his back, with his right arm above scratches on the back of the body.

The right clavicle was fractured was the road to the diggings, point- his head, and his coat tail underneath ing to the road along which witness his head, as if he had been dragged and splintered. The apex of the right lung, immediately beneath the had come. to the water-hole by the heels.

He asked witness whether it was The shirt and undershirt of the clavicle, was lacerated, and nearly a main cart track for Whittlesea. deceased were saturated with blood, the whole of the lung was gorged Witness told him it was not ; but which had been partially washed out, with clotted blood.

The sub-clavion artery was dithat there was a road from the sec- apparently by the rain. ond creek on the Mountain rush to There was a small hole in the vided. The second rib, at its junction Whittlesea. neck, apparently a bullet wound. with the vertebrae, was fractured, the The man then asked witness how There was no blood oozing from it; corresponding vertebra was also fracfar some village was off the and there was no mark of powder on tured, and the bullet produced was Whittlesea road. the clothes of the deceased, where lodged in the spinal column.

The organs of the body were genWitness replied that he had never the bullet had penetrated them. heard of the place.

On the deceased were three erally healthy. Death was caused by Pointing to the track witness was penny pieces, a pencil, and the knife a gunshot wound, lacerating the subclvian artery, and finally injuring the following, he then asked where that produced. led to. Witness told him.

Near the place where the fire had spiral cord. The deceased could not After some further conversation been kindled, there was a pipe, and have inflicted the wound himself.

Charles Hirt, storekeeper at the the man told witness that he had a pencil, produced. come through Queenstown, and was There was also near the body, a Mountain rush, deposed that he last too late to make the Mountain rush portion cf the Weekly Argus, pro- saw the deceased alive about five that night. duced, and dated 16th May 1860. o'clock on Friday afternoon, the 23rd Whilst he was talking witness got Where the paper had been torn inst.

He was on his horse when he off his horse to readjust the bags in out it was stained with red marks. his saddle.

Albert Nash, miner, residing at the called at witness's store. He did not In doing this his back was turned Caledonian diggings, deposed that dismount, but spoke to witness for to the man. he was one of the four men, who were two or three minutes.

He then went round the corner in Having re-mounted he wished the met by the first witness, Haynes, on man good night, and left. When about the road from the Mountain Rush to the direction of Queenstown.

He said he was going home. Wita quarter of a mile on his road home, Queenstown, on the morning of Satness asked him which track he was after leaving this man, witness heard urday, the 24th instant. the report of fire-arms which came The evidence of this witness cor- going by, and he said he was going the old hut. from the direction he had just left. roborated the statement of Haynes. by Witness did not recollect any The man he had spoken to had no In addition he stated that, on on horseback on that day on gun so far as witness perceived. reaching the Big Hill, after parting stranger diggings.

Witness did not take particular no- with Haynes, he went, together with theWitness no more of the detice of how he was dressed, but his companions, to look at the body. ceased aftersaw leaving him. He was thought he could recognise him by He found it was cold, and then sober when he left the Mounhis voice and by his features if he recognised it as the body of Mr quite tain rush to go home. was to see him again.

Cuckson.

He had a whip in his hand, and a He seemed to be a digger. The On looking round, the party came poncho rolled up in front of his saddle. men could easily have robbed or to the conclusion that the body had This concluded the evidence shot, witness if he had thought been dragged eight or ten yards from taken, and after a brief consideration proper, as witness's back wos turned the track to a waterhole. the jury returned the following verto the man when off his horse.

The ground was disturbed by the dict, 'That the deceased, Edmund After leaving this man, witness dragging. Near the body there was a Cuckson, came by his death on the met nobody else on the road home. pocket book, produced. There was 24th May, 1862, in the Mountain On Saturday afternoon witness no money in the pocket-book.

Rush road, Evelyn. returned to Queenstown, in company On reaching Queenstown, the He was found dead, having died with the baker's man. party gave information to the Police from internal injuries received from Passing the hut they both went up Station there. a leaden bullet. to look at the body, and witness then At this stage of the proceedings And the jury find a verdict of wilrocognised it an that of Mr Cuckson. the inquest was adjourned to the fol- ful murder against some person or Witness did not see anything of lowing day. persons unknown. At the conclusion the deceased on the Mountain Rush On Tuesday it was resumed, and of the inquest the body was ordered on Friday afternoon. further evidence was taken, as fol- to be interred.

■ The man suspected of the late murder of Edmund Cuckson, on the Mountain Rush Road, near Queenstown, Caledonian Diggings, on the night of Friday, the 23rd May, has been traced to and from the scene of the murder.

He passed up to the spot on foot, and returned on M r Cuckson's pony, a bay one, a little white about the hind feet, with a small switch tail, and branded H 6 on the off shoulder.

In his passage down he passed Mr Cuckson's house, about three miles on the other side of Queenstown.

Mrs Cuckson hailed him, thinking him to be her husband; but he passed on.

He was also saluted by several other persons on the road, and was noticed to shy off from them, as if anxious to avoid them.

Beyond the fact of his coming into town on the pony, nothing further has been ascertained of his movements.

It would be well therefore for any person having seen such a pony on or subsequent to the date of tho murder, to communicate with the police authorities.

It is somewhat remarkable that no reward appears to have been yet offered by the Government for the apprehension of the murderer.

- The Argus.

June 3, 1862.

Rewar d offered

■ “The Chief Secretary stated last night, in the Legislative Assembly, that the Government had determined to offer a reward of £100 for the murderer of the late Mr Cuckson, at the Big Hill, near the Mountain rush,” reported The Age on June 5, 1862.

“Mr Jones called the attention of the Chief Secretary to tho murder of Mr. Edmund Cuckson, on the 23rd of May last, at the Big Hill, Mountain Creek-road, and inquired if it was the intention of the Government to offer a reward for the appréhension of tho murderer.

“He stated that the murder had taken place within a few miles of the Mountain Rush, a new diggings, to which a great many people were going.

“The murder caused great confusion and dismay in the district; and without wishing; to interfere with the Chief Secretary, or urge his own views, he called attention to the matter, in the hope that the Chief Secretary might say whether he did not think the case of such a nature that a reward might be offered for the apprehension of the murderer.”

Arrest made

■ “A man named Peter Peterson has been arrested on the charge of having murdered Edmund Cuckson, who was found lying dead by the road side to the Mountain Rush, up wards of a month since. Peterson's arrest took place in consequence of statements made by him to his mate,” said the Geelong Advertiser on July 2, 1862.

Page 88 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne

Early Cups and Cox Plate calls ■ Sportsbet are quick off the mark with early markets on the Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup and the Cox Plate.

In the Caulfield Cup they have the internationals at the top of the chart.

King's Will Dream is at the top, from Unforgotten, whilst the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup placegetter, the unlucky Johannes Vermeer, is right at the top and rightly so.

He was a good thing beaten in the Caulfield Cup, and just failed in the Melbourne Cup behind International galloper, Rekindling.

Behind them is another international, Marmelo. In Melbourne Cup markets, Sportsbet has last year's winner, Rekindling on top.

Rightly so after his big win last year especially the fact that he was only three by Northern Hemisphere time, when he won the Cup. He is the opening favourite and could it be seven wins in the Melbourne Cup for leading owner-breeder, Lloyd Williams.

Then we have Kings Will Dream, and Magic Circle.

Once again Johannes Vermeer looks likely to again have a crack at both cups after being placed in both last year, twice unlucky.

In the Cox Plate, Winx, naturally is the hot favourite trying to create a record in winning four Cox Plates eclipsing Kingston Town who shares the record with her at the moment.

I know it is a long way out, but even at the $1.55 being quoted is good odds in my book.

Let's hope the great mare can do it for racing and especially the fans.

Even as early as this week, I understand that all tickets for members and their guests have been snapped up.

Remember last year they sold out early and that included general admittance tickets.

I do the voice work on the gate at the Valley on both the Manikato on the night before and the Cox Plate.

Interstate people were turning up, hoping to snare a ticket, on the day.

This year hopefully Winx can win again, so the racegoers there on the day can see history made.

On the second line of the Cox Plate is last year's runner-up, Humidor, at double figure odds.

I felt that last year Winx, had some left in the tank when challenged strongly by Humidor, but went to the line untouched.

Then we Johannes Vermeer, who is going to be very busy if he goes around in the plate, followed by another Darren Weir entry in Gailo Chop.

Then the talented youngster, Grunt, from the Mick Price camp; who has taken all before him.

Once again we are heading for big Racing Carnivals, especially with the mighty Winx trying to win her fourth Cox Plate on end.

Inglis top sales

■ The Inglis Company are preparing for their big sales at their Tullamarine complex coming up this month.

The company have been conducting their Southern Sales, for Weanling's started on Sunday June 17 through until June 19 inclusive this was followed by the General Session of the Weanlings lots 501 to 571 inclusive.

The Thoroughbred Session of their sales followed the Weanlings over June 19, 20 and June 21, commencing each day at 10 am.

● Champion mare Winx wins her third Cox Plate. Racing Photos Ron worked with Jack Elliot at the Argus Truth newspaper.

He told many a story of his career especially many moons ago and when the Argus folded he to become the number one racing man with the his dealings in the well- known ring in back in 1972 regarding the Muntham Handicap, where two horses were swapped in the lead up to the event.

The two horses involved were an ordinary galloper by the name of Royal School, and one of the top sprinters of the era in Regal Vista.

The gentleman in question who handled all the action was Rick Renzella, who I remembered well because at the time I was working as Racing Editor with Channel 9 News and covered the case of the course of the trial.

I had the pleasure of meeting Renzella's solicitor, Brian Cash, who was handling the case.

After the running of the Muntham Handicap, the horses, both Royal, School and Regal Vista, were quickly moved from the course.

Evidently Regal Vista ended up in Western Australia and Royal School elsewhere.

Ron said he got to know Renzella reasonably well and was able to arrange to see both horses, although it was rumoured at the time that Regal Vista wasn't anywhere to be seen.

Renzella admitted that he hid Regal Vista away after the race at Casterton.

On the day through Brian Cash, the Channel 9 camera team and I attended getting shots of both horses.

Former top racing journalists, Tony Bourke, the Racing Editor of The Age and Ray Huxley, who took over from Jack Elliot at the HeraldSun, told of many an interesting story concerning Ron, and the great help he gave them in their fledging years.

The VRMA Chairman, former top racecaller, Greg Miles, added to the praise and all the Racing folk who attended on the day.

V ery entertaining, I must say with some of the best journalists in racing, and the doyen, Ron Taylor.

- Ted Ryan

Ted Ryan

Big day had by all

■ A large gathering of racing elite, including members of the Victoria Racing Media Association, attended the 90th birthday of elite racing manRon Taylor at the Emerald Hotel in South Melbourne.

Regarded as one of the greatest racing journalists of all time, the popular racing man discussed many of his highlights of his honoured career before a big crowd.

Ron started off his career with another one of the best, the former Herald-Sun Racing Editor, the late Jack Elliot.

● Rekindling in the Melbourne Cup. Racing Photos

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Wine Column Altitude, UV intensity

■ JOHN ROZENTALS is surprised by the assertion that altitude benefits wine quality through increased UV intensity.

I must admit to never having drawn a connection between vineyard altitude, intensity of UV radiation and wine quality.

Sure, I'd long realised the importance of altitude in reducing average temperatures and hence in moving vineyards from mild to cool zones, or indeed from warm-hot to cool.

Altitude is why Queensland's Granite Belt can be classified as cool despite a latitude that would normally have in rated as warmhot.

And why the vignerons of Orange adopted altitude as an essential part of their appellation process, with only grapes grown at 600 metres or higher being able to be labelled as coming from Orange.

It took a note from Gerald Naef, owner and winemaker at Orange's Patina Wines, to draw my attention to the question of altitude and UV radiation.

"With less atmosphere above us at 900 metres above sea level we experience greater UV light intensity," he said.

I initially took this claim with a grain of salt, but some quick fact-checking indicated that there is indeed a significant increase some 6 per cent at 1000 metres.

So how does this relate to wine quality?

Gerald continues: "The grapevines deal with this intensive UV radiation by thickening the grape skins and, since all the flavour and colour come from the skins, we naturally produce wines with more flavour."

Again, initial research supports the theory.

What's not in any doubt is the quality of the chardonnay Gerald is producing at Patina, just on the Lucknow side of Orange.

WINE REVIEWS Patina 2015 Chardonnay ($35): Pure, ripe, intense melony fruit flavours announce this dry white as coming from a cool climate. With ut winemaking interference it would probably have remained a simple chardonnay but use of natural vineyard yeasts and barrel-fermentation have added desirable complexity.

Patina 2015 Reserve Chardonnay ($45): A case of more of the same, only more so. The wine sits in a riper fruit spectrum than does the 'ordinary' chardonnay, leaning more towards nectarines and white peaches.

There's a distinct nuttiness and creaminess from maturation on yeast lees and the wine is a very multi-layered, complex one.

KIM MYHR From Page 83 With an emphasis on improvisation this embraced the expertise of Joe Talia performing with a Revox B77 reel-to-reel tape machine and an analogue synthesizer.

Two violinists, Erkki Veltheim and Lizzy Welsh, both stand out violinists in their own right together with clarinettist and music composer Aviva Endean all gave strength to Myhr’s work over three original compositions.

The first work was slow melodic arcs and moments of psychedelic intensity particularly from Tony Buck on drums/percussion.

Impressive was the work of the Viola player (un-named) whose final hauntingly slow and broad strokes of the bow ended the fifteen minute rendition of the Untitled Work.

A longer second original premiere piece commencing with sounds from Joe Talia was highlighted by the extraordinary work again of Tony Buck on a full kit of drums and percussion.

At times breakneck speed, very physical with the use of a multitude of percussion and improvised instruments giving us sounds not often heard.

The last piece had Peter Knight on the electronic dulcimer and xylophone finishing with the violins executing heavy slow strokes in the style of brushed spiccato bringing the work to a close.

Myhr’s premiere three pieces gave much opportunity for performance of contemporary experimental music. In due course Kim Myhr may give titles to these works?

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 89

Page 90 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Fern Wright Dressage & General Coaching Offering quality education for horses and riders from International Dressage rider Fern Wright.

Fern has trained and competed horses from Preliminary to Grand Prix Dressage with multiple State and National wins. Now based in Healesville and offering a wide range of services in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Services include: • Dressage and general coaching from beginning onwards • Short and long term training for horses and ponies • Breaking-in • Foal and young horse handling and training • Breeders of quality welsh and warmblood perfomance horses and ponies A great opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s most decorated Young Dressage Riders

Ph: 0457 047 251

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 91

Page 92 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObser ver.com.au

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 93

Deck-Doc

Local company chosen as best in the world

For many years Deck-Doc has been supplying retailers throughout Australia with their premium range of timber and decking oils.

For the past three years, Deck-Doc has been predominantly selling their products online to service the whole of Australia as well as international customers.

Deck-Doc was recently chosen over other companies to supply their oils to an international company and is in the process of sealing an agency agreement for exclusive distribution and selling rights in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Deck-Doc timber oil is environmentally friendly and the business has been manufacturing unique, lanolin-based timber oil in Geelong for 15 years.

The formula was developed by Robert Hylands to preserve the natural oils and tannins in the timber.

The timbers oils and tannins determine the colour of the timber.

If the tannins dry out, the timber will lose its own natural colour.

The formula is made up of many different plant oils, waxes and lanolin and designed to stay soft and pliable when absorbed into the surface layers of the timber, therefore will not solidify and form a hard membrane of the surface.

It will move with the timber during all weather conditions preventing water absorption and drying out of the tannins.

Mr Hylands first developed the timber oil when he noticed there was nothing on the market that preserved the timber and protected the timber’s natural colour.

Before his time at Deck-Doc, he gained experience when he owned a factory making hand carved, handpainted wooden decoy ducks for duck hunters.

The timber used for the ducks had to maintain its natural colour and stay on the water without absorbing moisture.

After extensive research, he found lanolin (wool grease) gave excellent water repellency as well as UV protection.

Mr Hylands developed lanolin-based timber protection oil and found the water-repellent protection and preservative way far superior and says lanolin is “Nature’s natural UV protection”.

Lanolin comes from the wool of sheep and is extracted from the fleece.

It is a substance that waterproofs, insulates, and protects sheep from the cold, wind, rain and harmful CV sun rays.

Deck-Doc uses the best merino wool to extract lanolin.

Throughout history ancient mariners such as the Vikings used lanolin to protect, waterproof and preserve the wooden boards on their ships.

Many of the ships were away from their home bases for many years and their ships were subjected to wild storms at sea.

They survived thanks to the protection of Lanolin.

Deck-Doc invites all to visit their showroom in Moolap for free advice in a number of important issues concerning timber care.

There is a large selection of timber types that have been exposed to severe weather conditions, enabling people to understand the importance of choosing a suitable timber type. for the right application.

Also know what happens to the different types of decking stains and coatings, how they weather, and the maintenance required.

The friendly staff have useful hints for anyone preparing to build a new deck.

Page 94 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Page 95

Page 96 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Learning to Ride

Balance Bikes from Ivanhoe Cycles Balance Bikes (also called training bikes) are pedalless bikes designed to provide fun and exercise and to teach the basic skills of steering, balance and co-ordination.

They are suited to a child from 2 to 5 years of age.

The child simply sits astride the balance bike and "walks" while steering with the handlebars.

It effectively allows them to learn balance without having to learn to pedal at the same time. It cuts the learning "gradient" down. They are also called pre bikes or first bikes.

Balance bikes are becoming increasingly popular, as it is so much easier to learn to ride. Learning to ride can be achieved at their own pace. A less confident child can “walk� it around for as long as they like, then

when ready, they can gradually lift their feet and scoo along until they are ready to simply push off and jus roll along.

More confident kids will be flying around with huge smiles in no time at all.

Because they have a sturdy aluminium or steel frame and well constructed wheels they are virtually trouble free, and can be passed down from child to child.

BYK E250L PURPLE $219

GIANT PRE BIKE - RED $199

Mongoose Lilgoose WNR Girls Balance Bike 12 Inch $179

Byk E250L Purple - Girls 14inch Balance Bike

12 inch boys balance bike that is a perfect gradient for learning to ride a real bike

The low stand-over height makes it very easy to get on and off the bike,

LIL ZOOMER BALANCE BIKE - GREEN $99

BYK E200L $189

Little Zoomer Balance Bike in any colour. A fun way to teach balance and coordination! Suitable 2-4 years.

Byk E200L. Balance Bikes make it so much easier for your child to learn to ride.

MONGOOSE LILGOOSE WNR BOYS BALANCE BIKE 12 INCH $179 The Mongoose Lilgoose Balance bike is not only one of the cutest designs we've seen on a training bike.