Melbourne Observer. 120523A. Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Pages 1-28, Pages 61-70

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■ Theresa Brancatisano (left), Helen Wentworth, Michelle Tanner, Francesca Ferra-Macri and Margaret Rawlinson rehearse for Scrubbers, opening at the Strathmore Community Centre on May 31. Photo: Cenarth Fox Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group is presenting the all-female musical Scrubbers from May 31 – June 9 at the Strathmore Community Centre, Cnr Loeman and Napier Sts, Strathmore. Written and directed by Cenarth Fox, Scrubbers tells a heart-warming tale of five women who find happiness when cleaners join a chorus line.

Each woman has a sadness in their life which disappears, thanks to an amazing activity and the bond of friendship which they have established. Performances: May 31, June 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, at 8.00pm, June 3 at 2.00pm.

Tickets: $20 Adult, $16 Concession. Group discounts are available Bookings: 9382 6284 or www.stagtheatre.org.au

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Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 3

Breaking News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

CORRUPTION ALLEGED BY Observer ‘VEXATIOUS LITIGANT’ In This 88-Page Edition

Mother of all shows

● Demetrios Sirilas in the Red Stitch Actors Theatre production at St Kilda ■ The Australian premiere of The tify all kinds of self-serving behaviour.

Motherf**ker With The Hat is being presented The Motherf**ker With The Hat will feaat the Red Stitch Actors Theatre, St Kilda ture guest actors Demetrios Sirilas, from June 8 – July 7.

Michelle Vergara Moore, Adam Written by Stephen Adly Guirgis and directed McConvell, Christina O’Neill and Mark

by David Bell, the story tells of addicts Jackie Casamento. and Veronica being hooked on alcohol, drugs Previews: June 6, 7 and even their own relationship.

Season: June 8 – July 7 (not Monday or Now, 20 years on, they can’t seem to quit Tuesday) each other, no matter how squalid their lives Times: Wednesday – Saturday, 8pm; Sunhave become. days 6.30pm. Matinees: Saturdays at 4pm Nothing can come between them – except a Bookings: www.redstitch.net (discounted hat. Playwright Guirgis draws on the flawed tix) or 9533 8083 nature of men and women, their fragile moral Tickets: $20- $39 ($15 student rush) codes and appetite for addiction, taking aim at Venue: Red Stitch Actors Theatre, Rear 2 the 12-step psychological doctrines of recov- Chapel St, St Kilda. ery programs and how their adherents can jus- Cheryl Threadgold

Two cops arrested ■ Two north-western Police officers in Melbourne have been arrested.

A male Leading Senior Con-stable has been charged with misconduct in a public office, trafficking a drug of dependence, possessing a drug of dependence, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and several counts of unauthorised information access and disclosure.

He has been suspended from duty with pay and has bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 6.

Another policeman, a Senior Constable, has been interviewed, and released pending summons. He has been suspended from duty with pay.

Two civilians have been charged, and are due to face Court on August 6. The Police ESD is investigating.

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 SIGNS THAT THE GREEK ECONOMY IS IN TROUBLE 5. Souvlakis are being sold with black arm-bands.

4. The Greek government is borrowing money from the Bank of Nigeria.

3. Swan Street is half-mast.

2. Con the Fruiterer is shopping in Lygon Street.

1. The Greek currency is worth less than toilet paper which is why the Minister for Finance is known as Zorbent the Greek

■ Complaints about a Supreme Court judge and allegations of corruption have been dismissed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren and Judge Cavanough.

Stanislawa Bahonko made the allegations after her action against Moorfields Community, Bodalla Aged Care Services, The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust Vic and the Victorian Workcare Authority.

Ms Bahonko lodged the complaints after her case was heard by County Court Judge Saccardo. She said the judge has bias because his associate Kathy Lambert had previously worked for Judge Misso, who had bias.

Ms Bahonko accused the Court Tipstaff of abusing her.

“Judge Saccardo was appointed by Rob Hulls, and Hulls appointed judges as a rule with an established pattern committed pervision of justice in my matters,” Ms Bahonko claimed.

Ms Bahonko accused Ms Lambert of changing her hair colour because a judge preferred blondes.

Ms Bahonko asked for a Grand Jury, which do no exist in Victoria.

Ms Bahonko must not now commence legal action without Supreme Court permission.

Showbiz: Golden Days Radio expands ........... Page 5 Melb. People: Been and seen ...................... Page 6 Melb. Confidential: Warning over money co ... Page 9 Di Rolle: Happy birthday to special men ...... Page 10 In The Picture: Observer cameras roam ....... Page 11 Mignon’s Party: Special day for special lady . Page 12 Yvonne: Wintry blues for Moosh the Cat ..... Page 15 Long Shots: Ghost Stories at Black Rock .... Page 16 Kevin Trask: Hattie Jacques profile ............. Page 18 Observer Readers Club: Birthdays, stars ..... Page 30 Giant 100 Crossword Liftout - starts Page 31 Movies, DVDs Radio Confidential Independent Theatre Community Theatre

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

$6m Lara drug raid ■ Police are investigating suspected bikie gang links to a $6 million hydroponic drug crop found in Lara.

Two fingers severed ■ Paramedics treated a man, 52, after he severed two fingers in an incident at Hazeldene, north-east of Melbourne.

Reward over shooting ■ Hamilton couple David and Vera Lynch are offering a $500 reward for information leading to the apprehension of the person who shot dead an emu this month in Hamilton Botanic Gardens.

ADVERTISING SALES AGENT Full-time or part-time. Work from home.

The Melbourne Observer newspaper is expanding, and is appointing an additional Advertising Sales Agent to its team.

Since it was first published in 1969, the Observer has earned a reputation as a solid weekly family newspaper, on sale at newsagents across Victoria.

Over those 43 years, the Observer has become a favourite advertising medium for small-, medium- and large-businesses. Almost 10,000 businesses have taken ad packages with the Observer in the past 10 years.

We are now seeking another keen, enthusiastic and talented Advertising Sales person to join our team.

The successful applicant will probably have a background in sales and customer service, preferably in media, as well as a clear and positive telephone manner.

The position can be either fulltime, or part-time, and is workfrom-home.

You will need your own home office, with landline telephone, computer and e-mail. You will require computer literacy. Local Media Pty Ltd reimburses telephone call costs.

The position involves the calling on our customers and prospects, and attending to their advertising requirements.

Each day, a complete list of ‘warm’ client calls is e-mailed to our Advertising Sales Agents, so your day is spent as productively as possible.

Payment - which takes the form of a generous commission - is weekly. This means your earnings are not capped. You can start earning immediately.

You will require an ABN, and the position is on a contractor basis.

To discover more about the Advertising Sales Agent position, contact the Melbourne Observer office by e-mail, or by phone 1800 231 311.

We will mail you an information package that explains more about this exciting opportunity.

For more information, contact Ash Long editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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Mark Richardson ♥Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

IN MY PANTS: SHOOTING FOR A CAUSE ■ It's not every day you are privileged to spend time with someone amazing; someone who lives by the motto of ‘paying it forward’ and is doing it!

I spent time on Peter Coulson's 'Porch' at his photography studio in Kilsyth where he is creating his first ever book of his photography works, In My Pants, with the sole ambition of raising awareness and $20 million towards the fight against cancer.

Peter has photographed some of the biggest A-List models around the world and was awarded the 2011-2012 Australian Fashion Photographer of the Year, coupled with his many commercial and fashion photography accolades, has been inundated by publishers for years to publish a photography book.

Until now Peter has declined all offers, believing any book of his photography would only be of benefit if it could help change something in the world.

Having helped families living with cancer by taking their family portraits, Peter was profoundly moved and is now on a mission - set to travel the world with his camera and his 30 yearold pair of Levi 501s taking semi-nude simulated portraits of A-List celebrities, cancer fighters/survivors and everyday people touched by cancer to create over 250 powerful images.

Your concept is already heavily supported around the world, and you have the backing of celebrities and OPA Magazine with Dean

Georgio,Steve Agi and other fashion industry professionals, how did you develop the concept?

I have always used my 501s in my model training shoots which always looked cool in photos.

I decided to do a book for something I am passionate about, like helping people fight cancer.

Hopefully I can help change something with my book. A book isn't any good without changing something.

A book of just my images won't change anything.

How did you get the concept off the ground?

I did some initial photography shoots with models in my jeans and created some images and started to spread the word throughout the fashion industry.

Vicky Papas-Vergara, a designer I work with, approached Tina Sarantis (pictured) to model just two days before commencing her treatment for Breast Cancer.

The word continued to spread.

Now I am pushing harder, asking celebrities and models I shoot; "Will you wear my jeans?" Their enthusiasm and support has been amazing.

It must have been an extremely emotional shoot for Tina, how did you relax and make her feel comfortable under the circumstances?

I was extremely honoured that Tina allowed me to shoot her having her hair shaved off in preparation

STUDIO PORCH THOUGHTS

● Peter Coulson for her treatment and allowing me to use her photos in my book. Tina, an everyday person, in her forties and a mother of two young children with beautiful long hair, was facing the reality of having her head shaved that she would lose during her chemo treatment.

Most people coming into a big studio are feeling insecure anyway and Tina was about to be photographed on a really bad day for her, and being photographed simulated topless and wearing a pair of old my jeans added to the reality of her journey ahead.

We talked a lot during the shoot and we achieved this beautiful, soft, pretty gorgeous look of her.

What did you say to Tina when it was time to shave her hair?

Tina's courage was inspiring. Once anyone has to have their beautiful hair shaved off for treatment, they realise they're not in for a good time ahead.

I kept reminding Tina not to hold it in but to feel what was happening rather than just sitting there being photographed.

Tina started to think about what was happening and the positive difference she was making to help others with battling cancer.

I reminded her it that this was time to be strong and Tina realised the photo was the start of her fight for her life, as well as for her two young children.

Tina let go and began to relax.

How did Tina feel by the end of the shoot?

Tina ended up having a great day and told me I helped turn a really bad day into a good one. She walked out feeling good about herself because she saw how stunning she looked in the photos. She had fun and really enjoyed doing it.

Who would you like to appear most in your book?

● Tina Sarntis: before and (inset) after It was an amazing event and we The whole idea of my book is to raise awareness and money. Celebri- had two amazing women come along ties have massive pulling power and and had their hair shaved to support I am hoping our Prime Minister Julia the cause.

In my eyes, they both looked more Gillard will agree to wear my jeans.

If Julia increases book sales by beautiful with their heads shaved bejust one copy, I will approach her. I cause I believe real beauty is within have international mega stars appear- anyway. It wasn't initially a ing in it (but I am not mentioning who fundraising event, but with the support at this stage) and it's all about selling of OPA Magazine and the two models, we managed to raise money for books, every dollar counts.

I would also love Her Majesty cancer foundations.

The night created one of those The Queen to be photographed in my jeans. Maybe that's a long shot, but I 'good' feelings that money cannot buy.

What is your Porch Thought will try though.

You were part of a successful of The Day? fundraiser with MODA in Pay it forward! I would love to hear Melbourne a few weeks ago rais- from celebrities who would love to be ing in excess of $30,000 for In My Pants to help the fight against FROC/Jeans for Genes/Leu- cancer. Email peter@koukei. kaemia. What does an event like com.au - Mark Richardson this mean to you?

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 5

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Showbiz News

GOLDEN DAYS RADIO EXPANDS

Surprise!

Next To Normal

Briefs Stolen

■ A companion dog for a terminally ill woman has been stolen from a Wodonga dog grooming business.

The owner was so upset she had to be admitted to hospital.

Early exit

■ A Court mix-up is blamed for a 21year-old being released three weeks early at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court.

Christopher Austin was set free while still serving a sentence at a juvenile centre.

Vile find ■ Possums have been found at Chadstone with throats slit and tails chopped.

The gruesome finds at Batesford Reser ve have sparked investigations by officers from the RSPCA.

● Larry James ■ Melbourne’s Golden Days Radio 95.7 FM is expanding across Australia.

Retirement and aged care facilities across the nation can now hear the melodic sounds of the popular station, thanks to the efforts of an Australian company, Web2TV. Larry James, President of Golden Days Radio, based at Glenhuntly, says the station can now be heard throughout more than 60 retirement and aged care facilities across Australia. More sites are being added.

The company combines web technology and TV networks allowing retirement and aged gfare facilities to entertain and communicate with their residents.

Features include daily notices, kitchen menus, photo boards, community message boards and radio. All of these features can be broadcast through the TV system at the facility to the residents own TV sets.

“This important addition can help residents stay connected with the greater community and following requests from many residents throughout Australia, Golden Days Radio is pleased to be the default radio station,” Mr James said. “ Residents can now hear the great music from the 20s to the 60s plus radio serials, light classical, country, jazz, dance bands and much more.

“Golden Days listeners can also hear government initiatives and health and welfare programs in our COTA Vic and community news programs.”

In addition to its regular broadcasts on 95.7FM, Golden Days Radio is streamed on the internet through the website www.goldendaysradio.com

Smile for the camera ■ Manningham Council officers are being criticised for taking photographs of motorists believed to be infringing road rules near school crossings.

PHOTOS: SUE DEENIM IMAGES

● Natalie Grosby organised a surprise birthday party for Mark Optiz on Saturday ● Tony Burge, Robbie Medica and Lizzie Matjacic in Next To Normal, being presented

by Fab Nobs from June 15-30.

Photo: Karl MacNamara ■ Fab Nobs Theatre presents the Victorian nonprofessional premiere of Next to Normal from June 15 - 30 at 33 Industry Place, Bayswater.

Directed by Nicholas Kong, with musical direction by Naomi Osborne, the powerhouse rock musical features a musical score that surges from soul-soaring rock to heart-warming ballads.

The show is a painful examination of an ordinary family trying to deal with the effects of mental illness. Following in the footsteps of hit musicals Rent and Spring Awakening, this multiple award-winning smash hit is a brave, powerfully emotional musical that takes on new territory with a mix of raw energy and grace.

Performances: June 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 at 8.00pm. Bookings: 0401 018 846 www.fabnobstheatre.com.au

SAD NEWS FOR ‘OPERATION SMILE’

■ Victorian Director of Consumer Affairs Dr Claire Noone has succeeded in legal action against Operation Smile (Inc), Operation Hope (Australia) Pty Ltd, Hope Research Institute Pty Ltd, and Noel

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Rodney Campbell, about claims made in treating cancer.

Consumer Affairs alleged that statements made at www.smile.org.au were misleading or deceptive, and falsely represented that treatments

offered by Operation Smile were effective in treating cancer and had scientific support.

Operation Smile admitted making the statements but denied they were misleading or deceptive.

Supreme Court

Judges Warren, Nettle and Cavanough, sitting as the Court of Appeal, this month affirmed that statements were misleading or deceptive or likely to mislead, within the meaning of the Fair Trading Act. Judge Nettle said: “By making the impugned statement, (Operation Smile) in trade and commerce represented that the treatments, services, techniques or procedures offered or povided by the Hope Clinic can cure cancer, or reverse, stop or slow its progressl prolong the life of a person suffering from cancer; benefit cancer sufferers; were or are supported by generally accepted science; were or are supported by published research findings; and were or are evidence based therapies, and that each of these representations was misleading or deceptive or likely to mislead or deceive within the meaning of the Fair Trading Act.” Mr Campbell uses the title Dr. “He is neither a medical doctor nor a tenured professor of any Australian or other university.” He was once a dentist.

● Sally Freud with Simon Caskey

● Chap-about-town Christian Wagstaff joins in the celebrations at Toorak.

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

On Sunday

● William Barton

■ Master didjeridu player William Barton will perform at the Monash University Academy of Performing Arts National Reconciliation Concert at the Melbourne Town Hall on Sunday (May 27) at 2.30 pm. Also appearing is soprano Deborah Cheetham. More details on Page 71.

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People Melbourne

Send news to editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

Fax: 1-800 231 312

Laramie Project, 10 years on

● Comedian Tom Jaspers with Sammy Brock at the opening night of The Laramie Project at The Arts Centre. Inset (at right): Comedian Josh Thomas. More photos, P11.

Aiming for London

What a skirmish!

E-book ■ Angela Pippos is looking to re-launch her book, The Goddess Ad-vantage: One Year In The lLife of A Football Worshipper, as an e-book.

It was first released by Text Publishing.

■ Strike Adult Laser Skirmish teams are participating in the movie-like game at the four venues in Victoria: QV, Bayside, Glen Waverley and Melbourne Central.

From left: Cameron Meyers, Vivian Haviland, Lucas Bendt, Candice Williams and Charles McMahon.

With school holidays just around the corner, enjoying the Strike centre are Heidi Schmatloch, Liam McNeill and Jazmin Schmatloch.

World premiere

● Joel Carnegie ■ Radio man Joel Carnegie is hoping that television will take him to London. The 3MBS Operations Officer, is a Top 48 finalist of the Kickstart competition being run in conjunction with the hit TV program The Voice.

If Joel can attract enough votes to win, he heads off to the London Business School to study, as well as travelling to Sydney for the final of The Voice and to socialise with the judges and contestants.

As a classical music Honours graduate from Melbourne University, and a communications graduate from Swinburne University, Joel is well placed as both a practitioner and an administrator in the arts and media industry to make the most of what he can learn from people he says are the best in the world at London Business School.

“As Jimmy Buffett said, 'older and wiser voices can help find the right path, if you're only willing to listen'.

I'm ready to listen, so that I can find my voice," Joel said. Readers can vote for Joel by visiting this link: www.thevoice.com.au/kickstart/finalists - Julie Houghton

They wash 12,480 guernseys each year ■ Mary Pennington and her husband Alf of Kilsyth have just been selected to be the Victorian candidates in a campaign to find the families with the toughest washing loads around Australia. They have been washing around 12,480 guernseys a year – for 19 years.

The couple are putting a new 10kg Panasonic washing machine through its paces.The average family load is 32kg weekly, but the Penningtons have been doing four times this volume with their footy jumpers.

Most families underestimate their washing times.

“It’s interesting how much washing the average Australian family actually does – even an extra two loads a week can mean up to four extra hours spent doing washing,” says Prue O’Loan, Product Marketing Manager, Panasonic Australia.

Mary Pennington is interested to see how the extra capacity loads will free up her time to help with other things at the club.

“At the moment I spend a lot of time washing. We will easily go through four sets of 30 jumpers twice a week – that works out to be about 237,000 since I started volunteering.”

PHOTO: SUE DEENIM

● Director Nicki Wendt and celebrity diarist Suzanne Carbone were at the world premiere of Victorian Opera’s Midnight Son at the Malthouse Theatre. The cast comprises Antoinette Halloran, Dimity Shepherd, Byron Watson, Jonathan Bode and Roxane Hislop.

Creatives include composer Gordon Kerry, conductor Ollivier-Phillippe Cuneo, set designer Andrew Bellchambers, costume designer Esther Marie Hayes and lighting director Nigel Levings. More photos, P11.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 7

p +61 7 5492 666 free ph 1800 068 798 e info@norfolks.com.au www.norfolks.com.au 32 Queen of Colonies Parade, Moffat Beach, Caloundra, Qld

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 9

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Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

WARNING ISSUED ABOUT DEALS WITH FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRM

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

Simon Myers back on stage?

● Simon Myers ■ Theatrical producer Simon Myers is in the news this week after leaving performers and others out of pocket after two of his companies went belly up.

Melbourne performer Rhonda Burchmore is $30,000 out of pocket, and publicists have been left unpaid too.

So ... is Simon already on to his next project? Bitch hears Simon and/or friends are involved in a new company called Room 8.

The company is said to be involved with a new production, Grievous Angel, set to star Jordie Lane, son of comedienne Denise Scott. Lane will play Gram Parsons in the live tribute show, due to be staged at the Athenaeum on July 20.

Four publicists are said to have declined to do the PR for the show. Late last week, Melbourne PR agent Rain Fuller released details of the show about Parsons, ‘the cosmic cowboy’.

■ The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is urging consumers to be wary of an unlicensed financial services business offering investors returns of up to 50 per cent.

The investment offer involved investors receiving unsolicited telephone calls from persons purportedly representing Dellingworth Pty Ltd offering the opportunity to invest in Australian shares traded by Dellingworth on the investors’ behalf with potential earnings of between 23 per cent and 49 per cent per annum.

Investors were asked to take part in a seven-day, no obligation, free trial with an investment of $1500.

Investors who accepted the offer were instructed to deposit their funds into a bank account in the name of Dellingworth Contract and were provided a user name and password which gave them access to their investment account on Dellingworth’s website.

Dellingworth does not hold an Australian financial services licence.

It purports to operate from the Gold Coast in Queensland. The addresses of Dellingworth’s registered office, its principal place of business and the residential address of the sole director and shareholder are false.

Further, identification documents, presented by the sole director when Dellingworth’s bank account was opened, are also false.

Dellingworth’s website is no longer accessible and calls to its 1300 telephone number are no longer answered.

ASIC Commissioner Greg Tanzer said investors needed to be cautious when offered unsolicited investment advice and making some basic checks could save them a lot of money.

“I urge potential investors to carefully consider all investment opportunities and seek professional advice before making investment decisions,” Mr Tanzer said.

The warning follows ASIC and state and territory police services urging consumers to be alert to investment fraud, having seen an increase in this activity, predominately based on the Gold Coast (although their registered office might be anywhere in Australia) but investors are targeted all over the country.

In February, unlicensed financial planning business Golden Sparrow Pty Ltd was wound up following an application by ASIC to the Supreme Court of Queensland.

In December, a joint operation between the Queensland Police Service, the Australian Crime Commission and ASIC saw multiple search warrants executed across a number of premises and a call centre - including on a company known as West Trade - targeting individuals allegedly involved in investment scams.

ASIC’s public warning notice names Anne Jane Jones of Ashmore, Queensland.

‘DOROTHY’ HITS PUB BOUNCER

■ A man dressed as ‘Dorothy’ from The Wizard Of Oz has hit a pub bouncer at Daiseys Hotel, Ringwood.

The impact of the latenight assault saw the security gaurd admitted to St Vincent’s Hospital for specialist treatment to nose ● Judy Garland as and face injuries.

‘Dorothy’ in The ‘Dorothy’ is underWizard Of Oz stood to have been a guest at a private fancy dress party being held at the hotel.

Police have spoken to ‘Dorothy’ and are appealing for witnesses to the altercation. Croydon Police continue to investigate. ● Rain Fuller

Whispers

Face-off ■ Nor thcote High School is warning students and parents about using social media sites. Assistant Principal Nick Murphy has advised students not to upload photographs.

No bail

Rumour Mill Hear It Here First

Don’t forget to floss ■ Philips Research sent out a news release this week with the statistic that its studies has shown that a quarter of Australian people don’t floss.

There should come as little surprise. Official statistics show that 24 per cent of men wear dentures. The figure is 19 per cent for women.

■ There is no bail for Billy-Joe Matthews, 22, of Mernda, after he appeared at Heidelberg Court on 27 charges, alleging burglaries and vandalism in Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Eaglemont, Bundoora, Watsonia, Yarrambat, Reser voir and North Balwyn.

$1.8 mil.

Sigmund to tell all

■ Montsalvat guardian Sigmund Jorgensen is set to tell the story of his father Justus in a book due to be published next year.

Siggy has been trooping around Europe, discovering some of the secrets of his father who founded the art colony in Eltham.

■ A private group is believed to have signed a contract to pay $1.8 million for the Eltham RSL property. ● Sigmund Jorgensen

Change for troubled firms ■ The Australian Securities and Investments Commission will soon launch a new website publishing all insolvency and deregistration notices.

The website will provide a single point for searching notices relating to the external administration and deregistration of companies, currently advertised in the print media.

It will replace the current requirement to publish insolvency-related notices in state or territory newspapers or in the ASIC Gazette.

E-Mail: Editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au

Fakes ■ Counterfeit $50 notes have been discovered at a store in Balwyn.

Dissolved ■ The ‘Summit Cabinets’ partnership between Ashley Spurrell and Jonathan Wynn at Lusher Rd, Croydon has been dissolved.

Ashley Spurrell and Lisa Spurrell now jointly continue to own and operate the business.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Visit ‘The Smith’

■ In my quest to get out and explore more of my Melbourne I headed off to a restaurant bar in Prahran to meet some mates on a cold Saturday night, It is called named The Smith and I loved it.

Great looking young people, fabulous food, waiters who were so friendly and so helpful, and the best atmosphere.

Open for seven lunches and seven dinners, it is very cool.

The Smith offers all day dining and grazing until late. The globetrotting dishes cover European classics, South American flavours and a breadth of Asian styles.

The menu is designed to sample, share or dine. It’s as flexible as the space and its people.

The accessible menu starts with ‘Mouthfuls from $4.50’, ‘Tastes ‘ all under $20 and ‘Mains’ all under $40.

Daily specials feature the seasons best produce, flexing the kitchen’s creative muscles to keep both regulars and ‘virgins’ enthused and enticed.

Located at 213 High St, Windsor (phone 9514 2444), bookings are essential. I will be going back, I don’t get a free toaster for saying nice things about The Smith. They get my wellearned dollars for the most wonderful service and great ambience.

Decades of experience amongst the staff shows in the care they gave us on the night.

I highly recommend rugging up and heading to The Smith with mates, I topped the night off with a brisk walk home along Chapel St.

How to start the day ■ A must for me these cold mornings is a bowl of porridge and I was keen to remind myself that with this cooler weather the importance of eating a wholesome breakfast.

National Porridge Day is coming on June 1. I highly recommend a bowl of porridge every day.

I started taking the opportunity of giving porridge another go a couple of years back as I swore off it as a kid.

However, these days so many great cafes and restaurants around town are dishing up porridge beautifully.

My favourite is Flip Shelton’s five-grain porridge from the comfort of my own home.

It contains five different grains – the traditional rolled oats; rye and spelt which are high in protein; triticale and barley which are naturally low in fat and combined have a delicious nutty flavor.

Flip’s secret is to not cook the porridge, rather cover ½ cup of porridge with ½ cup boiling water and cover with clingfilm for 10 minutes.

Have a shower and get dressed by which time the grains have softened sufficiently to enjoy. However I must say I do like a cooked porridge.

I have some suggestions passed on to me by Flip for toppings Simple: a moat of cold or warm milk (dairy, soy, rice, oat).

Rush: for those in a rush or want a rush pour an espresso or ½ cappuccino over the grains!

Easy: a few sultanas and a sprinkling of nutmeg.

Traditional: sliced banana, a sprinkling of cinnamon and a teaspoon of brown sugar.

Crunchy: slivered almonds, a freshly grated Granny Smith apple and a few currants for sweetness Sweet: a wedge of honeycomb stuck in the middle can bee a cute way of serving porridge to overnight guests.

Warming: a few pistachios with a sprinkling of cardamom and a drizzle of honey (or apple concentrate or rice syrup) My Favourite - Luscious: a few pecans and some chopped dates.

Tropical: some freshly grated ginger, shredded coconut, macadamias and honey makes you feel like you are in paradise.

Protein Punch: a beaten egg (stirred through one minute before the end of stovetop cooking) is especially good after a workout.

Healthy: any warm stewed fruit - especially rhubarb, plums or apple is delicious dolloped on top.

Decadent: for something a little bit naughty... grate some chocolate on top and watch it melt into the grains; for something that is naughty but nice ... stir through a few buds of chocolate ... for something really really naughty I bury a Ferrero Rocher in the porridge and watch my friends and family’s faces light up when they find their sunken treasure.

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To

Di

I love my job!

For HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

■ Two of my favourite men celebrate birthdays this week.

My dear departed Dad would have been 88 this week. I miss him every day.

And Bob Dylan turns 71. It is appropriate that Bob Dylan is to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama.

The Medal of Freedom is America’s highest civilian honour, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or significant public or private endeavours.

The awards will be presented at the White House.

One of the most influential American musicians in the 20th century, Bob is the only musician on the list to receive this award among the 13 people chosen to receive the awards by the President.

The list includes as

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

● Bob Dylan: turns 71 this week tronauts, authors, poli- award. He was named who have flocked to ticians and more. a Commander dans Paris to form their ‘arDylan released his l’Ordre des Art et tistic personalities’.

Jane brings her infirst album in 1962. des Lettres and reKnown for his rich ceived a Pulitzer comparable artistry of and poetic lyrics, his Prize Special Citation. the music of Debussy, Ravel, work had considerable Dylan was award- Faure, Piaf, and other influence on the civil ed the 2009 National Aznavour French favourites. rights movement of the Medal of Arts.

Recorded in 1960s and has had sigHe has written Sydney and Paris nificant impact on more than 600 songs, An Australian in Paris America culture over and his songs have been captures on DVD all the past five decades. recorded more than the energy and exciteHe has won 11 23,000 times by other ment of this critically Grammys , including artists. acclaimed show. a lifetime achievement Jane will appear at He continues recording and touring Readings Hawthorn around the world today. – one of my favourite Happy Birthday spots to pop in, browse Dad and Happy Birth- and buy. day Bob.

■ Just as well I have been eating my porridge as I caught a dreadful cold during the week. So much so I had to call the doctor to come to my house!

I remember as a kid when the doctor came to my house it was like royalty coming. My doctor came, told me to sleep and drink heaps of water and don’t wear bed socks to bed! (Something as I have grown older I consider a luxury.)

However I whipped the socks off very quickly and noticed almost immediately a lot of difference in the way I sleep. I don’t get so hot and my circulation in my feet seems better!

I even prepared tea and scones for my doctor. I clearly thought I was in an episode of Downton Abbey or delirious from my fever!

I was playing Mozart when the doctor arrived I kid you not and he thought it was wonderful.

We discussed at length Mozart’s Symphony No 41 in C major which is what I was playing, and my cold for about five minutes.

Speaking of Mozart and tea and scones, Morning Tea will be served at Melbourne Recital Centre on Wednesday May 30 from 10.45am prior to a wonderful concert at 11.30am called Symphony of the Gods – Mostly Mozart. I will be there.

It is bound to be a glorious morning. Mozart’s last symphony is his greatest – a culmination of his intelligence, musical genius and virtuosity presented on the grandest of scales.

With its shifting moods of jovial good humour and driving energy. It’s no wonder that this symphony was nicknamed after the king of the gods.

Mozart’s Olympian powers of creation reach their peak in a finale where melodies ecstatically intertwine in masterly polyphony.

The ‘Paganini of the Double Bass’ 19th century virtuoso Giovanni Bottesini composed prolifically for his instrument, including three concerti which elegantly show just how graceful and fleet-footed this giant can be.

And there’s no finer curtain-raiser than Rossini’s buoyant overture for his farcical Barber.

Tickets $35 ($26 concessions and seniors) Three concert subscription packages available.

Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre, Orchestra Victoria and The Australian National Academy of Music.

Bookings melbournerecital.com.au or phone 9699 3333.

Minuscule

New DVD

● Flip Shelton

■ Jane Rutter, internationally acclaimed flautist (or flutist), is making a personal appearance at Readings on Thursday May 31 from 6pm.

Jane is celebrating the release of a new album and DVD, An Australian In Paris.

Using French poetry and other own anecdotes, Jane relates her experiences in this beautiful, romantic city along with talents of many other artists, writers and musicians

Di Rolle is one of this city’s leading publicists.

Every week Di brings news of latest events ... and the people in the news.

● Jane Rutter

■ Every week night before the ABC1 News service at 7pm, I have become hooked by Minuscule.

I have now introduced my sister to it and she thinks it’s fantastic as does her dog.

Minuscule is the private life of insects – it’s a French made series of short video animations giving a ‘bird’s eye view of insects’ day to day existence.

Turn to Page 15

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 11

Melbourne People 10 Years of The Laramie Project. The Arts Centre.

● Joy FM presenter Glen Hosking and Wayne Paul

● Performer Rosie Traynor, director Gary Abrahams, Hester van der Vyver

● Performer Breett Ludeman and set designer Rob Sowinski

● Carl Katter and Luke Gaha

Midnight Son. World Premiere. Malthouse Theatre.

Photos: Sue Deenim

● Byron Watson with Nicki Wendt at Midnight Son

● Stasia Raft with Sally Freud

● Deborah McInnes and Melissa Jackson at Midnight Son

● Clive Scott and Terence Murphy at the Malthouse Theatre

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne People

Feature Story: Mrs Mignon Roberts 10 Year Anniversary at Centennial Lodge, Wantirna

● Jenny Rule, Lifestyle Program Manager at Centennial Lodge, with 10year resident Mignon Roberts and Mignon’s daughter, Cassandra O"Brien

● Mrs Mignon Roberts ■ Mrs Mignon Roberts (nee Manzini) this week celebrates her 10-year anniversary of living at Royal Freemasons Centennial Lodge Nursing Home, Wantirna, with her daughter Cassandra, son-in-law Leonard, and the staff and residents of the home.

Mignon went to live at the home in May 2002 after developing early symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, a form of dementia.

Mignon and her twin brother Othello were born three months premature on January 15, 1921, during a cold European winter in the then-Adriatic port of Fiume, which was a free state, and subsequently became part of Italy.

This is now known as Rijeka, which became part of Croatia. The new-born children survived by being wrapped in cotton wol to form a makeshift humidicrib.

Mignon migrated to Australia with her brother and parents, Giovanni and Amalia, in 1929.

As this was during the Depression, time were tough.

Mignon’s mother Amalia took in sewing and established herself as a dressmaker while Mignon helped by learning to finish of garments.

Although she was interested in fashion, Mignon was better as a sales girl than at sewing.

Mignon demonstrated talent on the piano and in singing.

She would be asked to participate at small neighbourhood concerts. Mignon was also quite good at drawing and attended drawing classes for a while.

She married the boy-next-door (literally), Joseph. He passed away in 1955, leaving Mignon a widow at the age of 34, with an only daughter, Cassandra, aged two.

Mignon movede in to stay with her parents at this stage.

Mignon was a homemaker and a carer for the rest of her life and did not go out to work.

Her father passed away at the age of 75 and her mother passed away at the age of 99.

Her daughter Cassandra recalls that her friends remember Mignon’s generosity and the big spreads that she would put on if visitors arrived.

Mignon has survived many changes and challenges in her life, including those associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. She is well settled at Centennial zLodge and enjoys many activities in the home.

Cassandra says: “The music therapy has proved wonderful and she has access to a gtreat deal of this. The therapy helps calm Mignon and can trigger memories. It makes her feel safe.”

Staff observe: “She can still hum and sing to some of her favourite songs and melodies from her past.”

Cassandra feels there is a great deal of negativity concerning nursing homes which must be dispelled.

“Despite Alzheimer’s, Mignon has retained her dignity and is still treated as a human being. This, I see, as the highlight of Mignon’s stay at Centennial Lodge and is brought about by staff who not only care for her in the nursing sense of the word, but go far beyond this by making a home for Mignon.

“A home is where one feels safe and secure and where oen is loved and cared for in the true sense of the word.

“This takes time and efort and the time put into creating a home cannot be measured in our modern way of charts, graphs and flow diagrams.

“Kindness, compassion, being given a sense of belonging and concern are what human beings thrive on, and this cannot be forgotten.

“I don’t consider that Mignon is in a nursing home, but rather, that she is indeed, at home,” Cassandra said.

● Ann Martin, Registered Music Therapist

● Debbie Beal, Executive Operations Eastern, at the 10 year celebration for Mignon Roberts

● Marie Garcia, Facility Manager

● Co-resident Gizella Waingent dancing with Jenny Rule, Lifestyle Manger

● Mignon Roberts with Kathleen Anderson-Sach, Nursing Staff Member

● Therapist Ann Martin with Raleigh Dementia Unit resident Dorothy Taylor

● Mignon Roberts with her daughter Cassandra O’Brien

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 13

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Order by June 6 2012 to get 20% OFF + FREE Gutter Clean*

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 15

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

Theatre Briefs

LOOKING AFTER SICK ANIMALS

Playing Miss Havisham

■ What happened to the beautiful Indian summers we were having?

It was pure bliss sitting in the mild sunshine and soaking up the Vitamin D. Then all of a sudden we are into winter mode.

Soups and comfort food that cuddles from the inside have become a way of life.

We also started to take notice of the television ads that told us to ‘tissue, bin and wash our hands ‘ to stop winter colds from spreading.

My husband has had his flu shot, and I’m due to receive mine next week, but what do you do to stop your cat from coming down with the sneezes?

Taking care of Moosh

■ It’s been a hectic week with my cat Moosh, who has taken to our bed with feline flu and expects round the clock attention 24/7.

I don’t think a human could be more demanding, but as he’s part of the family and thinks he is human, he expects the same level of attention, if not more!

It’s important that you be alert if your cat stops eating because they can go downhill very quickly.

I had to ensure that his food smelt enticing, so it was sardines, prawns, and a dash of cream to finish off preferably being fed to him in minute pieces. I didn’t mind as long as he kept eating.

The Vet, of course, gave him a shot, and I’ve been putting Vegemite on his paw so that he’s getting Vitamin B as he licks it off.

Important to have shots

■ Moosh is getting on a bit, not quite the Chelsea pensioner stage, but his memory is going and so a cold is a serious matter.

For us humans, the doctors are telling us that it could be the year they have been expecting and fearing when the flu virus will be the strain that will make us very, very ill, so it’s important that we have our flu shots.

I just wish there was something for animals. Sometimes they are forgotten in the scheme of things.

With the exception of a couple of my friends, the rest all have pets that are part of the family.

Tall dark strangers

■ I can still hear Nana telling us about the Spanish Flu epidemic in the 1920s. Grandfather McLeod disappeared for nearly a week and was found desperately ill in the emergency hospital in the Exhibition Buildings after collapsing in Collins St. We still have the Red Cross letter notifying her where he was.

It was worldwide epidemic and nearly 20 million died.

I feel sorry for those people who, for reasons known only to themselves, just don’t like animals. They can’t accept that pets can be good for their owners’ health.

Dogs can lower your blood pressure because they demand to be taken for walks, and if a dog accompanies Melbourne

Observer

Yvonne’s Column

with a white shirtfront and matching boots.

His eyebrows went every which away and gave him the look of an elderly academic. His whiskers were very handsome and huge. But his tail which he carried erect like a plume was his crowning glory.

Visitors, especially tradesmen, regularly ignored our warning not to pat him no matter how appealing and friendly he looked. It was all a feline ruse. In a second, their hand was in his mouth and if we didn’t grab him quickly enough, he’d bring his back feet into play.

Wrong side of blanket ■ To use a Victorian phrase, Hamish was born on the wrong side of the blanket. His mother strayed one moonlit night and Hamish was the result.

He lived to a good age and nothing happened in the street that Hamish didn’t know about. Dogs were very wary of passing our front gate because they had been assailed by the black terror once before.

He is buried in our front garden in the spot where he used to go each day to sit and plot. I throw him a greeting when I pass by to collect the mail. To mark the spot we have placed an interesting statue just in case the gardener forgets where he rests. with Yvonne Lawrence Many readers won’t believe that I have resisted movyvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com ing house and at one stage moving overseas because all my animals have their own little burial plots in our garyou, you don’t have to pretend you are training for a mara- dens. thon.

That tall dark stranger you meet on the way who stops to admire your canine, may strike up a friendly conversation and then, who knows?

■ Kerry Kulkens presented me with a memorial stone with Hamish’s details in gold on his demise.

I don’t know any animal lover who didn’t shed a tear when Bambi’s mother was shot. Of course I cried buck■ Dogs do wonders for the elderly when they pay a visit ets, but I actually talked to a man who can’t stand animals, no matter how cute. If they have four legs he isn’t to nursing homes.

I am so pleased that many doctors agree that the pres- interested. ence of a pet may partly balance the negativity of social It takes all sorts I suppose, but animals do have an isolation and depression. Animals have a place in nurs- important place in our lives. ing.

If you want to read about how we Aussies love our Even people with severe dementia, or those who have dogs read the wonderful story of ‘Horrie The Wog memory problems and are almost too frail to become Dog’, and how he befriended a group of diggers in the involved with anything around them, when confronted with Middle East. a friendly dog can still be filled with the joy of living The story of how they smuggled him home to Ausagain. tralia in a backpack when they returned home is a wonWhere would we be without Guide Dogs? Seizure- derful story in its self. alert dogs and those wonderful hard-working dogs, which Unfortunately bureaucracy reared its ugly head, when scamper through the customs hall looking for contraband? somebody blabbed. But you’ll have to read the book to Start a group of friends talking about their pets and the find out the final outcome. conversation never lags. We all like to talk about our I still think that war animals such as the hundreds of faithful companions, and those special pets that we had thousands of horses that perished during the First World as children.

War should be remembered on ANZAC Day. And never let us forget Simpson and his donkey.

Our patient is slowly recovering due to our around the clock nursing. He’s really keeping us on our toes and ■ I often talk about Hamish, the cat from hell. He besides it gives us a warm feeling inside.

- Yvonne became a part of my radio programme and listeners ofContact: Melbourne Observer, ten remind me of his antics.

P.O. Box 1278, Research. 3095 Hamish was a very handsome black Persian cat

Important in our lives

Faithful companions

Hamish, cat from Hell

● Helen Moulder is Claudia in Playing Miss Havisham ■ As part of National Year of Reading celebrations, Willow Productions presents Playing Miss Havisham on Friday, June 8 at 7pm at the Beaumaris Small Hall, Community Centre, 96 Reserve Rd, Beaumaris.

Fe a t u r i n g Helen Moulder as Claudia, this one woman performance complete with wedding dress and cobwebs, is directed by Sue Rider.

Piano music has been recorded by Richard Mapp.

Claudia is keen to audition for the role of Miss Havisham as she sees it as an escape from her humdrum existence.

While preparing for the role, Claudia finds her own life takes on the twists and turns of a Dickens novel as playing Miss Havisham unfolds with mystery, music and surprise.$10 per person. Bookings: www.tr y booking.com/ 22474

Di Rolle’s Column

● From Page 10 ■ Minuscule is distorted through a burlesque, yet poetic lens. The characters are computer-modelled in 3D and set against natural scenery.

Each animation has a self-contained and usually humorous storyline.

The audio is a combination of genuine insect and ambient recordings with artificial sound effects.

It is a joy to watch, it runs for 3-4 minutes each week night just prior to the news. It’s a must for me at the end of the day.

Melbourne v Sydney ■ The Sydney Melbourne rivalry has long intrigued me as it does most Melburnians. I was even sent an email asking who was the Arts Capital of Australia: Sydney or Melbourne?

I, of course, and replied without skipping a beat, “Melbourne of course” and gave a thousand reasons.

So I was most intrigued when I heard about the Mental Health Research Institute 2012

Culinary Charity Challenge Event – Sydney vs Melbourne.

The Mental Health Research Institute Charity Culinary Challenge will see three of the top chefs from Melbourne and Sydney come head to head to battle it out to win ‘best food city’ at an exclusive event at Palladium at Crown on Friday August 17, at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. I think this sounds marvellous.

The concept imitates the International Bocuse d’Or with two celebrity chefs and one pastry chef from each city forming the competing teams.

All competitors must be minimum one hat chefs in the Melbourne or Sydney Good Food Guides.

Master of ceremonies will be Paul Mercurio.

Peter Gilmore (Quay) is the Sydney team captain and Andrew McConnell (Cutler & Co) is the Melbourne team captain.

Guests on the night can watch these celebrity chefs prepare entrée, main course and dessert for the judges before enjoying each course themselves.

The competitors will be judged by elite chefs and top food critics including Jill Dupleix and

Terry Durack. Guests will also have the opportunity to judge, via an electronic voting system.

And they will have the opportunity to bid on an exceptional line up of exclusive auction prizes, many of which cannot be bought.

This fabulous night of entertainment is available for with VIP tables at $6500, other tables at $5000 and seat tickets at $500 pp.

The Mental Health Research Institute (MHRI) is dedicated to improving the lives of one in five Australians who experience a mental illness each year, and people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

As Australia’s largest independent psychiatric research centre, they use neuroscience and clinical research to find better ways to diagnose, treat and ultimately, prevent or cure illnesses ranging from depression and schizophrenia to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s.

Five of the world’s 10 leading causes of disability are related to mental illness. In Australia, mental disorders contribute to more than 29 per cent of the disease burden and account for 10 per cent of health system costs.

However, mental health research receives less

than 9 per cent of funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

The personal cost of these illnesses to families is massive – in both monetary and emotional terms. Mental illness can cause dramatic reductions in a person’s ability to function. People with a mental illness average three days “out of role” per month. (that is, not undertaking normal activities because of a health problem) compared to one day for those without.

I think this is an important event and I will be supporting it. Bookings now at mhri@ perfectevents.com.au or phone 9384 1190.

Early bird discounts available. Visit website www.mhri.edu.au

Where do you get it?

■ Flip Shelton’s five-grain porridge is $14.40 RRP and can be purchased on line at www.flipsmuesli.com.au or stockists including Delicatess, Prahran Market, Leo’s Hartwell and Kew, Passionfoods South Melbourne and iRevive Toorak.

More info on website. I’m off now to make a bowl with a cup of tea.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

The Best Columnists

GHOST STORIES

Catering Gets Wheel

Our Doors are Open!

Freemasons and SEAVIC Lodge assist local community service

● Vaughan Werner, immediate past Grand Master; Frank Fordyce; Allan Paull; Keith Thornton; Graham Falherty; (partly obscured) Stuart Thompson; and Frank Cresia of Waverley Industries at the cheque ceremony. .

The initiative of Right Worshipful Bro. Keith Thornton had Freemasons Victoria SEAVIC Lodge's 2011-12 charity efforts realised with the presentation of a cheque to the executive director of Waverley Industries, Frank Cresia.

Waverley Industries Limited is a Notting Hill based not-for-profit Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE) which provides job opportunities and supported employment for people with disabilities in the City of Monash and the City of Casey.

Assisted by Freemasons Victoria's Board of Benevolence, the president Very Woirshipful Bro. Frank Fordyce, members of SEAVIC Lodge and other Freemasons were in attendance at the cheque-giving ceremony to show support for this worthy charity.

Most Worshipful Bro. Vaughan Werner, the immediate Past Grand Master of Freemasons Victoria was in attendance and presented the cheque to Frank for $27,300 to warm applause and appreciation.

"This generous donation has enabled Waverley Industries to purchase a smaller van for WI Catering, the catering arm of our business, which will allow existing employees with a disability to drive with confidence and safety, in meeting the increased demand for our quality food," says Frank.

WI Catering began in June 2008 and Frank says Waverley Industries has been fortunate to have five-star chef Eric Roulston, on board as the hospitality manager and head chef and has a wealth of hospitality experience obtained over 20 years in the industry.

As WI Catering experienced rapid business growth, Frank quickly realised that one van was no longer able to meet the demand in deliveries.

Using private vehicles for deliveries was an inappropriate practice that could have put Waverley Industries ISO 9001 accreditation at risk of losing it completely.

The new van, which has already been purchased, is equipped to meet all of the HACCP Quality Assurance requirements, ensuring Waverley Industries will continue to remain a compliant and quality business that provides challenging and rewarding work to people with disabilities.

"We have already established a large customer base, providing our customers with all of their food and beverage catering needs at a competitive price, delivered to their doorstep," says Frank. No catering requirement is too small, and we are experienced in catering for large functions. As well as offering free delivery, we are also able to offer dining facilities for your functions at Waverley Industries.

To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, or attend upcoming public events, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or 'Like' our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ freemasonsvic for the most up to date information.

■ Winter Ghost Tours are being presented at Black Rock House on Wednesday, June 13 and August 8 at 7.45pm at 34 Ebden Ave, Black Rock.

This is a fascinating way to learn about people who lived and worked at this historical property, built in 1856 as a seaside holiday residence for Victoria’s first AuditorGeneral, Charles Hotson Ebden.

Ghostly stories can be shared afterwards over tea/coffee/biscuits. Suitable 18 years and over.

Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

Cost: $20 per person, includes tour and refreshments.

Bookings: www.black rock house.org.au Enquiries: 0411 096 433.

Here’s news

● Warren Buffett ■ US multi-billionaire Warren Buffett shares my passion for local newspapers, an industry which the doomsayers say is on its last legs.

Buffett last week put his money where his belief is, and paid $142 million for 63 local papers, most with circulations ranging from 5000 to 25,000.About $2 million each.

“Like any of his deals, this is all about money,” says US commentator Jeff John Roberts.

Buffett puts it this way: “In towns and cities where there is a strong sense of community, there is no more important institution than the local paper.”

St Kilda Film Festival ■ As the Melbourne Observer went to press last night (Tues.), the opening of the St Kilda Fim Festival was taking place at the Palais Theatre.

We plan to have coverage of this in next week’s edition ... when it will be time to be at the opening of Annie at the Regent.

Melbourne

People Mr Jim Ure

● David Dodd and Ruth Ewart invite visitors down into the Black Rock House cellar by torchlight during the Ghost Tours on June 13 and August 8.

Photo: Malcolm Threadgold

Long Shots

editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au

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”

Observer Treasury Thought For The Week ■ “Look for the ridiculous in everything and you find it.”

- Jules Renard

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Only the winners decide what were war crimes.”

- Gary Wills

● Jim Ure ■ In our days of publishing country newspapers, our Seymour Chronicle involvement saw us in touch with local politician and leader, Jim Ure. Jim passed away on May 10 at his Seymour home, and a service was held last Thursday at Kings Park, home of the Seymour Football Club, of which he had been President.

Jim had been a leader in many areas of community life. He had been a Shire President and Councillor. He had been a Water Board Chairman.

Jim was a Life Member of the Goulburn Valley Football League, and also the Yarra Valley and Mountain District Football League.

He had been President and Chief Executive of the VFU Players Accident Fund Friendly Society.

Jim, aged 80 at the time of his passing, had been a faithful member of the Australian Labor Party for 40 years, and had stood as a candidate for the State seat of Benalla in 1982.

His wife, Faye - whom he married in 1955 - shared his social conscience, and she worked hard for the ALP, and also served as a President of the Shire of Mitchell.

Jim Ure started his life at Forrest, and his father Arthur’s job tok the family to locations including Taggerty, Acheron and Bendigo.

Jim worked at Mansfield, then Melbourne, trying out for the Carlton Under 19s. He also worked at Bendigo and Healesville, as a truck, bus and taxi driver. He became a representative for AMP Insurance, and was offered a promotion to Seymour.

Jim Ure was a tough local politician; his family termed it “dyed-in-the-wool”. Wife Faye told the Seymour Telegraph last week: “He was the only Labor bloke on Council in those days. They were mostly farmers, but they all worked together. He had a social conscience and an interest in the town and was generous with his time.”

Jim Ure is survived by wife Faye, brothers Bob and Ron, sister Annette, sons Wes, Carl and Andrew, daughter Sally, 11 grandchildren and greatgranddaughter Charlotte.

Text For The Week ■ “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

- Ecclesiastes 1:14

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COURT REPORTS Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Melbourne Observer shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt or innocence should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.

● Jim Ure in the news in 1977

Free reader ads are available in the Melbourne Trader section of the ‘Melbourne Observer’

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 17

Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

■ I recently watched a television telemovie on the life of Hattie Jacques and I realised that I knew absolutely nothing about the private life of one of my favourite British comediennes.

Hattie would ‘send herself up’ to get a laugh and became a world famous British character actress.

Josephine Edwina Jacques was born in Kent, England, in 1922. Her father was a RAF pilot who died in a plane crash 18 months after Josephine was born.

Her mother was a non-professional actress and her brother an artist. When Josephine left school she trained as a hairdresser. She worked as Red Cross nurse during the war years and then as an arc welder in a North London factory.

Josephine began acting in local stage shows and then got into professional productions in London.

During a Minstrel Show she was in ‘black face’ and was compared to American actress Hattie McDaniel from Gone With The Wind the nickname stuck and she became Hattie Jacques.

Because of her size Hattie soon learned that it was better to have people laugh along with her - rather than at her.

In 1947 she joined the cast of the comedy radio series ITMA which starred Tommy Handley.

Later that year she made her first screen appearance at Ealing Studios in The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

Hattie Jacques

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM In 1949 she married fellow actor John Le Mesurier (Dad's Army) and they had two sons.

Hattie worked in many films and radio shows during the early 1950s.

In 1956 she became a cast member of the radio series Hancock's Half Hour and then played parts in Tony's television shows.

Hattie also did a lot of work with comedian Eric Sykes in television productions. She was also a very fine singer and sang in pantomimes and musicals.

The successful series of Carry On films began in 1958 with Carry On Sergeant and Hattie became a regular member of the team at Ealing Studios.

She played matrons, officers, dowagers and

● Hattie Jacques all types of characters whilst acting opposite Syd James, Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, Barbara Windsor and many others in the popular comedy films.

Her film credits included The Pickwick Papers, School For Scandal, The Punch And Judy Man and The Night We Dropped A Clanger.

In 1963 Hattie was shocked to be suddenly handed ‘the red book’ to become the subject of a television episode of This Is Your Life.

Her hobbies included collecting records, old theatre programs and Victoriana.

Her marriage to John LeMesuier broke up in 1967 when found romance with another man.

She remained friends with John until her death of a sudden heart attack in 1980.

The life of Hattie Jacques is detailed in the

book, Hattie - An Authorised Biography and a telemovie starring Ruth Jones as Hattie was shown on cable television earlier this year.

The telemovie was criticised by her dear friend Eric Sykes. On researching Hattie Jacques there is no doubt that she was loved and respected by her friends and family.

Eric Sykes said of his dear friend: "She was one of the very best." Referring to their first meeting on the Educating Archie Radio Show he said, "I knew from that one performance that she was a natural."

Her ex-husband John Le Mesurier said of her: "We always remained affectionate friends. She was a kindly, wonderful woman who would help anybody."

Peter Rogers, producer of the Carry On series remembered how she would sit on the set doing The Times crossword when members of the cast would come over to her and unburden themselves of their problems.

"Hattie would listen carefully and dispense her advice. She was the Mother Superior of the Carry On family."

- Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12 Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet.

To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.

ALICE SPRINGS: IT’S OUT OF CONTROL

■ I've just come across the ideal business opportunity for an energetic and adventurous couple!

It's called Stuart Well, and it's 90 kms south of Alice Springs, and it's the home of Dinky, the world-famous singing dingo!

And it's up for sale.

Jim Cotterill initially called it ‘Jim's Place’, but bureaucracy wouldn't put up a roadside sign at Erldunda officially announcing ‘Jim's Place 90 kms’, so he needed to find a more ‘appropriate’ name.

This took a couple of years' searching through old maps, then getting permission for ‘naming rights’ from the Aboriginal departments and interminable bureaucrats.

A while later Dinky turned up, and shortly thereafter began his warbling activities. He stands up at an old piano and walks along the keys, happily howling as he goes.

Of course TV crews come from all over the world to film the Rock and other ancillary wonders, so Dinky is known far and wide, and he's all over You Tube.

Not only is there Jim's Place with its camping ground and general wildlife menagerie, but the settlement boasts other business ventures, including a camel farm with desert expeditions and a mini-dairy with camel milk shakes and ice cream. Yum! What an opportunity!

■ Poor old Alice is not thriving at the moment.

There's a general tourism downturn Australia-wide, and this is particularly noticeable in the Territory.

Combined with this there's the current spate of ‘anti-social’ behaviour, from the Yuendumu scalping to the backpacker assault, and this has been receiving much publicity all over Australia.

Everyone in town - Police, politicians, councillors - have all been having their say, bemoaning the situation.

A meeting of the Combined Aboriginal Organisations, hosted by the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress has been called. This is the umbrella for 18 Aboriginal bodies in town.

It is interesting that in the past recalcitrant groups and individuals have rarely been specifically identified.

Sometimes an offender was merely noted as being ‘of Aboriginal appearance’.

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au However with the recent gunpoint rape of the two European backpackers, a new reporting benchmark was created.

This news not only spread Australia-wide, starting with the ABC, which is usually quieter on such matters, but the headlines screamed all over the world.

This time it was specifically reported that ‘three Aboriginal youths were being sought’ in connection with the crime.

Once when it would have been subtly reported that their stolen car had been located dumped at the Hermannsburg Aboriginal settlement, everyone could have worked out their story.

Not now. The gloves are off.

■ And now, to add insult to injury, there's the taxi situation.

I noted a couple of weeks ago that my mate Samih, who runs a cab company in town, had threatened to withdraw his vehicles from the roads because of the damage they were experiencing.

It's now got worse.

Taxis are innocently driving into the Imparja TV car park to pick up customers, and are then ambushed by gangs who form a barricade with rubbish bins, trapping the vehicle inside.

They are then attacked with rocks.

Another taxi operator, Jason Moody, told that he's had about $15,000 damage to his vehicles over the past few months.

Indeed, things are out of control.

■ And then there's Darwin!

A driver was apprehended by Police last week after he crashed his car.

It turned out that it was stolen, and he was already on bail for a recent similar offence.

He was 10!

Then there was another group of children, including again two 10 yearolds, who had also stolen a van and crashed it.

And further, there was 95 year-old Douglas Pyne, who was reported missing from the caravan park where he was staying.

He turned up safe and sound - in the pub!

Which reminded me of another fellow, Hammo, a few years ago who was determined to leave Darwin just prior to Christmas, and move south.

He'd had the same plan for three years - save up during the year for the trip - fuel and food and accomodation.

He'd reached Katherine on each occasion, then gone into the pub for a Christmas drink.

Of course the inevitable happened, and he stayed in the pub till his travelling money ran out, and then limped back to Darwin. Three years in a row!

The last time he wasn't tempting fate - so he sold his car and hopped on a plane!

■ When I'm not roaming about the Outback, I often spend time on some land at Wombat, just out of Boisdale, in the wilds of Gippsland.

I derive a great deal of pleasure from this spot.

I once showed my outback mate Ozzie a photo of my block, 30 acres of virgin bush fronting about a kilometre of the Avon River - actually a creek, with crystal clear foot - deep water gently flowing over millennium smoothed rocks and boulders, with an occasional deeper sparkling pool.

Ozzie told me he often dreamed of such a place as he was toiling in the scorching summer heat of the Centre's

● Dinky at Erldunda desert sand! I also derive pleasure from a pursuit which I've previously mentioned - cryptozoology - the investigation of creatures which either supposedly don't exist, or are supposedly extinct.

At Wombat there is ample scope for this ‘hobby’.

There are often reports of big black

and brown, cats, the size of Panthers or Cougars, roaming through the bush; Thylacines as well. Usually in headlights' glare, or galloping around a distant paddock.

Plus an even more interesting creature - a Thylacine with a feline, as opposed to a canine, face.

Wombat has all of these, so I always keep my eyes peeled whenever I'm in the vicinity.

Even though I've seen plenty of wallabies, kangaroos, emus hares and wombats, nary any unknown creatures.

Until yesterday.

I was relaxing in the afternoon sun in front of my campfire, when a distinctive snarl came from the scrub down by the river.

The only time I've heard that noise before was on TV, coming from a bossy Tasmanian Devil. But they, like Tassie tigers, don't exist on the mainland!

A mystery indeed!

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

From The Outer

Melbourne

Observer

kojak@ mmnet.com.au

With John Pasquarelli

■ The Gillard Greek-style cargo cult handouts to certain sectors of the Australian community is bad news for an Abbott Government which will have to waste valuable time repairing the mess that the worst Labor Government in history has placed us in.

The election will see the left-wing unions throwing every dollar they have into the campaign - money from the pockets of all union members and the nutty Greens will be there in force with all the other usual suspects.

Abbott will need some hardheads to stand with him and preselections are crucially important for the obvious reasons.

The Coalition has been weakened over the years by the creation of the cult of the apparatchik - those who still think they are playing at undergrad politics and have never had a real job - have never employed another person out of their own pockets and have never got off the bitumen.

Coalition MPs have to wake up and determine to resurrect the once high standing enjoyed by most politicians and they can do this best by really getting out and about and listening to the people as well as doing their homework.

We don't want to hear pollies telling us how hard they work.

- John Pasquarelli: kojak@mmnet.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 19

Melbourne Seniors News

W: www.goldcarelifestylevillage.com.au Goldcare Pakenham Lifestyle Village www.goldcare.net.au Add: 100 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham 3810

Page 20 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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Melbourne Seniors News

Twins Parks Village Boutique Retirement Living in Preston

Cnr Davis St & Tyler St, Preston 3072 Telephone: 8470 9888 or 0425 881 424 (Philip) E-Mail: tpacc@bigpond.net.au

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 21

Melbourne Homemaker

Page 22 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Melbourne Homemaker

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 23

Melbourne Homemaker

Page 24 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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Observer Alarm Australia

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 25

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Page 26 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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Country Living Beautify your property â– With the "Green Change" well underway "country Australia" is experiencing an influx of new residents keen to enjoy the rural lifestyle and surrounds. As a result acreage properties are being bought and sold in large numbers by people from non-rural backgrounds. Beautiful Farms was born out of a need for the advice and the means to create attractive, practical and valuable rural properties and acreages. We do the work while you enjoy the lifestyle.

Mark Salmond - Beautiful Farm's founder has spent 30 years in the landscaping, farming and consulting sectors and is ideally placed to advise and guide you with your design and or construction .This experience means your needs and those of your property are addressed in a professional, practical and stylish manner.

A Bachelor of Agriculture and practical farming experience in New Zealand, South Africa and Australia means Beautiful Farms also offers advice on farm management.

So how do you beautify your property?

1. You start with a plan. Too many properties have been developed with too little thought and no overall plan. As a result they look "bitsy", are not always practical and often unattractive. Develop a plan which takes into consideration your goals, your properties strengths and weaknesses, your budget and one that is potentially attractive to others.

2. The clean-up. This is a step too many people are hesitant about to their properties long term detriment. In most cases "if in doubt get rid of it" is the best policy. Old structures and poorly thought out layouts need to go. Keep only what is in good repair and only if it fits in with your plan from point 1 above. NB. The other good thing about a clean up is that it allows you to see what you have got more clearly. At the end of the clean up stage you should revisit your overall plan again to make sure it does not need refining.

3. Clear your property of weeds. The clean up is an ideal time to get on top of any weeds you might have. Typically at the clean-up stage, you will have machinery involved so it makes sense to have this machinery clear your lantana, groundsel, camphor laurel etc. Doing it this way means you then have a sporting chance of staying on top of the weeds with good management.

The number of owners of properties who spend all weekend fighting a losing battle against weeds (whilst spending no time enjoying the "lifestyle)" is considerable.

4. Grass - gardens and trees - or weeds. It is vital once you have cleaned up your property that you know what to do next - and do it fast. You must put cleared areas into grass or garden (trees). Bare areas of dirt will simply revert to weeds. A good rule of thumb is if you cannot safely graze or slash it then it is best in gardens or trees. This can mean anything from a beautiful garden, a screen planting to hide a neighbouring property, a rainforest feature or even a plot of plantation timber.

5. Fencing and an accompanying management plan. Typically acreages and farms need grazing as well as mowing or slashing.

The management of your pastures is too big a subject to handle here, suffice to say you need paddocks and fences that will allow you and your stock to keep your grass and weeds under control. A rotational grazing policy is simple and effective but will only work if your fences are up to it.

6. Water. Water can turn an ordinary property into a beautiful one. It is obviously vital to any farm or acreage from a practical point of view as well. Look to enhance your property's appeal by making the most of what water you have or developing new water features. This can mean cleaning or repairing old dams, constructing new dams or clearing weeds from a creek.

7. Features. Once you have the basics in place you can then look to add features such as more water which was mentioned above, tracks and walk ways, gardens, bridges, decorative fences, horse arenas and stables......

The improvements possible on a farm or acreage are endless, and often quite spectacular. So don't let a lack of time, energy or ideas prevent your property from reaching its full potential.

For more information visit our website at www.beautifulfarms.com.au Mark Salmond B Agr. MBA

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 27, 2012 - Page 27

Observer Classic Books

r

e rv S se U N Ob N IO BO CT SE

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Pride and Prejudice CHAPTER 49 - continued

Away ran the girls, too eager to get in to have time for speech. They ran through the vestibule into the breakfast-room; from thence to the library; their father was in neither; and they were on the point of seeking him upstairs with their mother, when they were met by the butler, who said: “If you are looking for my master, ma’am, he is walking towards the little copse.”

Upon this information, they instantly passed through the hall once more, and ran across the lawn after their father, who was deliberately pursuing his way towards a small wood on one side of the paddock.

Jane, who was not so light nor so much in the habit of running as Elizabeth, soon lagged behind, while her sister, panting for breath, came up with him, and eagerly cried out: “Oh, papa, what news — what news? Have you heard from my uncle?”

“Yes I have had a letter from him by express.”

“Well, and what news does it bring — good or bad?”

“What is there of good to be expected?” said he, taking the letter from his pocket. “But perhaps you would like to read it.”

Elizabeth impatiently caught it from his hand. Jane now came up.

“Read it aloud,” said their father, “for I hardly know myself what it is about.”

“Gracechurch Street, Monday, August 2.

“MY DEAR BROTHER, “At last I am able to send you some tidings of my niece, and such as, upon the whole, I hope it will give you satisfaction. Soon after you left me on Saturday, I was fortunate enough to find out in what part of London they were. The particulars I reserve till we meet; it is enough to know they are discovered. I have seen them both —” “Then it is as I always hoped,” cried Jane; “they are married!”

Elizabeth read on: “I have seen them both. They are not married, nor can I find there was any intention of being so; but if you are willing to perform the engagements which I have ventured to make on your side, I hope it will not be long before they are. All that is required of you is, to assure to your daughter, by settlement, her equal share of the five thousand pounds secured among your children after the decease of yourself and my sister; and, moreover, to enter into an engagement of allowing her, during your life, one hundred pounds per annum. These are conditions which, considering everything, I had no hesitation in complying with, as far as I thought myself privileged, for you. I shall send this by express, that no time may be lost in bringing me your answer. You will easily comprehend, from these particulars, that Mr. Wickham’s circumstances are not so hopeless as they are generally believed to be. The world has been deceived in that respect; and I am happy to say there will be some little money, even when all his debts are discharged, to settle on my niece, in addition to her own fortune. If, as I conclude will be the case, you send me full powers to act in your name throughout the whole of this business, I will immediately give directions to Haggerston for preparing a proper settlement. There will not be the smallest occasion for your coming to town again; therefore stay quiet at Longbourn, and depend on my diligence and care. Send back your answer as fast as you can, and be careful to write explicitly.

We have judged it best that my niece should be married from this house, of which I hope you will approve. She comes to us to-day. I shall write again as soon as anything more is determined on.

Yours, etc., “EDW. GARDINER.” “Is it possible?” cried Elizabeth, when she had finished. “Can it be possible that he will marry her?”

“Wickham is not so undeserving, then, as we thought him,” said her sister. “My dear father, I congratulate you.”

“And have you answered the letter?” cried Elizabeth.

“No; but it must be done soon.”

Most earnestly did she then entreaty him to lose no more time before he wrote.

“Oh! my dear father,” she cried, “come back and write immediately. Consider how important ev-

● Jane Austen ery moment is in such a case.”

“Let me write for you,” said Jane, “if you dislike the trouble yourself.”

“I dislike it very much,” he replied; “but it must be done.”

And so saying, he turned back with them, and walked towards the house.

“And may I ask —” said Elizabeth; “but the terms, I suppose, must be complied with.”

“Complied with! I am only ashamed of his asking so little.”

“And they MUST marry! Yet he is SUCH a man!”

“Yes, yes, they must marry. There is nothing else to be done. But there are two things that I want very much to know; one is, how much money your uncle has laid down to bring it about; and the other, how am I ever to pay him.”

“Money! My uncle!” cried Jane, “what do you mean, sir?”

“I mean, that no man in his senses would marry Lydia on so slight a temptation as one hundred a year during my life, and fifty after I am gone.”

“That is very true,” said Elizabeth; “though it had not occurred to me before. His debts to be discharged, and something still to remain! Oh! it must be my uncle’s doings! Generous, good man, I am afraid he has distressed himself. A small sum could not do all this.”

“No,” said her father; “Wickham’s a fool if he takes her with a farthing less than ten thousand pounds. I should be sorry to think so ill of him, in the very beginning of our relationship.”

“Ten thousand pounds! Heaven forbid! How is half such a sum to be repaid?”

Mr. Bennet made no answer, and each of them, deep in thought, continued silent till they reached the house. Their father then went on to the library to write, and the girls walked into the breakfastroom.

“And they are really to be married!” cried Elizabeth, as soon as they were by themselves. “How strange this is! And for THIS we are to be thankful. That they should marry, small as is their chance of happiness, and wretched as is his character, we are forced to rejoice. Oh, Lydia!”

“I comfort myself with thinking,” replied Jane, “that he certainly would not marry Lydia if he had not a real regard for her. Though our kind uncle has done something towards clearing him, I cannot believe that ten thousand pounds, or anything like it, has been advanced. He has children of his own, and may have more. How could he spare half ten thousand pounds?”

“If he were ever able to learn what Wickham’s debts have been,” said Elizabeth, “and how much is settled on his side on our sister, we shall exactly know what Mr. Gardiner has done for them, because Wickham has not sixpence of his own.

The kindness of my uncle and aunt can never be requited. Their taking her home, and affording her their personal protection and countenance, is such a sacrifice to her advantage as years of gratitude cannot enough acknowledge. By this time she is actually with them! If such goodness does not make her miserable now, she will never deserve to be happy! What a meeting for her, when she first sees my aunt!”

“We must endeavour to forget all that has passed on either side,” said Jane: “I hope and trust they will yet be happy. His consenting to marry her is a proof, I will believe, that he is come to a right way of thinking. Their mutual affection will steady them; and I flatter myself they will settle so quietly, and live in so rational a manner, as may in time make their past imprudence forgotten.”

“Their conduct has been such,” replied Elizabeth, “as neither you, nor I, nor anybody can ever forget. It is useless to talk of it.”

It now occurred to the girls that their mother was in all likelihood perfectly ignorant of what had happened. They went to the library, therefore, and asked their father whether he would not wish them to make it known to her. He was writing and, without raising his head, coolly replied: “Just as you please.”

“May we take my uncle’s letter to read to her?”

“Take whatever you like, and get away.”

Elizabeth took the letter from his writing-table, and they went upstairs together. Mary and Kitty were both with Mrs. Bennet: one communication

would, therefore, do for all. After a slight preparation for good news, the letter was read aloud.

Mrs. Bennet could hardly contain herself. As soon as Jane had read Mr. Gardiner’s hope of Lydia’s being soon married, her joy burst forth, and every following sentence added to its exuberance. She was now in an irritation as violent from delight, as she had ever been fidgety from alarm and vexation. To know that her daughter would be married was enough. She was disturbed by no fear for her felicity, nor humbled by any remembrance of her misconduct.

“My dear, dear Lydia!” she cried. “This is delightful indeed! She will be married! I shall see her again! She will be married at sixteen! My good, kind brother! I knew how it would be. I knew he would manage everything! How I long to see her! and to see dear Wickham too! But the clothes, the wedding clothes! I will write to my sister Gardiner about them directly. Lizzy, my dear, run down to your father, and ask him how much he will give her. Stay, stay, I will go myself. Ring the bell, Kitty, for Hill. I will put on my things in a moment. My dear, dear Lydia! How merry we shall be together when we meet!”

Her eldest daughter endeavoured to give some relief to the violence of these transports, by leading her thoughts to the obligations which Mr. Gardiner’s behaviour laid them all under.

“For we must attribute this happy conclusion,” she added, “in a great measure to his kindness.

We are persuaded that he has pledged himself to assist Mr. Wickham with money.”

“Well,” cried her mother, “it is all very right; who should do it but her own uncle? If he had not had a family of his own, I and my children must have had all his money, you know; and it is the first time we have ever had anything from him, except a few presents. Well! I am so happy! In a short time I shall have a daughter married. Mrs. Wickham! How well it sounds! And she was only sixteen last June. My dear Jane, I am in such a flutter, that I am sure I can’t write; so I will dictate, and you write for me. We will settle with your father about the money afterwards; but the things should be ordered immediately.”

She was then proceeding to all the particulars of calico, muslin, and cambric, and would shortly have dictated some very plentiful orders, had not Jane, though with some difficulty, persuaded her to wait till her father was at leisure to be consulted. One day’s delay, she observed, would be of small importance; and her mother was too happy to be quite so obstinate as usual. Other schemes, too, came into her head.

“I will go to Meryton,” said she, “as soon as I am dressed, and tell the good, good news to my sister Philips. And as I come back, I can call on Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long. Kitty, run down and order the carriage. An airing would do me a great deal of good, I am sure. Girls, can I do anything for you in Meryton? Oh! Here comes Hill! My dear Hill, have you heard the good news? Miss Lydia is going to be married; and you shall all have a bowl of punch to make merry at her wedding.”

Mrs. Hill began instantly to express her joy. Elizabeth received her congratulations amongst the rest, and then, sick of this folly, took refuge in her own room, that she might think with freedom.

Poor Lydia’s situation must, at best, be bad enough; but that it was no worse, she had need to be thankful. She felt it so; and though, in looking forward, neither rational happiness nor worldly prosperity could be justly expected for her sister, in looking back to what they had feared, only two hours ago, she felt all the advantages of what they had gained.

CHAPTER 50 Mr. Bennet had very often wished before this period of his life that, instead of spending his whole income, he had laid by an annual sum for the better provision of his children, and of his wife, if she survived him. He now wished it more than ever. Had he done his duty in that respect, Lydia need not have been indebted to her uncle for whatever of honour or credit could now be purchased for her. The satisfaction of prevailing on one of the most worthless young men in Great Britain to be her husband might then have rested in its proper place.

Continued on Page 28

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 27, 2012

From Page 25 He was seriously concerned that a cause of so little advantage to anyone should be forwarded at the sole expense of his brother-in-law, and he was determined, if possible, to find out the extent of his assistance, and to discharge the obligation as soon as he could.

When first Mr. Bennet had married, economy was held to be perfectly useless, for, of course, they were to have a son. The son was to join in cutting off the entail, as soon as he should be of age, and the widow and younger children would by that means be provided for. Five daughters successively entered the world, but yet the son was to come; and Mrs. Bennet, for many years after Lydia’s birth, had been certain that he would. This event had at last been despaired of, but it was then too late to be saving. Mrs. Bennet had no turn for economy, and her husband’s love of independence had alone prevented their exceeding their income.

Five thousand pounds was settled by marriage articles on Mrs. Bennet and the children. But in what proportions it should be divided amongst the latter depended on the will of the parents. This was one point, with regard to Lydia, at least, which was now to be settled, and Mr. Bennet could have no hesitation in acceding to the proposal before him. In terms of grateful acknowledgment for the kindness of his brother, though expressed most concisely, he then delivered on paper his perfect approbation of all that was done, and his willingness to fulfil the engagements that had been made for him. He had never before supposed that, could Wickham be prevailed on to marry his daughter, it would be done with so little inconvenience to himself as by the present arrangement. He would scarcely be ten pounds a year the loser by the hundred that was to be paid them; for, what with her board and pocket allowance, and the continual presents in money which passed to her through her mother’s hands, Lydia’s expenses had been very little within that sum.

That it would be done with such trifling exertion on his side, too, was another very welcome surprise; for his wish at present was to have as little trouble in the business as possible. When the first transports of rage which had produced his activity in seeking her were over, he naturally returned to all his former indolence. His letter was soon dispatched; for, though dilatory in undertaking business, he was quick in its execution. He begged to know further particulars of what he was indebted to his brother, but was too angry with Lydia to send any message to her.

The good news spread quickly through the house, and with proportionate speed through the neighbourhood. It was borne in the latter with decent philosophy. To be sure, it would have been more for the advantage of conversation had Miss Lydia Bennet come upon the town; or, as the happiest alternative, been secluded from the world, in some distant farmhouse. But there was much to be talked of in marrying her; and the good-natured wishes for her well-doing which had proceeded before from all the spiteful old ladies in Meryton lost but a little of their spirit in this change of circumstances, because with such an husband her misery was considered certain.

It was a fortnight since Mrs. Bennet had been downstairs; but on this happy day she again took her seat at the head of her table, and in spirits oppressively high. No sentiment of shame gave a damp to her triumph. The marriage of a daughter, which had been the first object of her wishes since Jane was sixteen, was now on the point of accomplishment, and her thoughts and her words ran wholly on those attendants of elegant nuptials, fine muslins, new carriages, and servants. She was busily searching through the neighbourhood for a proper situation for her daughter, and, without knowing or considering what their income might be, rejected many as deficient in size and importance.

“Haye Park might do,” said she, “if the Gouldings could quit it — or the great house at Stoke, if the drawing-room were larger; but Ashworth is too far off! I could not bear to have her ten miles from me; and as for Pulvis Lodge, the attics are dreadful.”

Her husband allowed her to talk on without interruption while the servants remained. But when they had withdrawn, he said to her: “Mrs. Bennet, before you take any or all of these houses for your son and daughter, let us come to a right understanding. Into ONE house in this neighbourhood they shall never have admittance. I will not encourage the impudence of either, by receiving them at Longbourn.”

A long dispute followed this declaration; but Mr.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Classic Books Bennet was firm. It soon led to another; and Mrs. Bennet found, with amazement and horror, that her husband would not advance a guinea to buy clothes for his daughter. He protested that she should receive from him no mark of affection whatever on the occasion. Mrs. Bennet could hardly comprehend it. That his anger could be carried to such a point of inconceivable resentment as to refuse his daughter a privilege without which her marriage would scarcely seem valid, exceeded all she could believe possible. She was more alive to the disgrace which her want of new clothes must reflect on her daughter’s nuptials, than to any sense of shame at her eloping and living with Wickham a fortnight before they took place.

Elizabeth was now most heartily sorry that she had, from the distress of the moment, been led to make Mr. Darcy acquainted with their fears for her sister; for since her marriage would so shortly give the proper termination to the elopement, they might hope to conceal its unfavourable beginning from all those who were not immediately on the spot.

She had no fear of its spreading farther through his means. There were few people on whose secrecy she would have more confidently depended; but, at the same time, there was no one whose knowledge of a sister’s frailty would have mortified her so much — not, however, from any fear of disadvantage from it individually to herself, for, at any rate, there seemed a gulf impassable between them. Had Lydia’s marriage been concluded on the most honourable terms, it was not to be supposed that Mr. Darcy would connect himself with a family where, to every other objection, would now be added an alliance and relationship of the nearest kind with a man whom he so justly scorned.

From such a connection she could not wonder that he would shrink. The wish of procuring her regard, which she had assured herself of his feeling in Derbyshire, could not in rational expectation survive such a blow as this. She was humbled, she was grieved; she repented, though she hardly knew of what. She became jealous of his esteem, when she could no longer hope to be benefited by it. She wanted to hear of him, when there seemed the least chance of gaining intelligence. She was convinced that she could have been happy with him, when it was no longer likely they should meet.

What a triumph for him, as she often thought, could he know that the proposals which she had proudly spurned only four months ago, would now have been most gladly and gratefully received! He was as generous, she doubted not, as the most generous of his sex; but while he was mortal, there must be a triumph.

She began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her. His understanding and temper, though unlike her own, would have answered all her wishes. It was an union that must have been to the advantage of both; by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been softened, his manners improved; and from his judgement, information, and knowledge of the world, she must have received benefit of greater importance.

But no such happy marriage could now teach the admiring multitude what connubial felicity really was. An union of a different tendency, and precluding the possibility of the other, was soon to be formed in their family.

How Wickham and Lydia were to be supported in tolerable independence, she could not imagine.

But how little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue, she could easily conjecture.

Mr. Gardiner soon wrote again to his brother. To Mr. Bennet’s acknowledgments he briefly replied, with assurance of his eagerness to promote the welfare of any of his family; and concluded with entreaties that the subject might never be mentioned to him again. The principal purport of his letter was to inform them that Mr. Wickham had resolved on quitting the militia.

“It was greatly my wish that he should do so,” he added, “as soon as his marriage was fixed on.

And I think you will agree with me, in considering the removal from that corps as highly advisable, both on his account and my niece’s. It is Mr. Wickham’s intention to go into the regulars; and among his former friends, there are still some who are able and willing to assist him in the army. He has the promise of an ensigncy in General ——’s regiment, now quartered in the North. It is an advantage to have it so far from this part of the kingdom. He promises fairly; and I hope among dif-

ferent people, where they may each have a character to preserve, they will both be more prudent.

I have written to Colonel Forster, to inform him of our present arrangements, and to request that he will satisfy the various creditors of Mr. Wickham in and near Brighton, with assurances of speedy payment, for which I have pledged myself. And will you give yourself the trouble of carrying similar assurances to his creditors in Meryton, of whom I shall subjoin a list according to his information? He has given in all his debts; I hope at least he has not deceived us. Haggerston has our directions, and all will be completed in a week. They will then join his regiment, unless they are first invited to Longbourn; and I understand from Mrs. Gardiner, that my niece is very desirous of seeing you all before she leaves the South. She is well, and begs to be dutifully remembered to you and your mother. — Yours, etc., “E. GARDINER.” Mr. Bennet and his daughters saw all the advantages of Wickham’s removal from the —— shire as clearly as Mr. Gardiner could do. But Mrs. Bennet was not so well pleased with it. Lydia’s being settled in the North, just when she had expected most pleasure and pride in her company, for she had by no means given up her plan of their residing in Hertfordshire, was a severe disappointment; and, besides, it was such a pity that Lydia should be taken from a regiment where she was acquainted with everybody, and had so many favourites.

“She is so fond of Mrs. Forster,” said she, “it will be quite shocking to send her away! And there are several of the young men, too, that she likes very much. The officers may not be so pleasant in General ——’s regiment.”

His daughter’s request, for such it might be considered, of being admitted into her family again before she set off for the North, received at first an absolute negative. But Jane and Elizabeth, who agreed in wishing, for the sake of their sister’s feelings and consequence, that she should be noticed on her marriage by her parents, urged him so earnestly yet so rationally and so mildly, to receive her and her husband at Longbourn, as soon as they were married, that he was prevailed on to think as they thought, and act as they wished. And their mother had the satisfaction of knowing that she would be able to show her married daughter in the neighbourhood before she was banished to the North. When Mr. Bennet wrote again to his brother, therefore, he sent his permission for them to come; and it was settled, that as soon as the ceremony was over, they should proceed to Longbourn. Elizabeth was surprised, however, that Wickham should consent to such a scheme, and had she consulted only her own inclination, any meeting with him would have been the last object of her wishes.

CHAPTER 51 Their sister’s wedding day arrived; and Jane and Elizabeth felt for her probably more than she felt for herself. The carriage was sent to meet them at — — and they were to return in it by dinnertime. Their arrival was dreaded by the elder Miss Bennets, and Jane more especially, who gave Lydia the feelings which would have attended herself, had she been the culprit, and was wretched in the thought of what her sister must endure.

They came. The family were assembled in the breakfast room to receive them. Smiles decked the face of Mrs. Bennet as the carriage drove up to the door; her husband looked impenetrably grave; her daughters, alarmed, anxious, uneasy.

Lydia’s voice was heard in the vestibule; the door was thrown open, and she ran into the room. Her mother stepped forwards, embraced her, and welcomed her with rapture; gave her hand, with an affectionate smile, to Wickham, who followed his lady; and wished them both joy with an alacrity which shewed no doubt of their happiness.

Their reception from Mr. Bennet, to whom they then turned, was not quite so cordial. His countenance rather gained in austerity; and he scarcely opened his lips. The easy assurance of the young couple, indeed, was enough to provoke him. Elizabeth was disgusted, and even Miss Bennet was shocked. Lydia was Lydia still; untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy, and fearless. She turned from sister to sister, demanding their congratulations; and when at length they all sat down, looked eagerly round the room, took notice of some little alteration in it, and observed, with a laugh, that it was a great while since she had been there.

Wickham was not at all more distressed than herself, but his manners were always so pleasing, that had his character and his marriage been ex-

actly what they ought, his smiles and his easy address, while he claimed their relationship, would have delighted them all. Elizabeth had not before believed him quite equal to such assurance; but she sat down, resolving within herself to draw no limits in future to the impudence of an impudent man. She blushed, and Jane blushed; but the cheeks of the two who caused their confusion suffered no variation of colour.

There was no want of discourse. The bride and her mother could neither of them talk fast enough; and Wickham, who happened to sit near Elizabeth, began inquiring after his acquaintance in that neighbourhood, with a good humoured ease which she felt very unable to equal in her replies. They seemed each of them to have the happiest memories in the world. Nothing of the past was recollected with pain; and Lydia led voluntarily to subjects which her sisters would not have alluded to for the world.

“Only think of its being three months,” she cried, “since I went away; it seems but a fortnight I declare; and yet there have been things enough happened in the time. Good gracious! when I went away, I am sure I had no more idea of being married till I came back again! though I thought it would be very good fun if I was.”

Her father lifted up his eyes. Jane was distressed.

Elizabeth looked expressively at Lydia; but she, who never heard nor saw anything of which she chose to be insensible, gaily continued, “Oh! mamma, do the people hereabouts know I am married to-day? I was afraid they might not; and we overtook William Goulding in his curricle, so I was determined he should know it, and so I let down the side-glass next to him, and took off my glove, and let my hand just rest upon the window frame, so that he might see the ring, and then I bowed and smiled like anything.”

Elizabeth could bear it no longer. She got up, and ran out of the room; and returned no more, till she heard them passing through the hall to the dining parlour. She then joined them soon enough to see Lydia, with anxious parade, walk up to her mother’s right hand, and hear her say to her eldest sister, “Ah! Jane, I take your place now, and you must go lower, because I am a married woman.”

It was not to be supposed that time would give Lydia that embarrassment from which she had been so wholly free at first. Her ease and good spirits increased. She longed to see Mrs. Phillips, the Lucases, and all their other neighbours, and to hear herself called “Mrs. Wickham” by each of them; and in the mean time, she went after dinner to show her ring, and boast of being married, to Mrs. Hill and the two housemaids.

“Well, mamma,” said she, when they were all returned to the breakfast room, “and what do you think of my husband? Is not he a charming man?

I am sure my sisters must all envy me. I only hope they may have half my good luck. They must all go to Brighton. That is the place to get husbands. What a pity it is, mamma, we did not all go.”

“Very true; and if I had my will, we should. But my dear Lydia, I don’t at all like your going such a way off. Must it be so?”

“Oh, lord! yes — there is nothing in that. I shall like it of all things. You and papa, and my sisters, must come down and see us. We shall be at Newcastle all the winter, and I dare say there will be some balls, and I will take care to get good partners for them all.”

“I should like it beyond anything!” said her mother.

“And then when you go away, you may leave one or two of my sisters behind you; and I dare say I shall get husbands for them before the winter is over.”

“I thank you for my share of the favour,” said Elizabeth; “but I do not particularly like your way of getting husbands.”

Their visitors were not to remain above ten days with them. Mr. Wickham had received his commission before he left London, and he was to join his regiment at the end of a fortnight.

No one but Mrs. Bennet regretted that their stay would be so short; and she made the most of the time by visiting about with her daughter, and having very frequent parties at home. These parties were acceptable to all; to avoid a family circle was even more desirable to such as did think, than such as did not.

Wickham’s affection for Lydia was just what Elizabeth had expected to find it; not equal to Lydia’s for him. She had scarcely needed her present observation to be satisfied, from the reason of things, that their elopement had been brought on by the - Continued on Page 61

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Observer Classic Books From Page 28 strength of her love, rather than by his; and she would have wondered why, without violently caring for her, he chose to elope with her at all, had she not felt certain that his flight was rendered necessary by distress of circumstances; and if that were the case, he was not the young man to resist an opportunity of having a companion.

Lydia was exceedingly fond of him. He was her dear Wickham on every occasion; no one was to be put in competition with him. He did every thing best in the world; and she was sure he would kill more birds on the first of September, than any body else in the country.

One morning, soon after their arrival, as she was sitting with her two elder sisters, she said to Elizabeth: “Lizzy, I never gave YOU an account of my wedding, I believe. You were not by, when I told mamma and the others all about it. Are not you curious to hear how it was managed?”

“No really,” replied Elizabeth; “I think there cannot be too little said on the subject.”

“La! You are so strange! But I must tell you how it went off. We were married, you know, at St. Clement’s, because Wickham’s lodgings were in that parish. And it was settled that we should all be there by eleven o’clock. My uncle and aunt and I were to go together; and the others were to meet us at the church. Well, Monday morning came, and I was in such a fuss! I was so afraid, you know, that something would happen to put it off, and then I should have gone quite distracted.

And there was my aunt, all the time I was dressing, preaching and talking away just as if she was reading a sermon. However, I did not hear above one word in ten, for I was thinking, you may suppose, of my dear Wickham. I longed to know whether he would be married in his blue coat.”

“Well, and so we breakfasted at ten as usual; I thought it would never be over; for, by the bye, you are to understand, that my uncle and aunt were horrid unpleasant all the time I was with them. If you’ll believe me, I did not once put my foot out of doors, though I was there a fortnight. Not one party, or scheme, or anything. To be sure London was rather thin, but, however, the Little Theatre was open. Well, and so just as the carriage came to the door, my uncle was called away upon business to that horrid man Mr. Stone. And then, you know, when once they get together, there is no end of it. Well, I was so frightened I did not know what to do, for my uncle was to give me away; and if we were beyond the hour, we could not be married all day. But, luckily, he came back again in ten minutes’ time, and then we all set out. However, I recollected afterwards that if he had been prevented going, the wedding need not be put off, for Mr. Darcy might have done as well.”

“Mr. Darcy!” repeated Elizabeth, in utter amazement.

“Oh, yes! — he was to come there with Wickham, you know. But gracious me! I quite forgot! I ought not to have said a word about it. I promised them so faithfully! What will Wickham say? It was to be such a secret!”

“If it was to be secret,” said Jane, “say not another word on the subject. You may depend upon my seeking no further.”

“Oh! certainly,” said Elizabeth, though burning with curiosity; “we will ask you no questions.”

“Thank you,” said Lydia, “for if you did, I should certainly tell you all, and then Wickham would be angry.”

On such encouragement to ask, Elizabeth was forced to put it out of her power, by running away.

But to live in ignorance on such a point was impossible; or at least it was impossible not to try for information. Mr. Darcy had been at her sister’s wedding. It was exactly a scene, and exactly among people, where he had apparently least to do, and least temptation to go. Conjectures as to the meaning of it, rapid and wild, hurried into her brain; but she was satisfied with none. Those that best pleased her, as placing his conduct in the noblest light, seemed most improbable. She could not bear such suspense; and hastily seizing a sheet of paper, wrote a short letter to her aunt, to request an explanation of what Lydia had dropt, if it were compatible with the secrecy which had been intended.

“You may readily comprehend,” she added, “what my curiosity must be to know how a person unconnected with any of us, and (comparatively speaking) a stranger to our family, should have been amongst you at such a time. Pray write instantly, and let me understand it — unless it is, for very cogent reasons, to remain in the secrecy which Lydia seems to think necessary; and then I must endeavour to be satisfied with ignorance.”

“Not that I SHALL, though,” she added to herself, as she finished the letter; “and my dear aunt, if you do not tell me in an honourable manner, I shall certainly be reduced to tricks and stratagems to find it out.”

Jane’s delicate sense of honour would not allow her to speak to Elizabeth privately of what Lydia had let fall; Elizabeth was glad of it — till it appeared whether her inquiries would receive any satisfaction, she had rather be without a confidante.

CHAPTER 52 Mr. Wickham was so perfectly satisfied with this conversation that he never again distressed himself, or provoked his dear sister Elizabeth, by introducing the subject of it; and she was pleased to find that she had said enough to keep him quiet.

The day of his and Lydia’s departure soon came, and Mrs. Bennet was forced to submit to a separation, which, as her husband by no means entered into her scheme of their all going to Newcastle, was likely to continue at least a twelvemonth.

“Oh! my dear Lydia,” she cried, “when shall we meet again?”

“Oh, lord! I don’t know. Not these two or three years, perhaps.”

“Write to me very often, my dear.”

“As often as I can. But you know married women have never much time for writing. My sisters may write to ME. They will have nothing else to do.”

Mr. Wickham’s adieus were much more affectionate than his wife’s. He smiled, looked handsome, and said many pretty things.

“He is as fine a fellow,” said Mr. Bennet, as soon as they were out of the house, “as ever I saw. He simpers, and smirks, and makes love to us all. I am prodigiously proud of him. I defy even Sir William Lucas himself to produce a more valuable son-in-law.”

The loss of her daughter made Mrs. Bennet very dull for several days.

“I often think,” said she, “that there is nothing so bad as parting with one’s friends. One seems so forlorn without them.”

“This is the consequence, you see, Madam, of marrying a daughter,” said Elizabeth. “It must make you better satisfied that your other four are single.”

“It is no such thing. Lydia does not leave me because she is married, but only because her husband’s regiment happens to be so far off. If that had been nearer, she would not have gone so soon.”

But the spiritless condition which this event threw her into was shortly relieved, and her mind opened again to the agitation of hope, by an article of news which then began to be in circulation. The housekeeper at Netherfield had received orders to prepare for the arrival of her master, who was coming down in a day or two, to shoot there for several weeks. Mrs. Bennet was quite in the fidgets.

She looked at Jane, and smiled and shook her head by turns.

“Well, well, and so Mr. Bingley is coming down, sister,” (for Mrs. Phillips first brought her the news). “Well, so much the better. Not that I care about it, though. He is nothing to us, you know, and I am sure _I_ never want to see him again.

But, however, he is very welcome to come to Netherfield, if he likes it. And who knows what MAY happen? But that is nothing to us. You know, sister, we agreed long ago never to mention a word about it. And so, is it quite certain he is coming?”

“You may depend on it,” replied the other, “for Mrs. Nicholls was in Meryton last night; I saw her passing by, and went out myself on purpose to know the truth of it; and she told me that it was certain true. He comes down on Thursday at the latest, very likely on Wednesday. She was going to the butcher’s, she told me, on purpose to order in some meat on Wednesday, and she has got three couple of ducks just fit to be killed.”

Miss Bennet had not been able to hear of his coming without changing colour. It was many months since she had mentioned his name to Elizabeth; but now, as soon as they were alone together, she said: “I saw you look at me to-day, Lizzy, when my aunt told us of the present report; and I know I appeared distressed. But don’t imagine it was from any silly cause. I was only confused for the moment, because I felt that I SHOULD be looked at. I do assure you that the news does not affect me either with pleasure or pain. I am glad of one thing, that he comes alone; because we shall see the less of him. Not that I am afraid of MYSELF, but I dread other people’s remarks.”

Elizabeth did not know what to make of it. Had

she not seen him in Derbyshire, she might have supposed him capable of coming there with no other view than what was acknowledged; but she still thought him partial to Jane, and she wavered as to the greater probability of his coming there WITH his friend’s permission, or being bold enough to come without it.

“Yet it is hard,” she sometimes thought, “that this poor man cannot come to a house which he has legally hired, without raising all this speculation!

I WILL leave him to himself.”

In spite of what her sister declared, and really believed to be her feelings in the expectation of his arrival, Elizabeth could easily perceive that her spirits were affected by it. They were more disturbed, more unequal, than she had often seen them.

The subject which had been so warmly canvassed between their parents, about a twelvemonth ago, was now brought forward again.

“As soon as ever Mr. Bingley comes, my dear,” said Mrs. Bennet, “you will wait on him of course.”

“No, no. You forced me into visiting him last year, and promised, if I went to see him, he should marry one of my daughters. But it ended in nothing, and I will not be sent on a fool’s errand again.”

His wife represented to him how absolutely necessary such an attention would be from all the neighbouring gentlemen, on his returning to Netherfield. “’Tis an etiquette I despise,” said he. “If he wants our society, let him seek it. He knows where we live. I will not spend my hours in running after my neighbours every time they go away and come back again.”

“Well, all I know is, that it will be abominably rude if you do not wait on him. But, however, that shan’t prevent my asking him to dine here, I am determined. We must have Mrs. Long and the Gouldings soon. That will make thirteen with ourselves, so there will be just room at table for him.”

Consoled by this resolution, she was the better able to bear her husband’s incivility; though it was very mortifying to know that her neighbours might all see Mr. Bingley, in consequence of it, before THEY did. As the day of his arrival drew near: “I begin to be sorry that he comes at all,” said Jane to her sister. “It would be nothing; I could see him with perfect indifference, but I can hardly bear to hear it thus perpetually talked of. My mother means well; but she does not know, no one can know, how much I suffer from what she says. Happy shall I be, when his stay at Netherfield is over!”

“I wish I could say anything to comfort you,” replied Elizabeth; “but it is wholly out of my power.

You must feel it; and the usual satisfaction of preaching patience to a sufferer is denied me, because you have always so much.”

Mr. Bingley arrived. Mrs. Bennet, through the assistance of servants, contrived to have the earliest tidings of it, that the period of anxiety and fretfulness on her side might be as long as it could.

She counted the days that must intervene before their invitation could be sent; hopeless of seeing him before. But on the third morning after his arrival in Hertfordshire, she saw him, from her dressing-room window, enter the paddock and ride towards the house.

Her daughters were eagerly called to partake of her joy. Jane resolutely kept her place at the table; but Elizabeth, to satisfy her mother, went to the window — she looked — she saw Mr. Darcy with him, and sat down again by her sister.

“There is a gentleman with him, mamma,” said Kitty; “who can it be?”

“Some acquaintance or other, my dear, I suppose; I am sure I do not know.”

“La!” replied Kitty, “it looks just like that man that used to be with him before. Mr. what’s-hisname. That tall, proud man.”

“Good gracious! Mr. Darcy! — and so it does, I vow. Well, any friend of Mr. Bingley’s will always be welcome here, to be sure; but else I must say that I hate the very sight of him.”

Jane looked at Elizabeth with surprise and concern. She knew but little of their meeting in Derbyshire, and therefore felt for the awkwardness which must attend her sister, in seeing him almost for the first time after receiving his explanatory letter. Both sisters were uncomfortable enough. Each felt for the other, and of course for themselves; and their mother talked on, of her dislike of Mr. Darcy, and her resolution to be civil to him only as Mr. Bingley’s friend, without being heard by either of them. But Elizabeth had sources of uneasiness which could not be suspected by Jane, to whom she had never yet had courage to shew Mrs. Gardiner’s letter, or to relate her own

change of sentiment towards him. To Jane, he could be only a man whose proposals she had refused, and whose merit she had undervalued; but to her own more extensive information, he was the person to whom the whole family were indebted for the first of benefits, and whom she regarded herself with an interest, if not quite so tender, at least as reasonable and just as what Jane felt for Bingley. Her astonishment at his coming — at his coming to Netherfield, to Longbourn, and voluntarily seeking her again, was almost equal to what she had known on first witnessing his altered behaviour in Derbyshire.

The colour which had been driven from her face, returned for half a minute with an additional glow, and a smile of delight added lustre to her eyes, as she thought for that space of time that his affection and wishes must still be unshaken. But she would not be secure.

“Let me first see how he behaves,” said she; “it will then be early enough for expectation.”

She sat intently at work, striving to be composed, and without daring to lift up her eyes, till anxious curiosity carried them to the face of her sister as the servant was approaching the door. Jane looked a little paler than usual, but more sedate than Elizabeth had expected. On the gentlemen’s appearing, her colour increased; yet she received them with tolerable ease, and with a propriety of behaviour equally free from any symptom of resentment or any unnecessary complaisance.

Elizabeth said as little to either as civility would allow, and sat down again to her work, with an eagerness which it did not often command. She had ventured only one glance at Darcy. He looked serious, as usual; and, she thought, more as he had been used to look in Hertfordshire, than as she had seen him at Pemberley. But, perhaps he could not in her mother’s presence be what he was before her uncle and aunt. It was a painful, but not an improbable, conjecture.

Bingley, she had likewise seen for an instant, and in that short period saw him looking both pleased and embarrassed. He was received by Mrs. Bennet with a degree of civility which made her two daughters ashamed, especially when contrasted with the cold and ceremonious politeness of her curtsey and address to his friend.

Elizabeth, particularly, who knew that her mother owed to the latter the preservation of her favourite daughter from irremediable infamy, was hurt and distressed to a most painful degree by a distinction so ill applied.

Darcy, after inquiring of her how Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner did, a question which she could not answer without confusion, said scarcely anything.

He was not seated by her; perhaps that was the reason of his silence; but it had not been so in Derbyshire. There he had talked to her friends, when he could not to herself. But now several minutes elapsed without bringing the sound of his voice; and when occasionally, unable to resist the impulse of curiosity, she raised he eyes to his face, she as often found him looking at Jane as at herself, and frequently on no object but the ground.

More thoughtfulness and less anxiety to please, than when they last met, were plainly expressed.

She was disappointed, and angry with herself for being so.

“Could I expect it to be otherwise!” said she. “Yet why did he come?”

She was in no humour for conversation with anyone but himself; and to him she had hardly courage to speak.

She inquired after his sister, but could do no more.

“It is a long time, Mr. Bingley, since you went away,” said Mrs. Bennet.

He readily agreed to it.

“I began to be afraid you would never come back again. People DID say you meant to quit the place entirely at Michaelmas; but, however, I hope it is not true. A great many changes have happened in the neighbourhood, since you went away. Miss Lucas is married and settled. And one of my own daughters. I suppose you have heard of it; indeed, you must have seen it in the papers. It was in The Times and The Courier, I know; though it was not put in as it ought to be. It was only said, ‘Lately, George Wickham, Esq. to Miss Lydia Bennet,’ without there being a syllable said of her father, or the place where she lived, or anything. It was my brother Gardiner’s drawing up too, and I wonder how he came to make such an awkward business of it. Did you see it?”

Bingley replied that he did, and made his congratulations. Elizabeth dared not lift up her eyes.

How Mr. Darcy looked, therefore, she could not tell.

“It is a delightful thing, to be sure, to have a daugh- Continued on Page 62

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Observer Classic Books From Page 61 ter well married,” continued her mother, “but at the same time, Mr. Bingley, it is very hard to have her taken such a way from me. They are gone down to Newcastle, a place quite northward, it seems, and there they are to stay I do not know how long. His regiment is there; for I suppose you have heard of his leaving the —— shire, and of his being gone into the regulars. Thank Heaven! he has SOME friends, though perhaps not so many as he deserves.”

Elizabeth, who knew this to be levelled at Mr. Darcy, was in such misery of shame, that she could hardly keep her seat. It drew from her, however, the exertion of speaking, which nothing else had so effectually done before; and she asked Bingley whether he meant to make any stay in the country at present. A few weeks, he believed.

“When you have killed all your own birds, Mr. Bingley,” said her mother, “I beg you will come here, and shoot as many as you please on Mr. Bennet’s manor. I am sure he will be vastly happy to oblige you, and will save all the best of the covies for you.”

Elizabeth’s misery increased, at such unnecessary, such officious attention! Were the same fair prospect to arise at present as had flattered them a year ago, every thing, she was persuaded, would be hastening to the same vexatious conclusion.

At that instant, she felt that years of happiness could not make Jane or herself amends for moments of such painful confusion.

“The first wish of my heart,” said she to herself, “is never more to be in company with either of them. Their society can afford no pleasure that will atone for such wretchedness as this! Let me never see either one or the other again!”

Yet the misery, for which years of happiness were to offer no compensation, received soon afterwards material relief, from observing how much the beauty of her sister re-kindled the admiration of her former lover. When first he came in, he had spoken to her but little; but every five minutes seemed to be giving her more of his attention. He found her as handsome as she had been last year; as good natured, and as unaffected, though not quite so chatty. Jane was anxious that no difference should be perceived in her at all, and was really persuaded that she talked as much as ever. But her mind was so busily engaged, that she did not always know when she was silent.

When the gentlemen rose to go away, Mrs. Bennet was mindful of her intended civility, and they were invited and engaged to dine at Longbourn in a few days time.

“You are quite a visit in my debt, Mr. Bingley,” she added, “for when you went to town last winter, you promised to take a family dinner with us, as soon as you returned. I have not forgot, you see; and I assure you, I was very much disappointed that you did not come back and keep your engagement.”

Bingley looked a little silly at this reflection, and said something of his concern at having been prevented by business. They then went away.

Mrs. Bennet had been strongly inclined to ask them to stay and dine there that day; but, though she always kept a very good table, she did not think anything less than two courses could be good enough for a man on whom she had such anxious designs, or satisfy the appetite and pride of one who had ten thousand a year.

CHAPTER 53 Mr. Wickham was so perfectly satisfied with this conversation that he never again distressed himself, or provoked his dear sister Elizabeth, by introducing the subject of it; and she was pleased to find that she had said enough to keep him quiet.

The day of his and Lydia’s departure soon came, and Mrs. Bennet was forced to submit to a separation, which, as her husband by no means entered into her scheme of their all going to Newcastle, was likely to continue at least a twelvemonth.

“Oh! my dear Lydia,” she cried, “when shall we meet again?”

“Oh, lord! I don’t know. Not these two or three years, perhaps.”

“Write to me very often, my dear.”

“As often as I can. But you know married women have never much time for writing. My sisters may write to ME. They will have nothing else to do.”

Mr. Wickham’s adieus were much more affectionate than his wife’s. He smiled, looked handsome, and said many pretty things.

“He is as fine a fellow,” said Mr. Bennet, as soon as they were out of the house, “as ever I saw. He simpers, and smirks, and makes love to us all. I am prodigiously proud of him. I defy even Sir William Lucas himself to produce a more valuable son-in-law.”

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The loss of her daughter made Mrs. Bennet very dull for several days.

“I often think,” said she, “that there is nothing so bad as parting with one’s friends. One seems so forlorn without them.”

“This is the consequence, you see, Madam, of marrying a daughter,” said Elizabeth. “It must make you better satisfied that your other four are single.”

“It is no such thing. Lydia does not leave me because she is married, but only because her husband’s regiment happens to be so far off. If that had been nearer, she would not have gone so soon.”

But the spiritless condition which this event threw her into was shortly relieved, and her mind opened again to the agitation of hope, by an article of news which then began to be in circulation. The housekeeper at Netherfield had received orders to prepare for the arrival of her master, who was coming down in a day or two, to shoot there for several weeks. Mrs. Bennet was quite in the fidgets.

She looked at Jane, and smiled and shook her head by turns.

“Well, well, and so Mr. Bingley is coming down, sister,” (for Mrs. Phillips first brought her the news). “Well, so much the better. Not that I care about it, though. He is nothing to us, you know, and I am sure _I_ never want to see him again.

But, however, he is very welcome to come to Netherfield, if he likes it. And who knows what MAY happen? But that is nothing to us. You know, sister, we agreed long ago never to mention a word about it. And so, is it quite certain he is coming?”

“You may depend on it,” replied the other, “for Mrs. Nicholls was in Meryton last night; I saw her passing by, and went out myself on purpose to know the truth of it; and she told me that it was certain true. He comes down on Thursday at the latest, very likely on Wednesday. She was going to the butcher’s, she told me, on purpose to order in some meat on Wednesday, and she has got three couple of ducks just fit to be killed.”

Miss Bennet had not been able to hear of his coming without changing colour. It was many months since she had mentioned his name to Elizabeth; but now, as soon as they were alone together, she said: “I saw you look at me to-day, Lizzy, when my aunt told us of the present report; and I know I appeared distressed. But don’t imagine it was from

any silly cause. I was only confused for the moment, because I felt that I SHOULD be looked at. I do assure you that the news does not affect me either with pleasure or pain. I am glad of one thing, that he comes alone; because we shall see the less of him. Not that I am afraid of MYSELF, but I dread other people’s remarks.”

Elizabeth did not know what to make of it. Had she not seen him in Derbyshire, she might have supposed him capable of coming there with no other view than what was acknowledged; but she still thought him partial to Jane, and she wavered as to the greater probability of his coming there WITH his friend’s permission, or being bold enough to come without it.

“Yet it is hard,” she sometimes thought, “that this poor man cannot come to a house which he has legally hired, without raising all this speculation!

I WILL leave him to himself.”

In spite of what her sister declared, and really believed to be her feelings in the expectation of his arrival, Elizabeth could easily perceive that her spirits were affected by it. They were more disturbed, more unequal, than she had often seen them.

The subject which had been so warmly canvassed between their parents, about a twelvemonth ago, was now brought forward again.

“As soon as ever Mr. Bingley comes, my dear,” said Mrs. Bennet, “you will wait on him of course.”

“No, no. You forced me into visiting him last year, and promised, if I went to see him, he should marry one of my daughters. But it ended in nothing, and I will not be sent on a fool’s errand again.”

His wife represented to him how absolutely necessary such an attention would be from all the neighbouring gentlemen, on his returning to Netherfield. “’Tis an etiquette I despise,” said he. “If he wants our society, let him seek it. He knows where we live. I will not spend my hours in running after my neighbours every time they go away and come back again.”

“Well, all I know is, that it will be abominably rude if you do not wait on him. But, however, that shan’t prevent my asking him to dine here, I am determined. We must have Mrs. Long and the Gouldings soon. That will make thirteen with ourselves, so there will be just room at table for him.”

Consoled by this resolution, she was the better able to bear her husband’s incivility; though it was very mortifying to know that her neighbours might all see Mr. Bingley, in consequence of it, before THEY did. As the day of his arrival drew near: To Be Continued Next Issue

Observer Crossword Solution No 21 P ROME N A D E POC K E T M TW I NGE CH I R R W M N NOUN R RHOD E N N AME N I E C AGE D L I V E L Y N MA DR A S N E A R MA DD E N S SO L O M O R P I T I N T N A R D E N T E P E N A L U BOA T A I S L E ME T MA T A O ME E T D I S T R E S S I NG Y A L E A OB E Y S A N MON K A H GA L A T L R E MA T I N E E P UN I CORN O R E A L T O L R E N T A L S R I SOB A R O M MA N I A C O A R EM I T L K E E N E S T I AWA I N I GH T S N E S C A P E E E A S E L S E T S E E AGE S O E D E LWE I S S N K I D S P R A N K S P AM A M S N C TW I N H S ODD S S E A L UR B A N OV E R N I N E P M I N E E L I T I S T S O S A T I R I S E OA T A CO G L E N N M I G YM N N T R A I D I O T T A I L E ND E R E COS Y S T EM S K R I S HN A I N D I I OC M L E O E A H T E N A K E D P E L E CR AG GN A S H B A L A U F OS V I A L E A R S T Y R MUCH G E H I T L E R T N S T Y E N A Y S A T A C A R A Y S I R H I GH S A DHOC T UDOR C C L T GROOM A EON I R A I OU I J A N I NO E W A I R E S K N E E D T I E I N N D N E SOSO A S T I N A T R A U OR A NGE T S A D E V E N MUG HOO T UGH B ROS Y S E L T RU S S D E L I L OA N S A T E S R E N DWA Y S C C B T N E E W C B N MA U H C H A RMON I C A T H I GH BON E I E MMA MA C E I N M L A S N I U ROA D B ME A L NOBOD I E S V EGOMA N I A MA G ME T E EM I T ME A N S N E RD T O I L U L T R A MU S E E O R A S OS SO E O A O BO Y S N MAGN I T UD E M P R AM P A S S I S I C O T T AWA M K F AMOU S O N A P P Y W R E N EWA L A S P R E F P A ROD Y O MA S S E D U I P R A V D A U E I U S I NGU P P RUDO L P H R S CU T T L E E M A L SO I L I NC A C A A E SOP K I E V A N A B S I MP A S S I ON E D MU T T D R UNCU T L A T T E S T E E D P E A R S E A R S E RMON S WE I R L I A E H CH E F S A P E R E U S E N A I L E D M SWE A T Y AM I G N M R NU T S E E X AMS W OD E S A E S H A D E S N A S S UR E T ON E CROS S E Y E D

P I E S T A U W S R O T I ON S A L I L A C E I S L E S R S T A D AME T T E E D I UM L A S Y E N A S T H L EWE S R S R B A S H L E F L A Y C I A E T HOR T U I B I S I N S O G I L D D A I D E N S A I MOB Y NN S A A UD E N U P NO L L S E A Y XO T I C E I H DRON E E N I D L S L L T I E R O N A Y T I D D OWN

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 63

Victorian Rural News

Page 64 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Victorian Rural News

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 65

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Business

Page 66 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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Business

NOODLE SHOP OPERATOR WANTED ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT FREE RENT FREE PERIOD ATTRACTIVE RENT LOCATED IN SEAFORD BRAND NEW SHOP

CALL JASON 0408 160 987 FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 67

Buisness - Life

Page 68 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Page 69

Real Estate News

Page 70 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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Real Estate News

Where the Great Ocean Road meets the ‘Hamptons’ 'Paradise Gardens and Cottages' is set amidst three acres of beautiful gardens.

Offering two story book cottages set over a picturesque lake and a luxurious three bedroom home, with a bed and breakfast attached, this award winning property operates as a successful accommodation business. www.paradisegardens.net.au All buildings have been superbly constructed; include quality fittings throughout and inclusive of stylish furniture and linen with the accommodation.

The main home is complete with a grand lounge, large dining room, generous country style kitchen, atrium and a staircase that leads to a generous master bedroom with ensuite and adjoining study. The views from the double spa bath are magical.

Within the home in a separate wing, lies the Bed and Breakfast accommodation. With a separate external entrance for privacy, this established in-house unit features a king sized bed, a dining setting, and large ensuite with a double corner spa and separate shower. A further queen bedroom is attached to accommodate extra guests.

The two gorgeous cottages provide a choice of either two or three accommodation units. The double storey main unit, is self contained, consisting of an open plan living/dining and kitchen area and upstairs king sized bed bedroom, high cathedral ceilings and ensuite with a double spa, large separate shower and decking that extends over the water with an outdoor setting and bar-b-cue.

The adjoining single storey Plum Tree Cottage has a separate entry and consists of high cathedral ceilings, a king sized bedroom, ensuite with spa and shower, kitchenette and decking extending over the water.

These two units are designed to work either as one cottage or two separate units to accommodate four people.

The second cottage consists of an open plan living/dining/kitchenette, again with high cathedral ceilings. Overlooking the lake and island is the queen sized bedroom, with ensuite, spa, etc.

Decking, again extending majestically over the lake.

Adjacent to the home is a large workshop, ample shedding and under cover parking for vehicles.

The extensive and established gardens are watered (if required) via an automated irrigation system topped up with water pumping rights from the Barham River.

Given a four and a half star rating through AAA. Inspection strictly by appointment.

When two individuals with exceptional talents get together to explore their own sea change/tree change, exciting results occur.

Jock, an architect and landscape architect, learned his craft in Melbourne, taking pleasure in hands-on projects over many years, including the rebuilding and running of the luxury 'The Grange' B&B in Williamstown.

Jo's passion is interior decoration and gardening, with many projects in leafy Bayside suburbs. Her natural flair for design has been expressed in both their home and the cottages with a distinct ‘Hamptons’ feel.

From the wall papers to the light fittings and deep couches, the whole house oozes relaxed luxury and enduring style.

As a keen board rider, Jock returned endlessly to the mystical Otways to chase that perfect wave and in 2000 stumbled upon one of the most unspoilt places on the coast. Jo, also keen for a rural change, was introduced to the magic of Paradise and instantly fell in love with it's beauty and tranquillity.

Ten years later Jo and Jock Williamson have a superb property, inspired by their love of all things natural and beautiful.

They were fortunate that they inherited a property with good bones; established exotic trees, terraced gardens and wonderful views all around. They have designed, built and decorated two self-contained cottages, used for accommodation, which are set over a picturesque ornamental lake.

Their own house, recently extended and renovated is large and comfortable and makes the most of the north sun and views to the surrounding forests. It is a rare thing - a home with all mod cons yet one which allows its owners close contact with a truly beautiful part of the world and where one can gain great respect and admiration for nature and the seasons.

Their property, only 10 minutes from Apollo Bay along a sealed scenic road, is nestled in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Otways and is unique in that it offers the lush surrounds of rainforest and farmland yet is an easy drive to the ocean - the best of both worlds.

Living in the peaceful surrounds of Paradise Gardens, the decision to move for Jo and Jock was never an easy one. "We are looking forward to new building and garden design challenges but leaving one of the most beautiful places in Victoria (and arguably Australia) will be very difficult".

■ Two picturesque cottages and stunning three bedroom home ■ luxurious main dwelling ■ established cottage accommodation with furniture inclusive ■ wood fires, reverse cycle air conditioning units ■ workshop, ample shedding, woodshed ■ three acres of award winning landscaped gardens ■ five water tanks ■ petrol generator, ride on mower, log splitter and mulching machine

Further details: ■ Machinery shed 4.8 x 6.8m ■ Underneath section garden shed 2.2 x1.5m ■ Car port 7 x 9m ■ Main shed 13.5 x 6.5m ■ With secure fully lined and carpeted mezzanine floor 3.2 x 3.8m ■ Woodshed 3 x 6.5m ■ 2 tanks up the hill behind the house on leased land 45,000 litres ■ 2 tanks at back of shed 20,000 litres ■ 1 small tank that pumps from larger tanks 1,000 litres ■ 1 megalitre per annum unmetered can be pumped from the river.

Pump reconditioned will pump 20,000 litres in a 10 hour cycle.

■ Automatic feed to garden from tanks.

■ Petrol generator with electric start (go with the sale) ■ Ride on mower (go with the sale) ■ Log splitter ■ Mulching machine