History Notes - some war stories

History Notes

This week is Anzac Day week - a time to remember our family members who went to war so that we may be able to live safe lives. Personally, I had four Great Uncles who went to World War 1 and grew up to know two elderly men without really realizing what they had done for their country. The Second World War veterans and of course the later ones were the ones to make one realize just what they did for us all. I hope everyone who is able will be at the march on Thursday to show their respect.

While sorting and naming photos at the museum this weekend I have found a photo of Harry Watt. He was an Englishman who came to Australia before World War II. He was in Canberra at first and, while there, married Emma Woolnough, daughter of Dr.Woolnough {geology). It seems he worked on properties around there until he went to the Second World War.

After the war he moved to this area and found work on properties such as Knocktrine (Rocky Creek area) and Haylock and TeWhare. I vaguely remember my father talking about Harry Watt probably about 1950 and the note on the back of the photo says that he died about 1950/60. I wonder if anyone else remembers him?

Now, a change of subject to our clock. The Memorial Clock was built in 1924 and I have found a comment in a local 1938 newspaper re Barraba "the little town with the big clock! " The article goes on to comment that it was erected by the sub branch of the RSS and AILA and can be seen from either side of town. It is a dominating feature. There is another feature or non-feature of our clock - it has no foundation stone or plaque anywhere to be found. Some years ago, I found Trixie Garland walking around and around the clock looking for one and she had to admit that she could not find it.

Also mentioned in the above cutting book are several stories about Barraba residents coming across snakes in unusual places - one in North Barraba in a kitchen cupboard and another in the engine of a car. The lady in North Barraba solved her problem with a saucepan of boiling water while the gentleman sprayed his car engine with rabbit fumigant and removed the "dead" snake to a tree. The snake recovered and had to be dealt with, with a shovel. Life hasn't changed much in the last 60 years apart from the fact that snakes should be rehomed!!!