THE YEAR 1932 was one of the most momentous in the history of modern Australia.
It was the year that saw the controversial opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the birth of the ABC, the death of Phar Lap, the dismissal of NSW Premier Jack Lang by the Governor, the start of cricket’s bodyline series, and the year that the Great Depression hit Australia with a vengeance.
It was also the year that Roslyn and Peter McIntyre’s home in Tyrell Street, Gloucester was built.
Roslyn and Peter were recently reminded of some of the events of 1932 when they chanced upon a copy of the Sydney Morning Herald dated 14 July that year.
From their own research Roslyn and Peter knew that the plans for their house had been approved by Gloucester Shire Council in 1932, and the discovery of the newspaper confirmed its building date.
“The house was built for Gloucester Council Chairman, Archibald Joseph White,” said Roslyn.
“The newspaper was found under some old lino in the bathroom when it was removed during a recent renovation.
“There are some very interesting things in the paper, and some of the news is the same as today, such as cyclist killed, someone murdered and all the rest of it, although there are some comments in a legal report that you would never publish today.
“There are ads by Anthony Horderns, David Jones, Minties and Sao biscuits.”
The paper appears to be a special Newcastle edition and Gloucester was not forgotten where it was reported that:
“Great interest is being taken in the football matches for the Harry Cross Cup, the third of which was played on Saturday at Gloucester Park.
“A special train was chartered from Wingham for the match.
“After a hard game Gloucester remained in possession of the cup.”
In an indication that the more things change, the more they remain the same, the paper contained one interesting letter to the editor.
“High tariff barriers in force in most countries of the world constitute one of the fundamental causes of world depression,” wrote W Bueback.
“Removal of tariff barriers is first consideration America, with her tariff, (which) has an immense army of unemployed, and finds her world trade failing, and is the greatest loser through her policy, and will probably learn that you cannot sell if you cannot buy.”
Roslyn and Peter have placed a 2025 edition of the Sydney Morning Herald under the new flooring.
By John WATTS
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