When Phoebe Fuller (C8) of Hazelbrook discovered an old newspaper making mention of swimmer Edna Davey and other “Australian girls” and the question of flirting at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, a number of readers undertook a deep dive on the subject, with one anonymous contributor uncovering a rather revealing item published in the Truth. The most notable event appears to have occurred en route when the team visited Erin’s Isle, and a young Irish doctor “told her he was prepared to place the world at her feet, Ireland included, if she would consent to marry him. When Miss Davey did not spark as expected, he threatened to blow his brains out. Later however, he changed his mind.”
Stephanie Edwards of Leichhardt has other issues regarding the Games: “The Australian Olympic team are taking 2400 pies to the gourmet capital of the world. Unbelievable!”
“Further to less than cheerful localities (C8), last year I drove from Kentucky on the New England tablelands towards Walcha along Terrible Vale Road,” reports Steve Hulbert West Kempsey. “I wonder if residents in the properties along that road wish for a less depressing address?”
With that in mind, Julia Belford of Uralla has some context on the naming of Linger and Die Hill. “It was named by bullock drivers whose bullock teams were hauling logs up that hill. If they stopped at any point it was impossible to get started again as the incline is so steep.”
“Out Cootamundra way, you wouldn’t want to be caught up in Brawlin,” adds Jim Dewar of Davistown.
“Our little grandson in kindergarten is learning all about religion,” says Rosemary Towers of Kianga. “His latest lesson apparently included ‘Our Lady of Petrol Stations’ who goes to visit the ‘Train Stations of the Cross’.”
You know you’re standing in it. Bill Howard’s Nukey Poo Policy (C8) revelation, has prompted Les Shearman of Darlington to declare that “Dutton and Littleproud are henceforth Nuclear Poobahs.”
“Really?” Challenges Susan Bradley of Eltham (Vic). “You want us to believe that contributors to a serious discussion on warm woolly garments (C8) are Mary Carde and Kate Coates?”
“On Friday afternoon there was a pamphlet in my letter box asking a challenging question,” writes Sue Threlfall of Minto. “Fortunately, having spent the morning on the phone to Services Australia, I knew the answer at once. ‘Where Will You Spend Eternity?’ On hold to Centrelink, of course.”
Column8@smh.com.au
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