A MEETING was held in Bemboka, reported in the Bega District News of September 13, 1945, on discussions on post-war financial assistance for the electrification of Bemboka and district.
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SATURDAY night last there was a large and representative attendance in Bemboka hall to meet the Bega Valley County Council and Mr Fraser, MHR, to discuss the rural extension of electricity and the matter of reduced charges and government assistance.
Prior to the main meeting, there was an informal talk in an anteroom, where the councillors, clerk and engineer stood with their backs to the wall to be bombarded with questions, which were capably handled by Mr McNeil, clerk.
It was a happy thought to put on a dinner, which was certainly a drawcard, and the quantity and quality of food proved that rationing in that respect does not affect Bemboka.
The dinner was prepared and served by the ladies of the district, and all the speakers praised their effort - it was certainly deserving of the fullest praise.
Apologies were received for the absence of Messrs Beale and Seiffert, MLAs, Mr Cahill, Minister for Works, Councillor Kennelly, and Mr CE Jones of Kogarah.
After the toast to the King, the chairman, Mr VJ Collins, said: I give welcome to all the guests and proposed the toast of the County Council and staff, Mr Fraser MHR, and Councillor Tarlinton.
We have a few things to talk over. We are just beginning to realise what electricity on the farms means to us, and I would first thank Mr Fraser for his successful efforts to obtain the release of copper wire.
Our object is to meet the County Council and for them to meet the people and to learn what we require.
We want also to get behind the County Council in applying to the State and Federal Governments for financial assistance.
Five hundred million a year has been spent on war and we want to get some of the money that is to be spent on post-war works.
This gathering is good evidence of the fact that the people are solidly behind the County Council in that.
The most vital necessity of Australia is more population and the best population is that out of the cradle.
Figures taken from the state statistician report, taking the area of Sydney, as an example, shows that we must have a birth rate of 300 per 1000 to maintain our present population.
The rate in Sydney is much below that, but it is higher in the country, which proves that we must look to the country to keep up our population, and unless the country people are provided with greater amenities, much of the population will drift towards the city.
