THE passing of Gough Whitlam this week, aged 98, has sparked a nostalgia industry.
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Among the best memories came from DTM pal, well-known “driving force” in Bendigo, Greg Penno, who recalled:
“A little story. Years ago my old dad and his partner used to run a Golden Fleece Service Station with a panel-beating business out the back.
“The petrol bowsers were the bane of dad’s life, always working under a car and somebody at those bloody pumps wanting petrol.
“One day a big black limo pulled up at the pumps for petrol. Old Merv, true to form, was not happy, particularly as it was bearing government plates.
“The government could buy the petrol cheaper than he could from the supplier and the business always lost out and was paid a lower price than they could buy it.
“When the driver hopped out and asked to 'fill it up', he was politely told: “P*** off, I'm not serving you,” and explained the reason in no uncertain terms.
“As the car pulled away there was a big disgruntled look from Gough Whitlam. My dad, being a Labor man through and through, was dumbstruck!
“Would not have changed anything, though. If it wasn't fair it wasn't fair.”
When DTM asked Greg if we could pass on the story, he reckoned old Merv would’ve been chuffed.
Al cops blame
Don’t hold me to this, but I seem to recall hearing this Gough classic from former Premier John Brumby (complete with the Gough accent).
Gough and his colourful little spiv of a Sport Minister Al Grassby were being soundly booed during a visit to the MCG.
Striding out on the ground, lofty Gough turned to his little colleague and declared:
“Comrade, this is the last time I go anywhere with anyone as unpopular as you!”
The only taker
News this week of Cr Peter Cox’s election to the job as Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo contained a few details of the election process, of how Cr Cox was encouraged by folk to stand in the confidential process while others pondered throwing their hats into the ring.
In the end, it was a straight-forward, simple vote.
Cr Cox might be interested to know how it was done 100 years ago.
The Mayor-elect of Bendigo in 1914 was Cr William Henry Wilke.
It was his second term and he might be regarded as the Stephen Bradbury of Bendigo municipal politics.
The Advertiser reported that the outgoing Mayor, Cr Andrew, was offered another term, but declined.
Then it was offered to Crs Dunstan and Murphy, but they declined.
Cr Beebe was much too busy and couldn’t accept.
So, they came to good old Cr Wilkie who said he wouldn’t mind, so he was elected “unanimously” and the Addy added: “The utmost good feeling prevailed.”