Nature proves that nothing is impossible
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THE recent flooding of Mittagong Main Street was something the average Mittagong resident would have considered unlikely or even impossible, but nature has shown us that nothing is impossible, and history has a habit of repeating itself, even on very rare occasions.
In this case it was a period of 122 years between events.
On checking my historic records, I have noted that 1892 was a very wet year with a cloudburst of six inches (150mm) in two hours, that washed a 60 foot hole in the wall of Lake Alexandra.
Very severe flooding indeed.
The most ironic item to consider is that the year 1892 was right in the middle of the worst financial depression Australia had ever experienced.
Over a few short years, the economy had gone from "boom to bust".
The newly formed Mittagong Municipal Council had only been in existence since 1889 and businesses were collapsing, with unemployment rife among the working class.
Rebuilding the wall of the lake must have been undertaken by the Department of Public Works, because it was reported the labouring was done providing "relief work" for unemployed.
The original lake wall was built by the Iron Works for a double purpose:
1. To run a rail line over the gully for the coal skips being winched over the mountain down to the Iron Works,
2. To provide a reliable reservoir of water for use in production by the works themselves, whether for providing steam of cooling purposes.
They had found from experience that damming the creek water was too unreliable for supply and demand.
Mittagong seems to have never been a flood-prone area.
It has some springs, but generally any rainwater runs away in numerous small creeks because of the gradual slopes of the area.
In 1892 the highway was a dirt road with small bridges over the creeks that crossed the road.
Even heavy rain mostly ran away without rising to any depth of water such as flooding, however, construction in the years since, with the Hume Highway, raised the road level with pipes and culverts installed underneath, with all south-side ddrains directed to it.
An unfortunate fact of life is that underground pipes and culverts are prone, over a period of time, to become badly blocked by a build-up of rubbish, branches etc and the flow of water during a heavy downpour when impeded, can back-up and cause flooding on the road.
Sometimes it's a timely reminder to clear it again and enjoy another 122 years of peace and quiet.
John McColgan
Mittagong and Southern Highlands historian
Fair or unfair?
ADVANCE Australia Fair: Verse Two -
"For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share;"
In fact when we think about our national asylum seeker policy, should we be singing "We've boundless PAINS to share"?
And perhaps we should call our National Anthem: "Advance Australia UNfair"?
I refuse to believe that we as a nation endorse such unAustralian behaviour with regard to how we receive newcomers to our country.
After all, being Australian carries with it the flag of fair go and a helping hand...Doesn't it?
In this season of goodwill to all mankind, let's hope our Anthem remains true.
Alexandra Springett
Bowral
Thank you and Merry Christmas
WE wish the staff of the Southern Highland News a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
The Southern Highland News is always an interesting and informative newspaper and we enjoy reading it, also keeping up with the local events and happenings in the Southern Highlands.
Thank you for including 'Harley' (my dog) in the paper at the times throughout this year.
He has so many different and wonderful expressions at times that make you smile, and I hope other people get the same reaction when they see his photo.
Again, many thanks for a great newspaper and a Happy Christmas to you.
Wendy Dalton
Mandemar
Happy Paw-fect Christmas Wishes
Harley is here to wish you good cheer,
As Christmas Day is drawing near.
Carols are being sung every day,
And Christmas trees are on display.
Decked out with tinsel, lights and a star,
For people to enjoy both near and far.
The Highlands has its Christmas Fairs,
With lots of goodies, toys and wares/
The shops are filled with great delights,
And people enjoying the Christmas lights.
Carols by Candlelight are sung everywhere,
For you to enjoy, sing-a-long and share.
This is a special time of the year
To share with loved ones you hold dear,
And also remember a gift so rare,
Born long ago in a stable bare,
A special little baby boy
Who gave us love, and hope and joy.
May the wonder of this Christmas Day
Be in your hearts to always stay
And fill your lives with love and laughter,
To last this day and forever after.
And so I wish you "Happy Christmas Day",
And a special New Year in every way.
- Harley, written on his behalf by Wendy Dalton.