Boulia

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    Shire Timeline

    1876 Boulia was established as a goods and service centre for local graziers.
    1879 August 2nd - 1280 acres of land was set aside. The town of Boulia is founded. The first mail service by horse is commenced.
    1882 Area surveyed by F.A. Hartnell in October 1882 (and March 1883). 
    1883 First land sale in Boulia.
    1884 First telegraph line is completed and telegraph station opened in Boulia on 11th August. Police station opened and first police magistrate is appointed. 
    1885 The town of Urandangi was founded and the first store commenced trading.
    1886 The first courthouse is completed.
    1887 The Boulia Divisional Board was gazetted on the 24th September.
    1889 Urandangi first school was opened.
    1892 John MacPherson MacDonald - Police Magistrate dies aged 65 years.
    1904 Gun club was formed 1904/1905, functioned for four years.
    1905 New courthouse and office with accommodation completed. Mable Gertrude Crutchfield appointed as surgeon to the Cottage Hospital at Boulia.
    1908 First motor vehicle in the area. Boulia Shire Council and Winton Council signed an agreement to bear 1/3 the cost of an artesian bore on Mackunda (water was struck in 1909).
    1910 Urandangi School closed due to low attendance.
    1911 Railway reached Duchess.
    1912 One of the early Governors, Sir William McGregor, passed through Boulia. First documented sighting of the Min Min Light.
    1913 Teachers were appointed to travel and teach children in country areas, travelling by bike or car.
    1912 The Min Min Hotel was burnt down approximately around this time line.
    1916 1916-1918 Teece conducted a horse and buggy mail run from Boulia via Coorabulka to the Mayne Hotel.
    1917 A tragic bushfire was started by lightening near Elrose in October 1917 burning two men so badly they died from their injuries.
    1919 George Absolom was the first man to cart supplies between Dajarra and Boulia.
    1920



         		 The first parade of local servicemen was held on Anzac Day.
    The first CWA (Country Women's Association) meeting in Boulia.
    A maternity ward was built in the hospital, and the first baby born was named Mary Maternity 
    Cockeril of Mercia Springs.
    The first picture show was opened.
    1921




         		 Captain Pat McGinnis piloted the first aeroplane to visit Boulia.
    A Glenormiston syndicate won 20 000 pounds when it drew Sister Olive in the Melbourne Cup.
    Ernest F Jones (one of the overseers of the GNRB) was also the first Chairman of the Boulia Shire Council elected under the State Roll Franchise.
    Urandangi School re-opened.
    The last pack horse mail run from Boulia to Roxborough by J. Jones. It was then carried by car for the next thirty years.
    1925 Charlie Robinson drove one of the last horse drawn mails from Middleton to Boulia in March 1925.
    1926 One of the driest periods in the history of Boulia was between 1926-1929 when only 415mm of rain was recorded.
    1927
         		 Dr Spalding was one of the first Flying Doctors to visit Boulia during 1927-1928.
    The dance hall was opened in Boulia on the 25th February.
    1928 All fences under the Gregory North Rabbit Board were abandoned.
    1930 The "Widow's Cap" was worn by Aboriginal widows in mourning for their warrior/man having been killed. It was worn up until the 1930's.
    1932 Urandangi Federal Hotel burnt down and was completely destroyed on the 29th April. Two people perished in the fire.
    1933 The Dingo Board was abolished and the Districts Improvements Board was established under the "Grazing District Improvement Act of 1933".
    1936 The Women's Auxiliary of the RSL was first formed in 1936. Mrs J.E.M. McGlinchey was the first president.
    1938 The first school building (1891) was sold for removal and a large school building from Selwyn was removed and erected in Boulia by contractor A.H. Wellington.
    1942
         		 The last IOU's (first form of currency in Boulia and region) were used.
    On 19th February, a very efficient troop of the V.D.C. was formed.
    1950 The highest registration of rainfall for 24 hours was recorded at 345mm in March.
    1951 The Boulia Shire Council became licensed for the maintenance of the Boulia Aerodrome on the 21st February. The Boulia Shire Council building burnt down on Good Friday 1951.
    1956 The Buffalo Lodge was opened in Boulia by Bro. George Kallinicus, ROH.
    1957 Power was connected to Boulia on the 26th January. The Power House and residence for the Power House Superintendent was erected.

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