Many pupils had School Bank Accounts which were with the State Savings Bank and I always envied them as they lined up with sixpences (5 cents) on the allotted Bank Day. When we were born our Mother commenced small accounts for us with the Commonwealth Bank and those Depression years money was not around to support two banking systems. but I still felt left out!

When the polio epidemic emerged in Victoria parents became very anxious and hoped our isolation would be a safeguard. Harry and Elsie Bolton who owned the Hotel sent their girls, Marie and Lola up to Bristows at Double Creek as they thought they would be away from contact with any Hotel visitors. Mum made small sachets of garlic to hang around our necks as a protection and some children had small pieces placed in their shoes. We also had correspondence lessons for a while and when Mr McDonald was recovering from an appendix operation we had relieving teachers. We all literally worshiped Mr. Lloyd Buchan and were devastated when we learnt he was leaving. Somehow we children managed to raise money to buy him a block of chocolate (the ultimate for us) as a farewell gift. We resented poor Mr Mcinerney, his replacement who had an unusual method of teaching. I remember when familiarising us with the names of Victorian towns, he would illustrate on the blackboard. I distinctly recall the drawing of a large rat with a bell around it’s neck, depicting ‘Ballarat’ I wish I had retained more useful knowledge during my school years!