Dawn Bajada contacted me after she had I found this article on Trove (Dated 21/08/1884 in the Yarrawonga Mercury). It listed the office bearers for the Yarrawonga Coursing Club in 1884 and it mentioned the President Mr. Angus Grant. Angus Grant is Dawn’s great Grandfather. Although born in the Tullamarine area, he spent considerable time at Bundalong where his father (John Grant 1812 to 1904) owned a considerable amount of land. Angus was also one of the first trustees of the Bundalong Cemetery. His wife is Elizabeth Ritchie, and at least three of his children were born at Bundalong. Because didn’t know what Angus Grant looks like! she hoping a Club photo may turn up. It’s a long shot but who knows it was certainly the oldest subject matter inquiry I have ever had let’s hope something turns up. We wish Dawn all the best.
SPORTING.
COURSING.
YARRAWONGA COURSING CLUB.
President – Mr. Angus Grant. Vice-President and Treasurer — Mr. John M’Namara. Judge — Mr. John Fell. Slipper — Mr. George Abbott. Committee — Messrs. Samuel Butler, William Newton, John Reilly, A. Irvine, William M’Mahon, J. H. Pierce, James M’Leod and Albert Aston.
THE MEMBERS’ PLATE.
A trophy presented by the Members, valued £1 10s., to the winner of the first prize. For an unlimited number of dogs (all ages) at 30s. each, the bona fide property of members; the club to receive 5s. on each entry. The balance of stakes to be allotted thus — the draw, as follows:
First Dog, £6; second, £3; third and fourth, £1 each.
A truly enjoyable outing came off on Messrs. Grant Bros.’ farm, Burramine, yesterday, and in every respect proved a most enjoyable affair. The arrangements worked without a hitch; Mr. Fell, of Tasmania, as judge, gave every satisfaction. Mr. Geo. Abbott slipped in his usual careful and steady manner; while the hon. sec. Mr. R. A. M’Carthy, was at all times up to his work.
First Round.
Spring led and outworked Sweep Boy throughout a course of moderate length. Sweep Boy led second few lengths, when the red dog put in some telling points, and eventually won with plenty to hand.
Attila ran round Bob for the turn, and, making a succession of good points, a clever end-and-kill on the part of the loser, failed to equalise matters. Cupid went great guns in front of Alice, but the latter’s well-known cleverness pulled her through as easy winner.
First Ties.
Section led and beat Spring decisively in a short course. Attila led Alice some few lengths, scoring rather rapidly, when Alice gained possession for a sequence of telling points; the red coming again too late, the blue passed.
Flush — In this Alice was drawn, and Section had a walk-over.
First Round.
Mr. A. W. Thomas’s b w d Spring (pedigree unknown) beat Mr. S. Bartley’s blk w d Sweep Boy, by Bashful Jerry — Tasmania.
Mr. C. Culph’s f d Section, by Bismarck — Lady of May, beat Mr. S. Bartley’s b w d Swift Boy, by Diddybird O’Kane — Brindle Lady.
Second Ties.
Alice beat Attila.
Third Round.
Section b w d 5th v Attila, by Warribee Hero — Sunset, beat Mr. C. Culph’s f d Section, by Warribee Hero.
Mr. J. W. Altwark’s blk w d Alice, by First King — Wooding Bird, beat Mr. James M’Leod’s blk d Cupid, by Cupid — Fly.
First Tie
Section beat Spring
Alice beat Attila