Summary

The 'Back to Natimuk' celebrations to mark the Fifty Year Anniversary of the founding of Natimuk township in Victoria's Wimmera region were held over four days from 28th February to 2nd March, 1924.

According to a report in the Horsham Times, to welcome visitors:
'The town was decorated with bunting. At the entrance of the Main street from the station a fine arch was erected - built of the main district product, sheaves of wheat. Across the top of the arch in large letters "Welcome 1870-1924" stood out prominently... [while] In addition to this, streamers of flags [were strung] across the street at various points, [and] public buildings, shops and private dwellings decorated ... [giving] the town a gay appearance."

Commenting on the motor tour of the district held on the morning of Saturday, 1st March, the Horsham Times reported:
"About 60 cars assembled in the street and were filled up with passengers, and as the procession moved off the sight was very imposing. Starting from the post office, a course was taken out towards Tooan. From there the next point was Mount Arapiles at a specially-selected spot. Here, before moving, on photographs were taken. The next point was the Mitre township where the procession turned towards home again via Mitre Lake. Most of the visitors were taken on to Natimuk lake where the swimming club's carnival commenced at 1 p.m."

Description of Content

Line-up of about fifteen touring cars, with soft top roofs and open sides, drawn up along the kerb in the main street of Natimuk, in front of the Post Office (at right) and double-storey English, Scottish & Australian Bank building (centre). Further back behind the bank building is timber shop verandah, probably a newsagent, with advertising signs for 'The Age' and 'The Leader' painted on the verandah end. Between the front two cars a group of men dressed in suits and hats are standing in discussion, while some distance back along the line a marshal dressed in a white coat is standing beside one of the cars speaking to the driver. The group was part of a procession of motor vehicles preparing to take visitors on a motor tour of the district held on Saturday 1st March 1924, as part of the fifty year "Back to Natimuk" anniversary celebrations.

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