For those who are interested in the HWMT Bus Trip and wondering what you will see, below is a list of places. There may be some changes, but this will give you a good idea.
Thomas & Zenobia Williams settled here in 1872. When Thomas passed, Zenobia moved to Waaia, and their son George & Elizabeth (Mills) Williams ran the farm. George & Elizabeth retired to Numurkah and their son George Thomas & Elizabeth Emma (Bell) Williams took over the 320 acre farm and in early 1930 bought the adjoining 320 acres north that had been selected by E Armstrong. On George Thomas Williams passing the block was split up into quarters, one quarter for each of the 3 sons and 1 for his wife. Cliff moved to WA and on Elizabeth Emma’s death, Harry bought both blocks respectively. Allan’s quarter is now owned by Warren & Karen Williams, who also own the block, north of Christies Road.
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There has been 4 houses built on the farm. The first house was flooded and the second one was burnt down. After George Thomas Williams passed and the family had all married, in 1962, the third house made way for a smaller house for Elizabeth Emma Williams and still is here today and is commonly known as ‘Nanna’s house’.
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② Girdler’s Blacksmith Shop
Edith Maud (Edie) Williams married Alfred George Girdler in 1912 at Numurkah. George had a blacksmith shop at Yalca South, near where the original Presbyterian Church stood on what is now known as Yalca South Church Rd. They sold the business and moved to Picola.
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③ Errindale
Originally owned by the Baldwin’s, cousin to Joseph Henry Baldwin. Allan & Bev Williams bought the farm in 1963. Currently owned by Ashley & Theresa Williams, their daughter Helen & husband Heath Plattfuss share farms the dairy. They are milking 160 cows on the 285 acres.
④ Tweedle Farm
Thomas & Thirza (Williams) Mills share farmed the 640 acre property before leaving to go to Nagambie in 1900. Currently owned by Ashley & Theresa Williams and is home to the Waaia Tractor Pull.
❺ Baulkamaugh North Primary School
Baulkamaugh North Primary School was on the norh west corner of the Patten farm. Ellen Patten was the first school teacher. The Patten & Williams children attended here.
Patten Farm
Original farm of William & Ellen (Gourd) Patten. Francis & Siss (Williams) Patten farmed here. After WWII some of the farm was acquired for soldier settlement. On Francis’ death the farm was taken over by his son, Leonard & wife Peggy (Beer) Patten. The family sold the farm.
⑥ Biggars Farm
James & Jessie (Mills) Biggar farmed next door to the Mills. Jessie was Robert & Ellen Mills second child.
❼ Mills Farm
Robert & Ellen (Adam) Mills settled the 197 acre farm in 1880. The original house, while renovated somewhat still stands today along with the Breathren Hall. After Robert & Ellen’s passing, brothers James & John continued with farming until their deaths.
⑧ Waaia Hotel
Birth place of Thomas & Thirza (Williams) Mills triplets in 1900. The original Waaia Hotel was burnt down sometime after 1900 and was rebuilt.
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⑪ Baglin Farm
Bruce & Edna (Mills) Baglin settled the soldier settlement farm after WWII.
Numurkah
① Ethel (Williams) Sizer’s house, Eloura – 88 Tocumwal Road, Numurkah
Ethel bought the house with the compensation from her first husband, Leonard’s death in WWI. She and her second husband Harry moved to Queensland and her parents George & Elizabeth (Mills) Williams retired here. Ethel & Harry returned to the house during WWI.
Currently the Seventh Day Adventist Church occupies the site.
Toc Rd was known as ‘Blink Bonny’ and a sign can be found on one of the houses in the street.
② Joyce (Girdler) & Henry Simmons place – 90 Saxton St /
14 Dolphin St, Numurkah
③ Edie & George Girdler shop, 41 Saxton St, Numurkah
Edie & George took over the business H B Mackay & Massey Harris Agencies, which was also an agent for Sunshine Harvesters. Later they expanded their shop and stocked furniture.
As Alan was interested in bicycle racing, Alan and his father assembled bikes under the name of A L G Bicycles.
George had a lady working for him and when she became ill, Edie helped out in the shop and ended up staying on working there. They later stocked crockery, fabric & manchester. They lived behind the shop.
④ Alan Girdlers furniture shop, 29 Melville St, Numurkah
Alan went to WWII and when he returned he ran the furniture shop across the road from his parent’s shop. They built the shop and lived above it.
❺ Numurkah Cemetary
Numurkah Cemetary is the home to many past Mills and Williams. Including Robert & Ellen Mills,George & Elizabeth (Mills) Williams.
 RSVP: 26 Feb 2016
Cost for the bus trip is $20 per person, Includes BBQ lunch.
9:30 start for registrations and morning tea. Bus will leave Waaia at 10am and return at 4pm.
Limited seats are available so hurry and book your place.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Waaia Cricket Club Grand Final we may not be able to use the Waaia hall. If this is the case we will be at the Numurkah Football Club rooms. Please ensure you have given your mobile and or email address with your RSVP so we can let you know.
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