Document dump: Brian Edward and Mick Robinson with some of the historic by-laws.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE dumping of animal carcasses and the nuisance of auctioneers ringing bells merited “bye-laws” in Geelong’s early history, according to recently uncovered documents.
Former police chief superintendent Brian Edward has handed a list of the city’s original by-laws to Geelong Heritage Centre’s Mick Robinson.
Mr Edward said he rescued the historic documents when Geelong’s police headquarters transferred from the city’s state offices to Mercer St.
“I retained them in a cardboard box for many years and only recently recognised their significance.”
Mr Edward said the documents would have been in the custody of the police prosecutor to act on behalf of council.
Mr Edward said the by-laws prohibited dumping carcasses in the “River Barwon” and a pond formerly in Johnstone Park.
Other laws tackled construction of privies, earthy closets and urinals, the plying for hire of hacking carriages and “rapid driving and riding” on public thoroughfares.
Wearing hat pins in a way that they might inflict injury was also prohibited.
An 1898 by-law prevented carriage of fruit and other foods on carts laden with manure.
The Women’s Christian Temperance Union expressed concern about Sunday trading of confectionary shops on Moorabool St.
Mr Robinson said the by-laws “treasures” would go toward part of a collection on Geelong’s early history.
“It’s great that with the announcement of the funding for the new library and heritage centre finds like this bob up.”
