Long Flat Reclamation/Irrigation Settlement is east of Murray Bridge township.
LONG FLAT HALL OPENING CEREMONY
Thursday, September 6 was a red letter day in the history of Long Flat, for on that evening their hall was opened. The working committee, Messrs P Opie (chairman), W Wundersitz, (treasurer), and P V Ryan (secretary), have worked energetically is putting it mildly.
The large crowd which assembled at the hall on Thursday was indeed a tribute to their labours. The gathering was one of the largest the district has known for many a day, there being between 300 and 400 people present. The crowd was altogether beyond expectation and large enough to fill the hall three times over.
Nevertheless everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly, and the ladies' committee made valiant efforts to cope with the extra demand for supper. Widespread interest was evinced, visitors coming from Murray Bridge, Monteith, and even Tailem Bend, and other parts of the district. Nearly 100 made the trip from Murray Bridge alone.
The circumstances surrounding the arrangement for the erection of the hall have already been explained in the Courier, so it is not necessary to repeat them here, suffice it to say that the building is a neat wood and galvanized iron structure 41ft long and 20ft wide. The floor is 31ft long, there being a neat 10ft stage. At the back is a small room which can be utilized as a dressing or supper room.
It is erected on a square chain of Mr Wundersitz's land, which has been rented for a nominal sum.
When it is stated that the first public meeting was held on July 7 to discuss the matter and that less than two months later the hall was completed and opened it will be seen that no time was lost. The hall is lit by acetylene gas, there being six burners. Mr W Standen was the contractor, his price being £147 10/.
On Thursday evening Mr Opie presided and, asked the Hon J Cowan MLC to perform the opening ceremony. The Hon J Cowan said it afforded him great pleasure to be present that evening and declare the hall open. It was a little overcrowded that evening, but of course, the committee would not always have to deal with such large crowds.
He remembered the time when Murray Bridge was a very small place, and people would not turn out as they had done that evening. The reclaimed areas were practically suburbs of Murray Bridge and were very popular with the townsfolk.
Up to that time they had had no hall in which to hold meetings, church service, and concerts, &c., but now they had a building which would meet all requirements. Apart from entertainments there was something still more beneficial. He referred to the establishment for the school.
After supper the hall was cleared, and dancing indulged in until the "wee sma' hours." Mr. Wundersitz had kindly lent his barn, and to this building a large number repaired and merrily tripped the light fantastic.
The committee desire to specially thank Mrs Schultze for her extreme kindness in loaning her valuable piano for the evening, and also for her energetic and successful efforts in collecting funds. This was deeply appreciated, as also was the running free of several motor boats from Murray Bridge.
The receipts on the opening night totalled between £14 and £15. Altogether nearly £30 has been collected. [Ref: Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser 15-9-1911]
*The Government will now be asked to supply a school teacher and pay the usual 7 per cent, on the cost of construction per annum for school accommodation. The guarantors of the money, which was loaned from the Bank of Adelaide, are Messrs P Opie, Ryan, Corder, Mann, Doyle, Foster, Turner, and Rouse. [Ref: Observer 16-9-1911]
*It is intended to further add to the attractiveness of the Long Flat Hall by putting in a piano. Mr P Opie went to Adelaide this week to make arrangements for the purchase of an instrument.
Further, the residents intend to erect a proper landing place at a point immediately opposite the bottom end of the island, within five minutes walk of the hall which will greatly convenience visitors from the Bridge and elsewhere. [Ref: Mount Barker Courier & Onkaparinga & Gumeracha Advertiser 29-9-1911]
*Piano purchase for Long Flat Hall – advertisement Ref: Express & Telegraph (Adelaide) 3-11-1911
*BOY SCOUTS' CONCERT
On Wednesday, February 16, a concert in aid of the funds of the Boy Scouts was given at Long Flat. The Scouts, accompanied by the Town Band and a number of townspeople, made the journey by motor launch, and, on arrival, Mr A Duncan presided, while Scoutmaster Dyke took charge of the boys.
The concert commenced in the Long Flat hall, which Mr P Opie had arranged in excellent style, but owing to the inadequacy of the hall to accommodate the people, it was decided to continue the concert in the open air.
Mr Duncan, in the course of a preliminary address, eulogised the Boy Scout movement, and referred to the self-sacrifice of Scoutmaster Dyke, who gave up many of his hours of leisure in order to devote himself to the interests of the boys, who were the greatest asset to the country. He was very pleased to see so many Long Flat residents present, as it showed that they all sympathised with the movement, and were ready to assist in whatever manner they could.
At the close of the concert refreshments, provided by the ladies of Long Flat, were served, and after the Scouts had embarked for home a dance was held. Too much praise cannot be given to the residents of Long Flat for their support, and a special mede of praise is due to Mr Peter Opie for his untiring efforts and sacrifice. [Ref: Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser 25-2-1916]
*LATE PRIVATE A J MUGFORD
When the news was received in Murray Bridge that Private "Jack" Mugford had paid the price for the Empire it cast quite a gloom over the town and district. The young soldier was of a retiring disposition, and prior to enlisting had been employed as a cleaner in the Locomotive Branch of the Railways Department at Murray Bridge, and earned the respect of the superintendent (Mr W J Hooper) and his mates in the sheds. He was born on May 22 1895, and was thus just turned 21 years of age. He entered the railway service on January 7 1915 and enlisted on July 22, 1915. Great sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents. On Tuesday night an "In Memoriam" service was held in the Long Flat Hall. [Ref: Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser 25-8-1916]
*LONG FLAT WORKERS
A concert, social, dance and strawberry fete, in aid of the Red Cross Society, will be held at the Long Flat Hall on Wednesday next. Mr Parish MP, will officially open the fete at 8 pm. Special boats will leave Murray Bridge wharf at 7.30 pm, and will return at the close. Conveyances will meet boat and take passengers to the hall. [Ref: Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 - 1954), Friday 10 November 1916, page 4
*LONG FLAT HALL – free of debt
The hall being declared free of debt, Long Flat settlers celebrated the occasion by holding a fancy dress ball. The hall was opened by the Hon. John Cowan in 1911. Mr. P. E. Opie was first president, and P. V. Ryan acted as secretary. Various settlers have since held office, including Mr. J. W. E. Baldock (retiring president), whose efforts since his settling at Long Flat 14 years ago have considerably helped in freeing the hall of debt.
Seen on parade were Janet Mitchell (in 18tli century dress), Grace McCullock (Pierrette). Mary Anderson (Argentine dancer), Rita Anderson (columbine), Sil. Ware (digger). Miss Applecamp (bed time), Eileen Attwell (burglar), Mr. Cliff Miller (clown). The characters were well sustained. Cliff Miller carried out his antics with considerable credit.
Supper was served at 10.30, when Mr. Les. Baker (president) thanked Mr. George Anderson for his generous services as promoter and M.C. of the dances that have helped appreciably in reducing the hall debt. Music was rendered by Mr. Fred Wegener and Art. Pilmore. [Ref: Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser 10-10-1930]
***Very heavy rainfall in 1931 resulted in the River Murray breaking its banks causing havoc for many settlements. From that time there appears to be no mention of the Long Flat Hall.
*Ten Reclaimed Areas Submerged in 13 Days
Murray Bridge September 1
Long Flat, about three miles below Murray Bridge was flooded today.
By 6pm all Long Flat swamp was covered and the breach in the bank had increased to 30 yards.
Long Flat farmers, who had spent the night on the levee, where two serious slips had occurred, were sleeping when the alarm was given at 11.30am. Those on the bank hurried to the spot but found that the sheets of galvanized iron were the only protection against the river. It was only a matter of seconds before the water hurled side the iron and poured into the settlement. [Ref: Chronicle 3-9-1931]
