Words of endearment
AT the risk of a contempt of court writ there’s a timely story from the recesses of our memory that needs to be told. Last week the Sydney Morning Herald paid a half page tribute to retiring senior Magistrate Peter Miszalski.
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Early in his career before becoming His Worship Peter was on the staff of Lithgow Court House and was depositions clerk on sitting days.
It was the golden era of colourful and eccentric characters on the court lists and one of these was a regular patron, a lady who owned a boarding house and noted for a gold standard in eccentricities.
This particular day she outdid herself with the vernacular in court.
She began with a burst of vitriol aimed across the room at ‘.. old Gundagai Joe the sergeant ‘ then turned her attention towards the Bench .. ‘and up there is Miszalski - a prancing, dancing fool who flits about the court house like a blue arsed fly!’.
There possibly hasn’t been a more colourful turn of phrase before or since - and she got away with it.
We don’t recommend trying it on these days.
A hole lot of neglect
WONDER why nothing ever gets done about the southern fence of Lithgow’s QE Park, adjacent to the playground.
It currently has more holes than Malcolm Turnbull’s energy pricing deal.
Something’s missing
NO one can deny that Lithgow’s State Office Block was a wonderful addition to Lithgow. It stands out handsomely on the streetscape - at least on three sides.
But the western wall is more than just a little bland, no doubt a concession to the afternoon sun.
It could be considerably enhanced with the addition of a colourful State coat of arms.
Perhaps it’s something our State Member might take on board on our behalf.
Culture Central
LET it never be said we’re short on culture around here.
The social event of the month was a dancefest in Lithgow at the weekend when a bunch of brave celebrity twinkletoes helped raise around $40,000 for the Cancer Council.
Great effort and a class event. But cultural pursuits don’t end there; next on the calendar we’ve got cage fighting coming up.
Nothing like a little variety, they say.
Have your say
The Saint’s had a say, now it’s your turn. If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, you can do so at kirsty.horton@fairfaxmedia.com.au. Letters should be 250 words or less, include the sender’s name, suburb address and contact phone number (for verification).