Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Casino Show AGM

President of the Casino Show Society, Martin Maloney, is appealing to Casino people to come forward with ideas and suggestions for this year's Casino Show.

The Show Society's annual general meeting will be held on Monday, February 14, and Mr Maloney is hoping that a good gathering of members and interested persons will produce fresh ideas.

"It is hoped that new ideas will be forthcoming to help with the promotion of a fresh and vibrant Casino Show for 2005," he said.

Mr Maloney praised the Ladies Auxiliary for their hard work in raising money and for their assistance in running the show. However, he said their numbers are dwindling and appealed for women to come forward to help out.

The AGM will be held on Monday, February 14, at the Casino RSM Club at 7.30pm.

Coraki Ladies Pro-Am Golf

For a chance to see top professional women golfers in action head down to the Coraki Golf Club this Sunday, February 6, for the second annual Coraki Ladies Pro-Am.

Jane Crafter, Corinne Dibnah and last year's winner Nicole James are just a few of the top golfers vying for total prize money of $15,000.

There's no fee to watch these experienced golfers up close and groups will hit off at regular intervals from 7am through to 12.30pm. Coraki Lions Club will be serving food all day. For more info phone the Club on 6683 2001.

Casino Council building sale

President of the Casino Art Centre, Peter Gallo, has called a public meeting to discuss the sale of the former Casino Council Chambers.

Mr Gallo has campaigned against the sale of the Art Deco building, asking Council to explain why they are selling the building before a survey of the Casino CBD is conducted and asking Council to produce a valuation of the building - a request Council has refused.

"I cannot see what the big secret is because as it's a public asset its value should be of public knowledge," Mr Gallo said. "The meeting will finally put the issue of the sale of the old Council Chambers up before the public for review and discussion."

In January Council revealed the building had been sold to an investment company who intended using the building as a day surgery cosmetic clinic. The sale also includes the public toilet block and adjacent Red Cross tea rooms and Senior Citizen Centre.

The meeting will be held at the Casino RSM Club next Wednesday, February 9, at 7pm.

Golf Club centenary

Casino Golf Club is celebrating its centenary this March. The club is planning a week of celebrations and producing a centenary book to recognise the milestone. For more information phone 6662 1259.

CMCA correction

In an article published on December 23, The Echo intimated that CMCA Limited was involved in negotiations with Richmond Valley Council, which is incorrect. CMCA (Casino Village) Limited is involved in negotiations, not CMCA Limited, an entirely different entity. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Remembering the Harrigan days

Former first grade rugby league referee Bill Harrigan (centre) enjoys a chat with Casino RSM Club manager Darren Schipp (left) and Stuart George from Capital Motors, before refereeing the game between the Casino Cougars and the USA Tomahawks in Casino on Tuesday.

Former rugby league first grade referee Bill Harrigan counts his first grand final between Canberra and Balmain in 1989 the highlight of his career.

As the youngest referee to handle a grand final the game went into extra time when Canberra won.

"It turned into an absolute blinder of a game," said Bill. "A Benny Elias field goal hit the cross bar and bounced back," he remembered.

Then Bill made a decision Balmain supporters still haven't forgiven, and which they remind him of at every opportunity.

"I penalised (Balmain's) Bruce Maguire for obstruction," Bill said.

But Bill said handling pressure from supporters was just part of his job.

"Like any job you prepare for it," he said. "You know your business, and you do it like any other person who has a job."

Speaking before the game between the USA Tomahawks and the Casino Cougars in Casino on Tuesday, Bill said after 17 years at the top of the game, coming to a sudden halt was hard.

"I missed it especially during last year's State of Origin games and the grand final," he said.

Bill's visit to Casino was arranged by Stuart George and sponsored by Capital Motors and Regional Express Airlines, with assistance from the Casino RSM Club.

Bill rated Wally Lewis the best player he refereed, Mal Meninga the toughest and said the Canberra Raiders team in the early 90s was the best team ever.

"Any team that had Ricky Stuart as halfback and a backline of Laurie Daley, Mal Meninga, Chicka Ferguson and Gary Belcher had to be good," he said.

Later that night Bill showed he could still keep the game under control in Casino's 22-20 victory over the Tomahawks, watched by over 2000 spectators.