Hi Greg

In case no one has yet identified and dated the photo you had in The Manning Community News, Feb-March, I can identify what was happening. 

It’s the procession on 22 June 1911 along Taree’s unsealed Victoria Street to mark the coronation of King George V. 

Taree Civilian Band is leading the procession with school children following.  I have a similar photograph, taken a few minutes after, your photograph was taken, by the same person and from the same place. Mine shows some covered wagons, a man dressed as a baby elephant and some of the same spectators as are in your photograph.

I have been researching and writing a history of Taree town band (which includes Taree Civilian Band) for some years. Because your photograph shows the band leading the parade, I would appreciate a copy of it to put into my book rather than the ‘bandless’ photo I currently am using. I have added my photograph to show you the difference between the two photographs.

Regards

Jim Fletcher

Failford

Former member of Taree town band (now Manning Valley Concert Band). 

This lovely photo, by the late Newcastle press photographer Milton Merrilees, shows shipping on the Manning River during the 1930s at the time of the construction of Martin Bridge. The larger vessel is TSS Uki, later to be used as an auxiliary minesweeper during World War 2.

www.phototimetunnel.com