GOONUMBLA store owner in the 1920s and 30s, John Walsh, was locally recognised for his initiative in wheat handling in the area which resulted in revolutionising grain handling throughout the continent.
Mr Walsh devised a bag lifting contraption enabling the raising of wheat bags to the top of a rail grain truck at sidings where there was no silo, so workers could empty each bag into bulk bins and regain their bags for further use.
Goonumbla is a renown wheat and sheep mixed-farming district west of Parkes producing grain and wool of quality.
Mr Walsh's grandson, Tony McGrath, who recently retired to Trundle, from Gamberang, Bogan Gate, showed The Land a mounted and framed hand-printed certificate of recognition and thanks presented to Mr Walsh in 1932 from more than 50 local wheat growers and "interested persons" for his undaunted efforts.
Mr McGrath said John Walsh was his mother's father and arrived in the district as either a horse team or bullock team general carrier.
"He came from Victoria we think, but he must have had some influence in merchandise as he built the store at Goonumble and traded there for a long time," Mr McGrath said.
John and Catherine Walsh had two daughters, Bessie Cannon, Yambarra, Forbes, and Tony's mother, Molly.
"When my grandfather died of a hernia in 1936, my aunt Bessie rented the store to her cousin," Mr McGrath said.
"But granddad must have been held in high esteem as there are more than 50 signatures on the hand-printed certificate."
Back in the early years up to the construction of silos, all grain was bagged on properties, then carted to a rail siding for delivery to grain trains.
There are many photos around showing rows of bags stacked high and in waiting for loading at railways, done by back-breaking work of farmers and labourers.
Mr Walsh devised a bag lifter which saved much ache and pain from manual lifting.
The writing on the certificate reads as follows:
"We the undersigned present you with very great pleasure this record of our appreciation of your initiative and undaunted efforts in establishing the system of handling wheat in bulk at railway stations where there are no silos.
"It was not for any pecuniary benefit that you so ardently pushed your scheme, but entirely for its economic value to the farming community and to the state as a whole.
"Not only do the individual farmers materially gain by the saving of their bags but the risk of loss by exposure to the weather and pests is avoided.
"We trust that you will long be spared to see the modest beginning of your scheme spread and eventuate into state-wide use.
"Wishing you and your family health happiness and prosperity in the years to come."
