1930 to 1939
1930 Tobacco growing resumed in the area when prices rise.
Queensland extended its rail link to Texas.
Coal mine was reopened for time.
1931 Mar Councils co-operated with government to abolish dole system.
Sep 1 A reduction in wages was commenced, based on the cost of living during that time.
Sep 9 A special council meeting was held to consider applications for unemployment relief grants owing to the depression.
1933 Population of Ashford Shire 3800. Town population 588 in 114 houses. Ashford main street during the 30s
Ashford Shire employed 230 men on various roadworks.
Publican Bill Gobbert added a second floor to the Commercial Hotel giving it 56 rooms. The hotel, Strand picture show and the butcher's shop were powered by a private generator.
Ashford businesses at the time included two stock and station agents, a bank, a baker, two boarding houses, Gobbert's Commercial Hotel, McRae's store, Mrs Nichols store, Henderson's store, a refreshment room, a police station, a motor garage, blacksmith and garage, and a sawmill.
Jul 14 Sanitary service proposed at council.
Aug 11 Mr C. A. Cox was given permission by council to erect a store and bake house, which became the New England Bakery.
1934 May 11 Council supported the Ashford P. and C. Association in its efforts to have a new school erected in Ashford instead of enlarging the existing building.
Jun 8 Council gave school authorities permission to enclose a park or reserve.
Jul 5 The original Charter of the Ashford-Bukkulla Sub-branch of the R.S.L. is formed.
1935 Ashford Shire Council engineer was instructed to make an investigation into the dam site at 'The Pocket' and take up with the federal and state governments the provision of funds for a dam to be constructed. This was 30 years before the construction of Pindari Dam.
Original Police station sold and removed.
School reports an enrolment of 140 pupils. click to enlarge Ashford Public School taken from Martyn Street in 1935
Feb 8 A proposal for a Public Hall and School of Arts was opposed by rate payers.
Mar Plans for a new school building were completed and a tender accepted.
Sep 13 Water storage schemes were proposed by progress associations in the area.
1936 The Strand Cafe was opened.
Skeleton weed is reported within the Ashford Shire Council area and council reverses its stance on noxious weed control and resolved that every effort be made to have it cleared as soon as possible.
1937 Ashford Shire Council lodges an objection to Aboriginal people camping in tents, bark and timber shelters and homes made out of opened out kerosene tins, close to town, but does nothing to improve living conditions for these people. Among these families were Greens, Connors, Boneys, Browns and Landsboroughs, all of whom were previously associated with Noocoorilma mission reserve.
Mar Council joined tree planting scheme in co-operation with Australian 150th Anniversary. Twenty five trees were planted.
Dec A public meeting proposing the installation of electricity supply at Ashford took place to determine the extent of demand.
1938 The money was raised to build and equip a hospital. The hospital had only one bed for emergency cases. All other patients were sent to Inverell.
The Ashford Memorial Hall was opened with the crowning of charity queen Joyce Solomon. click to enlarge Ashford Memorial Hall
Roman Catholic Church, Ashford Parish was opened, with Father Thomas Leahy as Parish Priest. click to enlarge The original Catholic Church building
Jan Inverell Municipal Council's Electrical Engineer gave council a brief outline of cost of electrical supply for Ashford. Inverell Council took up the proposal to extend the electricity supply to Ashford.
Jun Council gave consideration to the needs of the citizens of Ashford with regard to a Town Water Supply.
Oct Applications were made by council to have Ashford declared a built up area for the purpose of regulating traffic speed through the town.
Dec Approval was granted to erect signs declaring Ashford a built up area.
1939 Tobacco production is boosted by the discovery of a cure for the disease 'blue mould'.
Feb Tenders were called for the supply of electricity to the Ashford and district.
Apr The Bonshaw Progress Association requested Ashford Council support the idea of having the village of Bonshaw re-designed or surveyed and vacant crown lands thrown open for purchase by public. Council supported this request.