Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Monday 4 July 1938, page 7


Preston Nonagenarian

Mr. Vara Tidd of High street, Preston who has lived in Preston for 83 years celebrated his 91st birthday at the week-end. He retains a wonderfully clear memory of the early days of Preston when the settlement was known as Irishtown He can recall the camp of aborigines on the banks of the Darebin Creek and the old toll gate at Wood street Preston as well as the flour mill in the same street with Emery's pottery behind the mill.

Transport in those days was primitive and limited. The waggonette left the old Royal Mall Hotel In Bourke street

Mr Tidd was an employee of the Pres-ton Council and earlier local governing bodies for more than 40 years.