The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 4

4 THE AGE, Saturday 9 February 1985 Death gags a scurrilous storyteller 7rb Chandler Macleod 25 years Shaping Australian Business MELBOURNE SYDNEY BRISBANE PERTH Principal! art Memtxrt of the Institute ol MinlRf mritt Comulunlf in Auilrjlu Ml ill B- '4m 111 Managing Director Johnson Tiles $80,000 Package Neg. 4- Car Johnson Tiles manufactures and markets ceramic wall and floor tiles throughout Australia. The company is part of the Norcros International Croup. Owing to the forthcoming retirement of the Managing Director, we are seeking a marketing-oriented executive who can continue to develop the company's prominent role in its market. A number of technical and production innovations have been recently introduced to ensure corporate goals are achieved in the medium term.

Candidates are likely to have the following profile: Currently Chief Executive of a small to medium manufacturing concern; OR Marketing ManagerDivisional General Manager of a larger, diversified manufacturer; Post-graduate business qualifications; Recent experience in managing a marketing function; Aged 35 plus. A remuneration package appropriate to this level of position and to the appointee's individual needs will be negotiated. This includes a substantial base salary and an attractive performance related bonus. His second spell in jail followed a court case of record length and bizarre circumstances. Somerville Smith knew about a $1.2 million fraud against two banks, and he wrote a story called: "How to rob a bank with a ballpoint pen" or "How $1.2 million was extracted from the National The Victorian police, astonished at the detail and accuracy of the report, charged him with conspiracy, and he faced trial with nine others.

Somerville Smith got a sentence of four years, but served only 11 months on a prison farm. Friends were to say later that he did not get anything out of the fraud; he merely recorded it because it was a good story to write. A lot of people today will be saying: "Thank God he's not around to write any more." But a lot of others will miss him. He claimed an amazing range in friendships: Norm Gallagher on the one hand and Norman Myer on the other; Arthur Calwell in the Labor Party and Arthur Warner in the Liberals. Somerville Smith was kind to the poor.

And he was always ready to help an ex-prisoner. As Lillian Frank says: "There'll never be another like him. They broke the mould." JOHN LAHEY on 10 October last year. It lacked some of this fire, but he did manage to give the following labels to various people: castrated dingo, cockroach, the maggot, the cockatoo and the red-back spider on the toilet seat. He also told us that Bruce Rux-too, state president of the RSL, was the greatest Australian of alL "He is to we white people what Muhammid All (sic) was to the world's black (His son, Private Baron Somer-ville Smith was killed in Vietnam.1 One person who did manage to take Somerville Smith's Insults on the chin was Lillian Frank, Toorak's noted hairstylist.

"Tbe Toorak barber" is what Somerville Smith called her. Yesterday, Ms Frank seemed genuinely sorry when told of his death. "Really and truly he did not bother me at all," she said. "I used to laugh at him. One day I said, 'I know why you are doing this, it's because everybody knows me', and he said 'You're right, kid'." Libel did hurt Somerville Smith once.

In 1960 be landed in jail after the Menzles Government prosecuted him for material found to be criminally libellous against the late Senator Shane Paltridge and others, in a Canberra newsletter. Never spoil a good story for the want of proof. This would be a good epitaph for John Somerville Smith, the notorious gossip columnist who died on Thursday night at the age of (6. One story he used to tell was that he was invited to Government House and shook hands with Sir Henry Winneke, who was then State Governor. Somerville Smith said that Sir Henry, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was the judge who had sentenced him to prison a few years earlier in 1970.

It is an interesting piece of irony. But newspaper cuttings show it was Judge Nelson who sentenced Somerville Smith. Just to make sure, I checked yesterday with Sir Henry in his retirement. No, he said, he had no recollection of ever being involved in a court case with the man. For the past IS years of his life, Somerville Smith wrote for the scandal sheet the 'Toorak Times', and he was a familiar figure in Toorak Village or the Toe Hotel.

Always wearing a fresh carnation at his lapel, he would amiably greet the high and low of the land who accosted him to relay scandal and gossip. Because of his vitriolic typewriter, he was not only feared but actually courted by the people he called the Silvertails. They used his column to tip buckets on each other. Somerville Smith described himself as "a storyteller not a journalist''. He could afford to say this because as a bankrupt for many years, he appeared to be immune from libel prosecutions, as does the editor, Mr Jack Pacholli, an undischarged bankrupt for 27 years.

Many people have sued, or have thought of suing, Mr Pa-cholli's papers in vain. They include Frank Costigan, QC, Gough Whitlam, Bob Hawke, Alan Bond and Robert Sangster. Somerville Smith's columns invariably contained arresting information. Leafing through old copies, one finds a reference to partygoers "pissing on the passer-by public" from a portico. One finds the headline: "What Labor lady MP once worked in a We learn of a "very passionate, oversexed little jockey" who makes a pass at a big woman at a party; the big woman turns out to be a VFL player who dresses in drag every Saturday night.

His last column was published Written applications, in confidence, quoting Ref. No. 5462 to Oleh Butchatsky at Chandler Macleod. 5 Wellington Street, Kew 3101. Telephone (03) 861 7023.

Somerville Smith: a fresh carnation and a dirtv damnation. Australian bungling provides a passport to freedom F2 Sales Manager Electrical Engineering $35 40,000 p.a. Xar We have been commissioned by a large international company headquartered in Sydney to assist in the selection of a State Sales Manager responsible for new business activity. The company is a leader both overseas and in Australia in its field, which broadly embraces the application of high technology products to the commercial construction industry. This position is located in Melbourne.

The individual sought needs to be well connected in the construction industry and capable of identifying and accessing key decision makers. This requires a strategic thinker who is a professional and disciplined marketer, a confident negotiator at senior executive level and able to lead and motivate a small team of sales consultants. Experience in areas such as control systems, electrical contracting, air conditioning or building automation generally would provide an appropriate base. Career prospects are excellent and, whilst the position is located in Melbourne, candidates who so desire can look forward to opportunities both at national and international level in the longer term. er" of an Italian Mafia organisation "responsible for the disappearance and murder of Donald Bruce Mr Justice Woodward recommended that a small, select task force be formed to monitor the activities of Mr Trimbole and his colleagues.

When a federal-NSW police drug force was established that year, Mr Trimbole was not included as a target. In August 1982, Mr Justice Stewart presented a confidential report to the federal and NSW governments recommending that Mr Trimbole be tracked down and extradited to Australia to face the heroin and passport charges. which arose out of evidence given in early hearings of his commission. No prosecution brief on the pa-sport or heroin charges had been prepared until six months later in February 1983. and then only after Mr Justice Stewart had written a letter of complaint to the Prime Minister, Mr Hawke.

It was already known that Mr Trimbole had fled Australia on 7 May 1981, five weeks before the Stewart commission had begun its inquiries. For 18 months afterwards it was known that Mr Trimbole was in France and locatable if extradition warrants were available. No charges against Mr Trimbole had ever previously been laid by NSW authorities. Mr Trimbole had been identified as one of the bosses of the Griffith marijuana trade in the opening sittings of the NSW Woodward Royal Commission on drugs set up in 1977, within months of the disappearance of Mr Mackay. In his report tabled in the NSW Parliament in October 1979, Mr Justice Woodward named Mr Trimbole as the "practical lead Written in confidence, quoting Ref.

No. 1842M to Geoff Payne at Chandler Macleod, 156 Pacific Highway, Greenwich, NSW 2065. Telephone (02)439 1933. By then Senator Evans had been briefed on the fact that Federal police had tracked Mr Trim-bole to Ireland, where be had booked into a hospital in Dublin for a check-up for cancer. An arrest was then imminent.

Hearings to secure warrants on the murder charges were hurriedly arranged for the following week in Griffith and Melbourne. But late that day in Dublin, Mr Trimbole discharged himself from hospital and was heading out of the city. Irish police detained him in case he was preparing to flee thus catching Australian authorities flatfooted in their last-minute moves to secure extradition warrants on the murder charges. Australian Federal Police had had Mr Trimbole under surveillance for three weeks, a Federal policeman, Tim Egan, was already in Dublin liaising with Irish and English police. It was discovered then that if Mr Trimbole was found and immediately arrested, there would be difficulty over proceeding against him on anything other than the passport or heroin charges.

Officers of the Stewart Royal Commission at that stage had offered to press for the appointment of a magistrate to prepare the necessary papers. They are believed to have contemplated a direct appeal to Senator Evans. When Mr Duigan did begin hearings the week after Mr Trim-bole's arrest, it was an unprecedented move in that a Victorian magistrate was given special approval to hold sittings in NSW. At the close of the much-publicised NSW inquest earlier in 1984 on Mackay's death, a NSW coroner, Mr Bruce Brown, SM, had found that a prima facie case of murder had been established against "two known But in accordance with a prohibition under Section 19 of the NSW Coroners Act, he did not specify names. In his findings on 30 March 1984, Mr Brown announced that he would forward papers to the then NSW Attorney-General, Mr Landa, and said it was up to him to decide when or if charges would be laid.

There is no public record of any action until Mr Wran promised NSW support in response to Mr Phillips's call for action on the eve of Mr Trimbole's arrest seven months later. Nor was it made known whether Mr Brown bad included Mr Trimbole in his findings. RMST FURNITURE MAKING RESTORATION CLASSES BOX HILL COLLEGE Product Manager Electrical Equipment $33,000 p.a. Car The Australian subsidiary of a major international company which manufactures and distributes electrical switchgear and controls, requires an innovative Product Manager to participate in a major market penetration programme supported by attractive new product ranges. Reporting directly to the National Marketing Manager at Head Office, the Product Manager ill be responsible for the development and execution of all market planning, promotion and training for a range of industrial control equipment.

Candidates should have a technical background in electrical control equipment application, together with sound experience in sales or marketing. The initiative and ability to recognise and fully develop the marketing and distribution opportunities available to the new product range in this very competitive business are essential. A substantial remuneration package, including a car and highly attractive incentive component, will be negotiated. TERTIARY ORIENTATION PROGRAM A number of day and evening places are still available for PART-TIME students in individual subjects. For further information ring Mr.

G. Brookes. Head of Department of Preparatory Studies, 663 5611 ext. 26 1 T.O.P. FOR WOMEN ENROLMENT DAY 13 February.

1985, 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. YWCA, 489 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne (3rd Floor). Classes commence 1 8 February and places still exist in most subjects. Further information telephone 663 561 1 ext.

399. Places In these classes are limited, and participants are placed in a class which best suits them. Classes start soon. Furniture Making Mondays or Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. for 15 weeks.

S102. (Providepurchase own materials.) Enrolment: Contact MR. WARREN DAVISON: 895 1 21 8. Furniture Restoration Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. for 15 weeks.

$102. (Provide own items for restoration.) Does not include upholstery. Some furniture makingwoodwork experience is necessary. a Enrolment: Contact MR. GORDON DOUGLAS: 895 1 21 8.

Written applications, in confidence, quoting Ref. No. 5417 to Christine Watters at Chandler Macleod. 5 Wellington Street. Kew 3 101.

Telephone (Oil 861 7023. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Limited GPO Bex 2476V Melbourne Vic 3001 Eiitchsn Gaihrcom International EXCITING KITCHENS ON SHOW UNLIMITED VARIETY OF HIGH QUALITY KITCHENS AND APPLIANCES TO CHOOSE FROM AT PRICES WELL WITHIN YOUR BUDGET UNIQUE LATEST IMPORTED COOKING TOPS BY JENN-AIR. GAGGENAU AND BLANCO EXTENSIVE RANGE OF SINKS. DISHWASHERS, RANGE HOODS WALL OVENS SUPERB NEW CORIAN. SOLID TIMBER POSTFORMED BENCH TOPS FREE PROFESSIONAL DESIGN ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK.

REMEMBER FOR VALUE VARIETY WE HA VE NO RIVAL THE PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN PEOPLfc 131 SHOWROOM OPEN 9.30 a 30 p.m. MON 10 a -5 i. SUN. 1025 BURKE RD. HAWTHORN EAST.

PH. 821383. ED tow rate ofi tefes ti Ore a LPirosm dot? State Manager Industrial Products $35,000 p.a. Car We have been retained to secure the services of a State Manager for a company which is a recognised leader in its range of industrial products. We are seeking applicants with the following qualities: Proven sales management success in an industrial setting; Ability to motivate and manage sales and office staff; A positive outlook towards market growth; Potential to progress to higher levels in the organisation.

Age is open and engineering studies, together with a good knowledge of fluid power technology, are desirable but by no means essential. The companv environment offers stability, promotional opportunity and a first-class product range. The commencing salary is negotiable above the figure nominated and a range of executive benefits applies. OFF-ROAD 4 2 WHEEL RECREATION SHOW 1985 Written applications, in confidence, quoting Ref. No.

5467 to Oleh Butchatsky at Chandler Macleod. 5 Wellington Street. Kew 3101. Telephone (03)861 7023. ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDINGS FEB.

6th-10th SATURDAY 10 am-10 pm. SUNDAY 10 am-6 pm. Administrator LAST DAY TOMORROW Do you enjoy working as part of a team? Are you a mature, reliabie person, aoie to get along with a wide range of people? Do you stay calm in difficult Situations? A 'yes' answer to these questions could be the first step to your new career. The next steps would be to attend an Information and Testing session at our Staff Training Co'iege at Watsonia. where more about tne work woula be expiainea and you would be tested to ensure you have the basic numerical, writing comprehension skills.

This wouic be foilov.es at a later date ry a medical examination. TRAINING If selected, you will uncergo a tnrte-mortn residential training course at me Sin" Train ng Coiiege. Watsonia. with instruction man-management skills, secui'ty techniques ard modern correctional management issues. Courses are scheduled for Api.l anc July.

1965. Closing Date 20 1955. Today's Prison Officers enjoy responsible, challenging and worthwhile careers. They earn good basic salaries currently $19,012 $20,005 p.a. plus generous shift allowances, standard Public Service benefits, and membership of the State Superannuation Scheme.

Officers with ability can confidently expect promotion to senior ranks. Opportunities will be provided for otticers to gain experience ana skill in administration and management and with computer technology. They would play a major role in the upgrading of. Victoria's prison system. There are opportunities now for highly motivated men and women to commence training as Prison Officers, for permanent appointments at any of Victoria's twelve existing prisons (located at Coburg (2).

Fairfield. Ararat. Beechworth. Bendigo. Castlemaine.

Dhurringile. Geelong. Morwell. Sale and Yarram). Applications are sought from persons with a wide range of educational backgrounds and life experience.

Selection standards are high. If you can answer 'yes' to the following questions, you could have what it takes to be a Prison Officer. Are you aged 21 -46? Are you physically fit, with good vision? (Accounting) p.a. Spas Wmtase Sole The Office of Corrections is an Equal Opportunity The organisation is a Commonwealth statutory corporation which has the charter to provide technical and marketing services for a significant group of agricultural products. The corporation functions in both domestic and export markets.

The Administrator is responsible to the General Manager for the total accounting function of the corporation and its associated research foundation. In addition, heshe is involved with the coordination of the export shipping programme of the commodity on a national basis, including negotiation of shipping rates. An important function of the Administrator is assisting the General Manager in the formulation and execution of current and future policy for the corporation. Candidates must be qualified for A.S.A. membership and have at least ten years experience in at ounting and general administration, including some supervisory experience.

An EDP system is being introduced and it is therefore essential that applicants have prior experience in the application and running of such systems. Experience in negotiation and administration of shipping programmes is desirable. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of the functions of a statutory authority, coupled with strong commercial ability and initiative. The position offers career progression and is covered by Commonwealth Public Service Board terms and conditions, including superannuation. Employer.

(Spectacles acceptable for reading only. i Imported Italian German tapware and sanitary ware at 25 off. Crane Colonial brass sink sets only $50.00 plus assorted tapware and accessories at crazy low prices. Written applications, in confidence, quoting Ref. No.

5463 to Christine Watters at Chandler. Macleod, 5. Wellington Street. Kew 3101. Telephone (03)861 7023.

Seconds display baths Over 50 Spa baths to choose from. 35 Alex Avenue Moorabbin 553 1247 Now $750 $675 $830 $1250 Was $1537 $1690 $1383 $1680 Almond Ivory Royal Blue Dusty Peach Terra Cotta gold fittings chrome fittings brass fittings gold firings Corner spa bath Round spa bath Oval spa bath Corner spa bath Plus many more I To: The Personnel I 20 Albert Roac a I am tmcestes a a -s Please sens me turner xc -urn. I Name Address Account Executive Grocery Industry $25,000 p.a. Bonus Car You will find this position of great appeal if you are an eager and professional National Account Executive with experience in negotiating with major retail accounts. The rewards are excellent and the companv is fast-moving and committed to success.

You will have responsibility for promoting the company's highly recognised product range to key Head Office Accounts and will supervise a small 'but experienced sales team. We seeking a top-note Account Executive who has already demonstrated sales management and merchandising abilitv.in the grocery industry: The successful applicant will possess energy, drive and a good knowledge of produc launches and special promotions. Age is flexible, though anyone under JB vear in unlikel-. (, have adequate experience. The- tomp.mv has enioveci strong growth and ha recently launched a new product range.

Promotional pro-peels are first class. 44 Nicholson Street South Yarra 267 2344 Was NOW $1215 $1195 $855 $1120 $1175 Beige brass fittings Navy Blue chrome fittings Pink chrome fittings White chrome fittings Two person oval spa bath Round spa bath Standard spa bath Corner spa bath $1622 $1595 $1145 $1495 $1567 Corner spa bath with seat Beige brass fittings Plus twelve more styles to choose from. Wrttte appucd'i'tn. confident e. canting Ref.

No. 5465 to Oleh Butchatsky at A Mac 'i-nd. 5 Street. Kew 3101. Telephone '03) 867 7023.

Prison Officer a career to be proud of EunopeanBathrooms Warehouse- 35 Alex Ave, Moorabbin 553 1247 Mon-Frl 8.00am-4.00pm, Sat 8.00am-1 Showroom- 44 Nicholson St. South Yarra 267 2344 Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.00pm, Sat 9.00am-1 2noon 1.