Donalda Motors

Jock McDonald, Naught McDonald and Jack DeVanny moved to Maffra on approximately 16th February 1926. Jock was 22 years old and turned 23 two days later. Naught was 21 years old, being 20 months younger than Jock. Jack DeVanny was older than the McDonald brothers.

Prior to moving to Maffra, Jock had operated a business “Donalda Garage” from the family home in East St Kilda and joined the V.A.C.C. on 23rd September 1925. Jock gained his mechanical knowledge working at the Canada and Cycle Motor Company in Melbourne (Dodge importers). Naught, also a mechanic, worked at Kellow Faulkiner in Melbourne (Rolls Royce dealers). Jack DeVanny had no mechanical knowledge and was to do the clerical work. The McDonald brothers bought Jack DeVanny out in June 1926 and continued in business together until 1946 at which time Naught left the business.

The business of Maffra Motors (owner Mr Gus Kiss) operated from this address prior to 1926 and the premises was rented from Mr Kiss until 19XX -at which time a loan was made to purchase the premises from Mr Kiss. Mr Silace Clark held the mortgage until this was repaid.

In 1926 the business was based mainly on mechanical repairs and reconditioning and this was supported by the selling of Dodge Motor cars and Graham Bros trucks. The first petrol pump in Maffra was installed by Donalda Motors in approximately 1926/27 and was a Shell pump. Other brands of petrol included Voco, Atlantic, Caltex, Ampol, C.O.R., Golden Fleece, Plume, Esso. The early pumps were hand operated with large glass bowls on the top measured in gallons.

The first car lift/hydraulic hoist was installed in 1928. This was advertised at the local movies showing the hoist lifting a cow. Many people from all over Gippsland came and visited Donalda Motors to see the hoist. Incidentally, this hoist is still in use daily, together with one installed in 1934 and another in 1951/52.

During the tough depression years from 1930 until 1936 car sales for all manufacturers were negligible and the survival of Donalda Motors depended on repairs. Also during the depression, the Government of the time introduced a debt equalisation scheme which enabled primary producers who owed money to business to have their debt eliminated and this resulted in many businesses going broke. We, like most others, suffered as a result of this scheme but managed to survive these difficult times. In the late 1930’s business recovered and car sales steadily increased and this continued until the outbreak of war.