Dad, Dave and Mabel are shocked by the news that the great Australian music business, Allan's, started in Melbourne some 160 years ago, is closing down all its stores , owing $40million, resulting in the loss of more than 500 jobs. Allan's amalgamated with Billy Hyde Music just two years ago and was hit by internet competition and declining retail trading conditions. Over the years it produced vast amounts of sheet music covering historic events such as early aviators like Bert Hinkler , dance crazes and the many pantomimes, such as Dick Whittington and his Cat , which used to be staged throughout the nation. (Snake Gully Swagger cover ,copyright 1939, from Little Darwin Collection )
