It wasn't always Ballina!

HERE'S a question to the class of Ballina: Hands up if you know what the original name of the town was?

No idea?

Or did you answer Deptford?

If you did, take a gold star.

For those who didn't, Brian Worthington has written a text that will help you.

It has been 30 years since the publication of a book on the history of Ballina.

That is what prompted Alstonville Plateau Historical Society member Brian to write the book, Ballina: Early Days, which will be launched on Sunday.

But Mr Worthington hasn't tried to write a comprehensive history of the town.

His 44-page book is aimed at tourists and locals who want an easy-to-read history of the pioneering days of Ballina.

Brian wrote the book over two years and it covers the period 1828-1929.

It covers the origins of the name Ballina - and the former name of Deptford - as well as the days of the cedar-getters and the early shipping days in the developing settlement.

The launch will take place at the historical society's meeting on Sunday at 2pm at Crawford House Museum, 10 Wardell Rd.

After that, the book will be available at Get Hooked on Books in Alstonville Plaza, the ABC Centre in Ballina, the Ballina Visitor Information Centre and Summerland House Farm at Alstonville.

The cost is $10. Brian will post copies at $13 each. Phone 6628 1557.