However, the BOM's online records date only from 1973, and we know historically it's been hotter still in Albury.

We can learn much from old newspapers using the National Library of Australia's Trove facility, and how extreme temperatures tend to come in cycles.

In 1860, the Sydney Observatory began publishing Albury's climate statistics monthly in newspapers. In January that very year, these showed the Fahrenheit thermometer in Albury recorded 116 degrees (46.666 Celsius).

But there was nothing so hot again until December 30-31, 1904, when the official thermometer at the telegraph office hit 116 Fahrenheit.

Again on January 13, 1939, known as Black Friday in Victoria, Albury recorded 116. 

Ten locals were named as dying as a result of a long heatwave, while terrible bushfires in Victoria killed 71 people.

Records for the 1950s and 1960s are not online, but the Bureau of Meteorology states the 2009 top temperature of 44.8 Celsius was the highest since its current records began in 1973. This was the equivalent of 112.6 Fahrenheit.

It was almost as hot in 1990 (44.6) and 2013 (43.4).

Let's hope Albury won't break the record of 46.66 any time soon, but history has a way of repeating itself.

No, Bill Whitham (The Border Mail, February 20), we do not want or need people like Donald Trump or Pauline Hanson to lead. In fact, they are not leaders.

Leaders defend those without a voice. Leaders ensure everyone feels valued, cared for and listened to. Leaders see to it that no one’s rights are overlooked, ignored or rejected. Leaders speak truths, not unsubstantiated claims. Leaders lift up the dispirited, not belittle and crush.

Without people like Trump and Hanson, slavery was abolished, women were enabled to vote, mixed-race couples free to marry and segregation was outlawed.

Society is so much the better for the end of these injustices.

There is still much to be done and we don’t need the Trumps and Hansons of the world preventing action on climate change, marriage equality, or the rights of refugees, for example. Theirs is a world of separatism, division, and self-centredness. This is not leading – it is anything but.

And as tiring and time-consuming and dangerous and inconvenient as it is, those who see and long for a world that is the opposite of mean-spirited, embittered and nasty, need to stand up at every challenge and call out bigotry, prejudice and hatred for what they are.

With Arnold’s Fruit Market celebrating our 125th birthday later in the year, we are seeking past employees who worked with us in our Wodonga store from 1980 onwards.

We would also like to hear from any growers and customers with memories to assist us with writing the Wodonga chapter of Arnold’s history.

To be part of this exciting celebration, please email larnold@arnoldsonline.com.au or call 6024 5322.

The winner of the letter of the week is Josh Thurling, of Wodonga. You can collect your prize from the offices of The Border Mail at 1 McKoy Street, Wodonga. Email your letters to letters@bordermail.com.au.