Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 17 February 1917, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:
MINING. – At the end of last month the Whipstick Mines Ltd. shipped 11 tons of molybdenite to Dalgety and Co., Sydney. The “Voice” says that there is any amount more to go forward in the future. If the Jingara mountains were in Germany thousands of people would be working them, as they are all a mass of valuable mineral.
THE RABBIT. – A North Coast exchange says that rabbits are driving people away from their farms on the South Coast. So far as the South Coast is concerned this statement would have been true enough a year or two ago but not now. Most of our farmers have grappled with the rabbit problem so effectively that the pest is no longer a menace to their properties.
EXCELLENT FRUIT. – In a previous issue we made reference to the excellence of the fruit grown by Mrs. D. Norman of Araluen. We have since tested a few varieties grown nearer home, and presented to us by one of our good old show exhibitors, Mr. Sam Kimpton of Deua River. The samples left with us comprised of apples (baking), Japanese plums and eating apples. Some of these baking apples grown by Mrs, Kimpton are of immense size. The Japanese plums are large and luscious, and the eating apples are not only attractive in appearance but highly delicious in flavour. There is no doubt whatever of the adaptability of the whole of this district right up to Araluen, for fruit cultivation.
DEATH. – We have the sorrowful duty placed upon us to chronicle the somewhat sudden and unexpected death of Mrs. A. C. Bagnall, of Evans Street, which took place at her residence on Friday, the 9th inst. In the absence of Dr. Quilter in Sydney or Melbourne, Dr. Lamrock, who was holidaying at Bodalla and Narooma was wired for, but on seeing the patient expressed the opinion there was no hope of her recovery. The distracted husband then wired to Milton for Dr. Willis, who on arrival the same night performed a very critical operation, which was the only possible hope of saving the sufferer. The operation was successfully performed, but the patient was too far gone and remained in a semi-unconscious state until her end came as above stated. Widespread sympathy is expressed by those acquainted with the sad surroundings of this melancholy case for the unfortunate husband, who is left with two young children, a son and a daughter, 7 and five years old respectively.
TOWN TALK. – That as there is likely to be a Federal election at an early date, it is desirable that all interested in politics should make sure that their names appear on the electoral roll.
That it is COMPULSORY enrollment as far as Federal suffrage is concerned, and all persons eligible to vote are liable to a fine of £2 if they are not enrolled.
That it is not necessary for those persons in receipt of salary or wages amounting to less than £200 to furnish returns to the State Income Tax Commissioners. The Commissioners, however, require all persons in business and all in receipt of income from property to make returns.
That a party of fishermen recently hooked 400 snapper, a little south of Eden, which they sent to the Sydney market.
That “Barney” McTernan is having a writ issued against Nowra Council for damages sustained by him through the bad state of the roads in the municipality.
That Lady Taylor has been on a trip down the Coast as far as Eden, staying at the Hotel Adelaide, Moruya, on her way to and fro.
That the Shire Councillors have made the business portion of Campbell Street, which fronts the Post Office, Shire Offices, Lawyer’s Office, Dentist’s Surgery, Market Square, Monumental yards, “Vivian Cottage”, Private Boarding Establishment and “Examiner” Printing Office, look decent. Thanks gentlemen.
Eighteen 100 years ago booklets containing articles for the years 1899 to 1916 are available ($5 ea) from the Society’s rooms. Copies of local newspapers from the 1860s to date can be viewed at the Society’s Family History Research Centre (Ph 4474 3224) situated at the rear of the Museum in Campbell St. Moruya (www.mdhs.org.au).
