Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 5 January 1918, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:
CONVALESCENT. – The many friends of Mrs. R. Knight, who has been suffering from an attack of pleurisy will be pleased to hear that she is now convalescing.
VISITORS. – Messrs. Hungerford Campbell and party, from Queanbeyan, are some of the many who find charm on our coastal beaches. They are ardent fishermen and report having had a splendid time at Moruya and Narooma. The party returned to Queanbeyan last Wednesday.
NO CONSCRIPTION BALL. – About 60 couples attended the No-conscription ball held in the Centennial Hall on New Year’s night. The hall was nicely decorated with flags (all Australian) and greenery, whilst a splendid display of flowers in the supper room added charm to the dainties provided by the ladies.
DEATH OF MRS. C. J. BYRNE. – It is with the deepest sorrow that we have to report the death of Mrs. C. J. Byrne, late of Cadgee, at 2.50 p.m. on Thursday last, at the age of 80 years. The deceased lady who was a Miss Tarlinton, was born at Oranmeir, near Bredbo, and on coming to the coast settled first at Bermagui and Cobargo. Her Husband, Mr. C. J. Byrne, passed away on the 17 September 1901.
SNAKES. – Reports from all parts of the district declare that snakes are very numerous this year. Seven killed on the same day by Mr. P. Lawless at Moggendoura was considered a record until Mr. R. Knight, bagged at Bodalla, five in as many minutes. So far we are pleased to record : No casualties from snake bite this season.
FISH OH ! – Moruya sports have gone nap on fishing. During the holidays some splendid catches were reported. Visitors from Queanbeyan divided their time between our river and Narooma. Last Monday Messr. R. N. Bull and R. Somerset motored to the Bay to try and coax the schnapper from its deep home. Mr. C. Cheesman hooked a 14-foot shark while fishing from the breakwater, but the sea lawyer straightened the hook and got away.
PICTURES. – Mr. Godfred Hanscom announces that he will, until further notice, screen pictures once a month. He announces “The Whip” to be shown about 21st instant. This picture has had a continuous run of seven weeks at the Theatre Royal, Sydney. Gotfred has battled to keep the Star Picture Theatre going, but the patronage was not sufficient to allow him to show good pictures, and rather than show inferior stuff he will screen once a month only, and screen the best.
REMARKABLE ESCAPE. – On New Year’s Eve Mr. H. Annetts, storekeeper of Mogo, had a narrow escape from what may have been a fatal accident. Whilst going to the Bay for goods, driving two horses attached to a waggonette, and after passing the Deep Creek Bridge, a large dry tree fell across the seat of the trap. Mr. Annetts had just time to throw himself out over the tailboard when the tree struck. The horses were uninjured, as were the hind wheels of the vehicle. The front wheels were flattened out, even the naves being splintered. The tree was 8ft. 6in. in girth measured. We congratulate Mr. Annetts on his marvellous escape and would like to go halves with him in a Tatts’ ticket.
PERSONAL AND OTHERWISE. –
Bathing suits and costumes on hire, apply -------
At last the Moruyaites are beginning to appreciate the beauties of our own river. During the holidays thousands patronised the beaches, surf bathing being the favourite pastime. Motor cars and lorries took the place of our absent launch and did good business.
Narooma reports that during the holidays not a spare bed was available. Year by year Narooma is becoming more popular, and deservedly so. The accommodation is all that can be desired and splendid sport abounds with gun and line and in the surf.
Nineteen 100 years ago booklets containing articles for the years 1899 to 1917 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).
