Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 27 April 1918, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:
WORKERS WANTED. – The Commonwealth Government has decided to send a further batch of workers to England. Skilled engineers, carpenters, joiners, brick-layers, navies, and heavy labourers are required. Free passage and voyage and separation allowance to dependants in Australia will be granted.
EXCHANGE OF PULPITS. – To subserve the double purpose of commemorating the noble deeds of the Anzacs at Gallipoli and promote the sentiment for church union. There will be an interchange of pulpits between the local Presbyterians and Methodists on Sunday evening next, 28th inst., Rev. E. S. Henderson preaching for the Methodist congregation, while Rev E. W. Hyde officiates at the Presbyterian Church.
MISSING MAN FOUND. – Richard Pope , whom we reported as missing from his home at Narooma in last issue, was found at “Brow” House, Bodalla, on Tuesday. Constable Barry of Narooma, brought the man into the Moruya lock-up. He appeared before the bench on Wednesday and accused of being of unsound mind and not being under proper care and control. He was remanded for eight days for medical observation.
WELCOME HOME. – A welcome home is being arranged for Private A. Rose, son of Mr. M. Rose of “Kissing Point.” The function will take place about the 8th prox.
THE WEATHER. After a long spell of dry weather, rain commenced to fall on Saturday and continued at intervals until Wednesday morning, 160 points being recorded for the five days.
ILLNESS. – On arriving in Sydney last week, Mr. G. Cheesman, who has been suffering from stomach trouble for some time, consulted a specialist. After examination the doctor said that an operation was necessary. Mrs Cheesman immediately left for Sydney to be with her husband.
MARRIAGE. – Mr. Ken Taylor, who left last Sunday for Sydney, returned on Wednesday, bringing with him a bride. The happy lady in question is Mrs. Peterson whose charming manner endeared her to those who had the pleasure of her acquaintance whilst in Moruya.
SOLDIER OYSTER LESSEES. – In connection with the scheme inaugurated by the Chief Secretary for placing returned soldiers on oyster culture areas, Mr Fuller stated that a number of areas had been applied for at Wallaga Lake, near Bermagui, and that arrangements were now in train for stocking them with oysters. Oyster lessees on the Hawkesbury River will, as already done in other cases, hold weekly working bees for the collection of oysters from Crown Lands, the Government supplying the necessary bags. The oysters will then be conveyed by steamer to Bermagui, the Illawarra Steamship Co. having signified its willingness to carry them freight free to and from any of the ports to which they trade, whilst the Government will arrange for their carriage from Bermagui to Wallaga Lake. Other leases have been applied for in various parts of the State, and the nucleus has now been formed of what will eventually become a large and profitable business for our returned fighting men.
PERSONAL AND OTHERWISE. –
Cobargo reports that an aeroplane flitted over the township last week.
Private W. J. Robinson, of Bergalia, is reported killed in action on 3rd inst.
Pte. Joe Donnelly, brother of Mrs. B. Flynn, of Moggendoura, is reported missing.
Pte. Jack, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Blacka, of Cobargo, was killed in action in France on 5th inst.
Private W. H. Fuller, of Narooma, previously reported missing, is now reported as having been killed in action on 12th Nov. last.
News was received on Thursday that Private Charles Morris, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Morris, of Narooma, had paid the supreme sacrifice.
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hawdon arrived on Thursday night. Mr. Hawdon will take over the management of the Kiora Estate.
Troubles never come singly. Mrs. G. Robb, of Mogo, recently had a brother and son killed whilst on active service, her home and contents totally destroyed by fire, and another brother is shortly returning from the front minus an arm.
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).
