Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 22 June 1918, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society: GOLDEN WEDDING. – Tarlinton - Heffernan – On June 8, 1868, at Moggendoura, Moruya ( by the Rev. Father Birch), Alexander Frances, fourth son of the late W. D. Tarlinton, of Bredbatoura, Cobargo, to Ellen, fourth daughter of the late Roger Heffernan, of Moggendoura, Moruya. (Present address, Murrabrine, Cobargo, South Coast).
FIRE. – About 1 o’clock yesterday morning a fire broke out at the residence of Mr. Richard Mehl, near Summer Hill. He was awakened by intense suffocation and found the place was in flames. He at once awakened the other occupants, who barely had time to escape. The whole of the house was consumed and almost all its contents. Only a few articles were saved. The house, which was insured, was owned by Mr. T. Flood.
POULTRY CLUB DANCE. – We have to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a complimentary ticket for the Moruya Poultry Club’s dance, which takes place on Monday night next in the Centennial Hall. R.H.H. intends to be among the happy throng, not only as a duty but as a tonic to longevity in the relaxation of the sterilized oil in the joints of the old machinery.
REGRET. – Much regret is being expressed in the town at the contemplated departure of Mrs. George Cheesman from Moruya. This lady is a native of the district, being the only daughter of the late Mr. G. D. DuRoss, and since her marriage and settlement in the town has won the heart of the whole community, more especially that of our noble band of patriotic workers. Mr. Cheesman will also be missed as he was an honorable and straight-forward man.
A FATAL accident happened to Mr Sylvie Tarlinton, of Fairview, Cobargo, on Sunday afternoon last. It appears that a party of horsemen assembled at the back of Bredbatoura House for the purpose of fox-hunting. A hare was started, and when one turn was taken out of the game, Mr. Tarlinton following on the hare came into collision with Mr. Watty Ward. Watty escaped but Sylvie was picked up unconscious. Medical attention was sought from Cobargo and Bega, and the patient was found to be suffering from severe concussion of the brain. From day to day inquirers were informed that there was no change in the patient’s condition, but no one anticipated the tragic news of Tuesday afternoon, when it was announced that the patient had passed away without regaining consciousness. Deceased was 32 years of age and was the second youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Tarlinton, of “Fairview.”
PERSONAL AND OTHERWISE
Pte. Edward Sheehan, second son of the late Mr. T. Sheehan of Gundary has been killed in action. Both brothers of the Misses Sheehan have now paid the supreme sacrifice.
Sergt. O’Grady, a native of Nerrigundah and a brother of Mrs Alf Richards, of Eurobodalla, has been wounded a second time. This gallant Australian has been decorated three times.
OUR BOYS. – Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Thomson have received the following from their son, Pte. Arthur, who was in the Barry Road Hospital, Northampton, England, when writing on 15th April.
The last letter I wrote was it France, but this one is from England. I was in the big push of Fritz’s, and it was some push, believe me. Our battalion made a counter attack at a village on the Somme. We pushed him right back and held him. I got a bullet in the hand. I think it will be “Aussie” this time as it will be a long while before I get the use of it again.
A MORUYA BOY DECORATED. Writing from the Richmond River, Mr. E. L. Arnett says: “ I am enclosing a letter received from a comrade of my son, Pte. Arthur, who was killed in action. You will notice that the writer mentions that my son, Pte. Charlie, has won the Military Medal. I also received word from the front that he won it by a raid on the enemy’s lines after dark and capturing a machine gun, which had been annoying the Australians.” 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).
