Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 16 November 1918, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:
VICTORY! VICTORY!! - ARMISTICE SIGNED!
On Tuesday morning the glorious news that the Armistice had been signed by the German Delegation, which meant complete Victory for Britain and her Allies, was flashed through to Moruya by wire, addressed to the “Examiner” Office. Extra ordinaries were at once disseminated from this Office through the town and district bearing the glad tidings of great joy.
To the Moruya Freezing Works Co., belong the honor of tooting the first Siren, and in such unmistakeable emphasis that the whole town jumped to its feet; church bells were peeled, motor car horns were tooted, house bells were rung, tin cans and drums were banged, flags were hoisted, schools were closed and late sleepers were hoisted from their beds in their sleeping apparel and hoisted into cars or onto lorries, to swell the throng of enthusiastic and excited jubilators.
At night an impromptu dance was got up in aid of the War Chest, realising over £7.
The Convent School girls paraded the streets carrying tiny flags and tinkling bells, the boys marched ringing bells and banging tin cans.
ACCIDENT. – While a big motor lorry load of young people were jubilating on Tuesday morning three or four of the occupants fell off when the motor turned the corner from Campbell to Vulcan Street. Miss Maud Irwin, daughter of Mr. W. Irwin, News Agent was slightly stunned, but before Dr. Quilter, whom her father had summoned, had arrived, the young lady had recovered. Mr. Roy Turnbull, in his endeavour to save Miss Irwin, had his knee and leg slightly hurt and his pants torn. Two other young lady occupants of the lorry who also fell escaped injury.
GOLF. – So intensely interested are some of our citizens in the game of golf that they have been unable to contain themselves until the completion of the Links on the Park, and during the Jubilations on Tuesday played a game in the street. The game was a match between the proprietor of the “Anthony Horden” emporium and the leading employee amongst the “Busy Hive” of the rival establishment. George, the Judge, - gave his verdict in favour of Anthony by a furlong.
LATEST CABLES. –
An Amsterdam message says that the red flag is flying from all forts in Antwerp; also from German torpedo boats in port.
Paris papers protest against the deference Holland is showing the ex-Kaiser and demand that he be brought to trial.
A Rotterdam message says that the Crown Prince has arrived at Maastricht, Holland, where he is interned.
The Allied fleets passed the Dardanelles on the 12th November. Anglo-Indian troops occupied the forts and paraded as vessels passed.
BODALLA. – Our Bodalla Correspondent writes:- The official declaration of the signing of the Armistice was celebrated right royally at Bodalla on Tuesday last. At 12 o’clock the School children were marched down to the village where the Union Jack was unfurled and saluted. Addresses were delivered by Mr. Hutchison, Re. Lewin, Mr. Nixon and others; several patriotic songs were sung. At night a dance was held in the hall which was comfortably filled.
Influenza has been very prevalent in Bodalla during the last few weeks. A thunderstorm on Monday and Tuesday resulted in an inch of rain being registered.
THANKSGIVING SEREVICE. – A Thanksgiving service, convened by circular, was held in the Mechanics’ Hall on Wednesday night. There was a good attendance and all appeared to enter into the spirit of the devotions with true earnestness. Councillor H. J. Thomson presided.
STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. – During the thunderstorm on Sunday afternoon a tree was struck in Mr. Fred Staunton’s paddock and a bull, which was sheltering under it, was killed.
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).
