Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 29 March 1919, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:
BODALLA. – Our Correspondent writes: - On Saturday last a Tennis match was played on the local court between teams representing Bodalla and Nerrigundah. After a very enjoyable game the result was a win for Nerrigundah by 10 sets to 6.
Private S. W. Marsden, who has been a prisoner of war in Germany, is expected home early next month.
The weather is getting quite chilly at night now, and a shower of rain would be welcome.
MORUYA BRIDGE. – The Government gang of workmen are now engaged in screwing up, tarring and painting the Moruya Bridge. The local lad, Peter Duran, is one of the lads.
EUCHRE PARTY AND DANCE. – Miss Maud Mallon advertises a Euchre Party and Dance, to be held at Deua River on 12th April, in aid of the R.C. Bazaar. The residents of the River have always manifested strong patriotism for their country, and we feel sure that when it comes to their support of the church, the mainstay of civilisation, they will not be found wanting.
OLD TIMES. – Looking over the report of the Council of Education, for 1876- that is 43 years ago- we glean the following: Moruya had no State school but a Church of England school with 106 pupils and a Roman Catholic school with 113 pupils; Bergalia had 34 pupils; Bodalla 76; Eden 41; Kiora 33; Nelligen 44; Nerrigundah 46. Eurobodalla had in that year petitioned for the erection of a provisional school.
PARROT PIE. – One of the most tasty dishes procurable in the country is parrot pie, more especially when the dainty little maize eater is placed in the hands of a housewife whose mother taught her the surest way to a man’s heart.
WELCOME HOME. – Private James Turner, youngest son of Mr. G. Turner of Deua River, has now been the recipient of two welcomes home. After his return from the war two months ago, the young brave was tendered a great welcome back by his friends on the River, over 50 residents being present, but on Saturday night last this welcome was quite eclipsed by a second one, also given by the River residents at the home of the soldier’s father, over 64 people being present.
WELCOME. – On Wednesday, March 5th, the residents of Tomakin had the pleasure of giving a welcome home to Lance-Corporal F. J. Innes after 2 years of active service. A picnic was decided upon as the best way to give the welcome, there being no hall available.
BATEMAN’S BAY. – On Wednesday 26th inst. A Welcome Home was accorded by a grateful village to one of the most popular and successful young sports, Mr. Archie Barclay, who has just returned from the trysting grounds of France. He is the youngest son of Mr. James Barclay. He still remains on the Reserve Corps of Airmen.
An opportunity was taken to present the beautiful presentation cards of the Eurobodalla Shire to Archie Barclay, and the other Bayites, viz.: Messrs Alfred Barclay, Strong, A. McKenzie, John Patrech and Ray Guy.
NAROOMA. – (From our Correspondent).
On Wednesday last Corporal James O’Connor arrived home at noon and was met outside the precincts of the town by the children of the public school and the general public. He was then transferred from the car to a decorated sulky and was then joined by Corporal Willian Cole who has just returned from the front. At night a social evening was held in honor of Corporals J. O’Connor and W Cole,
ANOTHER WELCOME HOME. A returned soldier from the Home Defence Forces, Sydney, a resident of Hallelujah Bay, Narooma, was last week accorded an enthusiastic welcome at the hands of two local ladies.
Twenty 100 years ago booklets containing articles for the years 1899 to 1918 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).
