Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 5 April 1919, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:
NEWSTEAD SCHOOL. – After being closed for the last two years, the residents have again succeeded in getting it re-opened. A Mr. Seldon has been appointed to carry on the school, which is situated near Mr. J. Jenner’s and immediately opposite Garlandtown, to the joy of district parents.
HEADS SAW MILL. – The very practical and pushing Mr. Preddy, has now his new saw mill at the Heads going in great order, and already quite a respectable little village is rearing its head at the site of the Illawarra Company’s late quarters.
SUDDEN DEATH. – It is with feelings of deep regret that we are called upon to report the untimely death of Mr. Michael Joseph Flynn, fourth son of the late Mr. Patrick Flynn, of Deua River, which took place on Wednesday morning at the early age of 34 years. I appears that the unfortunate young man was on his way to Mr. Sly’s sawmill, at Turlinjah, driving a team of horses, being accompanied by his brother, William, who was driving a second team. In order to lessen the journey the teams were taken via the Long Swamp road and when going through the sliprails, at a steep pitch, into Mr. McKeon’s paddock, a heavy post of the sliprails was displaced through being caught by one of the teams. The two brothers endeavoured to put the post in its right position again, but after a tug or two, in which their best strength was called into requisition, deceased was heard to say “Wait a bit”, and then fell to the ground and expired almost immediately. Deceased was a very kindhearted young man and a great favourite amongst those with whom he associated. He leaves four brothers and four sisters, viz., Messrs. Patrick (Moruya), Bernard (Bolong near Nowra), Martin and William (Deua River), and Mrs. T Mercer, (Sydney), Miss Maggie (Port Kembla), Miss Jennie and Kate (Deua River) to mourn their sad loss.
BODALLA. – (From our Correspondent)
A well attended meeting was held in the local hall on Saturday evening last to consider what form the peace celebrations should take in Bodalla. Mr. Hutchison was voted to the chair and it was decided to open the day with a thanksgiving ceremony to be followed by a picnic, sports and grand ball at night. Mr. Hutchison on behalf of the Bodalla Company donated £10 towards the children’s part in the festivities. A strong committee was formed to make arrangements, Messrs. J. Brown and R. Nixon were appointed Hon. Secs. A meeting of the committee will be held on Saturday night.
DEATH AT BRAIDWOOD. – On Tuesday night last Mr. John O’Brien, a son of the late Mr. James O’Brien of Jembaicumbene, and a brother of Mrs. Austin Chapman and the late Mrs. H. J. Mallon, died at Braidwood, after an illness of some month’s duration. Deceased is said to have been a rich man but we have not yet heard of the disposition of his wealth. He was a fast friend of the late Mr. Coffey, and we will not be surprised to hear that he has left a portion of his wealth to his friend’s family.
LATEST TELEGRAMS. – SYDNEY, Friday.
There were 25 deaths for 24 hours ended at 8 o’clock last night and 83 new cases. There are now 832 cases being treated in the hospitals. There are also a number being treated privately.
There are eight more cases in Newcastle, where there are 79 in hospital. Practically no restrictions are observed in Newcastle except masks in trams and trains.
The Government will probably decide today in prohibiting indoor gatherings.
The first express train from Melbourne to Adelaide since the restrictions arrived yesterday. One second class passenger was suspiciously ill.
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).
