One hundred years ago today – 20 September

Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of this time in 1913, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:

While not quite as open as Facebook, the local newspapers revealed incredible details of events in the local communities . We now know that a Captain Millard, the Liberal candidate in Bega faced a stormy meeting.  Somethings haven’t changed at all – and probably never will.

FREEZING PLANT – Our progressive butcher, Mr. H.J. Thomson, is about to instal one of Budge’s freezing machines in his Church St. shop, which will be capable of chilling up to two tons of meat at once.  With the installation of this plant Mr. Thomson will have one of the most up-to-date butcheries on the south coast.  20/9/1913

LOCAL INDUSTRY – Mr. J.T. Brogan has just completed a magnificent altar for the Dry River, Cobargo, Church.  It is built of kauri pine, walnut and redwood, painted white, light blue and gold.  For skilful and artistic finish this handsome structure surpasses anything we have seen executed in the country, and our local artisan is to be congratulated on the excellence of his handiwork.  20/9/1913

LAND SALE  – Mr. H.J. Thomson reports the sale of Dog Traps, a paddock containing about 380 or 390 acres, portion of the Bergalia Estate, to Mr. S.W. Bate at £3 15s per acre.  At the rate Mr. Bate has lately been adding to his broad acres, if he lived long enough, he would own the whole earth.  We are told that some three or four years ago Mr. S.W. offered £3 per acre for a property of 1600 acres, which was declined, but that just recently he secured the same property for 22s 6d per acre.  20/9/1913

SELECTED CANDIDATE – Captain Millard, the selected Liberal candidate for Bega electorate, although well-received in most centres, had a somewhat stormy meeting at Candelo through the persistent interruptions of Messrs. Greally and Burns.  “At one stage the meeting became so confused (says the Candelo “Record”) that the ladies present quitted, and the candidate’s remarks were badly dislocated.  At another there was a jumble of interjections, Mr. Burns rising and addressing the speaker for a spell by way of change.  The Captain, however, stuck to his guns, and after an appeal from Mr. G.H. Allen for British justice, Mr. Millard concluded his address in peace.  20/9/1913

“THE BROKEN CHAIN”, a thrilling and romantic story of love at Weatherby’s picture show to-night should draw like a mustard plaster.  20/9/1913

DRIVE DULL CARE AWAY!  By patronising a DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT when “Freezing A Mother-In-Law” will be presented by TALENTED AMATEURS. – to be preceded by A High-Class Vocal & Instrumental CONCERT in the Mechanics’ Hall, Moruya, on Friday, October 3, ’13.  Proceeds to be devoted to re-slating the roof of St.John’s Church.  Doors open 7.30, commence 8 p.m. – ADMISSION – 2s and 1s.   20/9/1913

MISS MYLOTT – Our Australian song bird, Miss Eva Mylott, writes us: “Enjoying a delightful vacation in Paris, returning to London where I sing again August 28^th, when I sail immediately for N.S. America, opening my tour in Halifax, Nova Scotia, September 24^th, a big season, until Good Friday next year.  At Halifax I am to be given a civic reception on arrival.”  20/9/1913

Fourteen 100 years ago booklets containing articles for the years 1899 to 1912 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 Pioneer Museum in Campbell St. Moruya (mdhs.org.au).