One hundred years ago – 4 October, 1913

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

Once again, these extracts show that even though our language has changed and become less flowery, some elements of our lives really haven’t changed that much over the past century. We still compete in all sorts of events – the ploughing match wouldn’t have been too different to the events at our district shows. We still enjoy social events and can certainly have strong opinions about politics and those who have differing opinions.

PLOUGHING MATCH. – Under the auspices of the Moruya A. and P. Society, the ploughing match and sports carnival, which had been postponed for a week owing to a too liberal supply of the pluvial element, eventuated on Wednesday on Mr. H.E. Simpson’s farm at Mullenderree.  The day was an ideal one, Old Sol beaming forth in all his brilliancy on the throng of gaily-dressed and smiling faces of the spectators.  There were representatives from all parts of the district present.  From early morning an unusual air of excitement and pleasurable expectancy pervaded our quiet little town, and before 9 a.m. a cavalcade of prancing horses, motor cars, motor bike, buggies sulkies carts, bicycles and pedestrians were seen wending their way to the trysting ground, where the subcommittee (Messrs. J.R. Milne, J.J. Heffernan, A. Russell, H. Luck, A. Louttit and J. Stewart), the indefatigable president (Mr. D. Hutchison) and the obliging secretary (Mr. H.P. Jeffery), had even the smallest detail in the utmost order and precision.  Mr. V. McCauley supplied the spirituous liquids, whilst Miss P. Bishop dispensed lighter beverages and fruit.  The tea tent was liberally patronised, over £8 being taken…  Following is the result of the day’s events.  PLOUGHING MATCH. – F.P. Duncan, work done to time 40, best crown 7, seed bed 16, straightest ploughing 7, outs and ins 3 finish 6, general excellence 3, total 81; 1.  Josiah Taylor, work done to time 40, best crown 4, seed bed 13, straightest ploughing 8, outs and ins 3, finish 8, general excellence 2, total 78; 2.  H. Baldwin, work done to time 40, best crown 5, seed bed 12, straightest ploughing 6, outs and ins 3, finish 4, general excellence 2, total 81; 3.    4/10/1913

TILBA BALL (From our Correspondent). – The A.P. and H. Society’s ball held in the Agricultural Hall on Friday evening last and cinderella next night was an unqualified success, both financially and otherwise, and with regard to the latter remark I may mention the committee was ably assisted by the ladies of the district who in their endeavours to eclipse one another in the matter of dress contributed to a brilliant scene.  It was by far away the largest gathering ever assembled at a similar function in the district, and goes far to show the popularity of the Tilba Tilba Agricultural Society… 4/10/1913

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. – To the Editor, Moruya Examiner” – Sir, – Empty vessels make the most sound is an old proverb, and was fully exemplified at the so-called political rally Tuesday night.  It is wonderful to think that any one could be in the slightest degree influenced by the flood of sentimental twaddle then given utterance to by supporters of Captain Millard, in fact I think too highly of the intelligence of my fellow electors to imagine that the slightest impression could be made upon their common sense views of the situation beyond the fleeting sensation one experiences when attending a circus.  Those who wish to vote for the Captain will presumably have the choice of doing so or not on polling day, and it is then that we who desire a younger and more progressive representative will have the opportunity of making our personal “selection” which may probably differ considerably from that of the orthodox few who have so far attempted to arrogate to themselves the right to select for the community at large.  Yours, etc.  ELECTOR.

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).