One hundred years ago – October 18

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

Ongoing research into the Moruya Examiner demonstrates that some things never change.

This weeks similarity is the behaviour of audiences at the pictures. Perhaps the plot and acting in Geronimo’s Last Raid in 1913 was enough to keep everyone in suspense. Perhaps it is not surprising when you take into account  that J. Warren Kerrigan and Pauline Bush were two of the biggest silent film stars of their time.

ADVICE TAKEN. – We are pleased to note that our admonitions in last issue for the suppression of larrikinism at local entertainments, have been effective.  A marked feature of Wednesday night’s picture show was the orderly conduct of the audience.   18/10/1913

MORUYA FACTORY. – During the period from 29th July to 31st August 28,665 gallons, equalling 27,055 standard gallons of milk, were delivered at the local dairy factory.  During September 1,965 cheese, weighing 27,870lbs, were shipped.  The amount paid to suppliers at the rate of 5 ¾ per standard gallon was £648 3s 3d. 18/10/1913

PICTURE SHOW. – On Wednesday night last Mr. Weatherby had the electric light in full working order, and throughout the evening every item in the pictures could be distinctly seen.  The star film, “Geronimo’s Last Raid,” was a thrilling drama of love hatred and intrigue.  Mr. Weatherby’s innovation is highly appreciated, and we can now confidently recommend this show as equal to anything outside the Metropolis.18/10/1913

TOURISTS. – As predicted by the “Examiner” some time ago Moruya is fast becoming one of the most attractive pleasure resorts on the South Coast for tourists (thanks to the forethought and enterprise of Messrs. V.W. McCauley and A.H. Weatherby).  Tomorrow (Sunday) four motors are expected to arrive at the Criterion Hotel, the cars containing Messrs. Waugh and party of four, Daniels and party of five, Ward and party of five, and Wilson and party of six.  The visitors will remain until the following Tuesday.  Mr. Laws, who arranged the trip, intends making the excursion an annual one.   18/10/1913

IN ALL HIS interesting discourses whilst in Moruya, Archbishop Kelly was very forcible in his denunciation of the religious indifference which is at present prevailing in this young country of ours.  18/10/1013

COAL MINES. – Under the guidance of Mr. Austin Chapman – and Messrs. Woodhill, of Nowra and Rawlinson, of Sydney – an effort is being made to develop the coal fields close to the Federal port where the Jervis Bay Coal Syndicate have 1920 acres under lease 20 miles from the deep water and one mile from the surveyed railway from Canberra to Jervis Bay.  A tunnel has been driven in about 80 feet on a 7ft. seam of coal which analysis shows to be of excellent steaming quality, and as the future of the Federal port as a great naval base is assured the opening up of the coal industry there should be a great fillip to the district and capital, and also help to start and develop other large industries in the success of which black diamonds are such an important factor.   18/10/1913

SURPRISE PARTY. – On Wednesday evening last a pleasant surprise party was tendered Mr. and Mrs. A. Louttit, of Mullenderree, by a large number of their friends.  A jovial time was spent by the merry party, fun and frolic reigning supreme throughout the night.   18/10/1913

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).