One hundred years ago- November 1

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

FREIGHT ON WIRE NETTING – In view of the representations made recently on behalf of the South Coast farmers to the Illawarra and South Coast S.N. Co. Ltd., the directors of the company have decided, for a period of three months commencing from 1st November, 1913, to carry wire netting at half the special rate that at present obtains, the shipment of same at these rates being subject to the company’s convenience. The freight on wire netting at the present time is 15s per ton measurement of 40 cubic feet, so that the amount chargeable at half rates will be 7s 6s per ton measurement. The directors of the company fully realise the havoc that the rabbit pest plays, with the country and the consequent loss to the producer, and in view of the fact that the price of netting is at present low, and that its importation into the country will assist materially toward the extinction of the pest. They have decided to carry netting at these especially low rates with the particular object of assisting the farmer. The rate as mentioned will refer to all ports from Moruya to Eden, inclusive. 1/11/1913

REMEDY FOR HOVEN – Noting the death of Mr. Lee’s cow in last issue a subscriber has kindly handed us the following remedy which may be the means of saving a valuable animal, as in a season like the present, when clover, trefoil, and the like make luxurious growth, there is bound to be considerable trouble and loss with cattle getting “blown” (hoven). Mr. H.W. Sweaney, manager of the Williams River Co-operative Factory, after referring to the usual method of treating this complaint by the use of a trocar and canular, or sometimes with an ordinary knife, which generally, if the animal is not too far gone, give relief, recommends “a much better remedy, which will not give any bad after-effects of any consequence, and saves tapping. This is one ounce of English oil of peppermint, 1 lb. Stockholm tar, and 1 lb. baking soda. Mix well together, open the animal’s mouth, pull the tongue well forward, and give two teaspoonfuls, when the beast will receive instant relief and suffer no after-effects.” 1/11/1913

STROLLING PLAYERS – The merry party who recently favoured us with a delightful entertainment, has an account of the trip in the Goulburn “Penny Post,” from which we take a few excerpts: – “The Strolling Players,” a party of musical friends who left Goulburn on Friday, October 3rd, for a tour of the South Coast, returned on Sunday evening, finishing the trip with a lovely run through Nowra. The company number 16 in all, and travelled throughout the journey in three motor cars, combining an ideal holiday with entertainments at Braidwood, Narooma and Tilba Tilba. These entertainments were given partly in aid of various local objects, and everywhere the utmost courtesy was extended to the company, while their efforts were invariably greatly appreciated. …Perhaps the districts travelled were seen at their best, but to the visitors they appeared almost as a continuous garden of green pastures, flowers, and ferns, intermingled with scenery of the most varied and gorgeous description. The tourists would like to mention the names of residents at various towns who showed them such unbounded hospitality, but the list would be too lengthy, as suppers, picnics, fishing and shooting, and various expeditions and amusements were organised for every available hour. …

A visit to Mr. Mitchell’s up-to-date sawmills at Narooma was another interesting feature, and so also was the trip around the famous Bodalla Estate, with its celebrated dairy herds and cheese factories, which the party explored under the guidance of the manager, Mr. D. Hutchison, the visit to the aboriginals’ station at Tilba was also greatly appreciated, an impromptu musical “All Black” programme being arranged for the visitors by the courteous manager, Mr. Scott…However, the happy little company of “Strollers” seem to have enjoyed every inch of the tour, and can enthusiastically recommend to Goulburn residents the glorious beauty and numerous delights of the South Coast district, which in spite of the neglect of train facilities is now so easily and more pleasantly accessible from here by motor car, and they themselves will probably respond to the many hearty invitations from the hospitable residents to “come again.” 1/11/1913

CHEAP MEAT – Owing to the exceptionally good season our Vulcan Street butcher, Mr. H. McIntosh, is advertising a reduction in meat.1/11/1913

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).