One hundred years ago – 6 December, 1913

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

HAT TRICK – Young Bert Coppin, son of Mr. J. Coppin, jnr., took three wickets for three successive balls for Moruya against Mogo on Saturday last. 6/12/1913

MOTOR TRAVELLING – Some time ago we suggested to the Shire Councils having charge of the South Coast road north of Moruya, the desirability of doing away with the water courses at present existing for the more up-to-date box culverts. In several places this has not yet been done with the result that passengers are jolted, cars are injured and time lost. Good water tables on either side of the road from top of Polwamera to Flanagan’s bridge would be another boon to car owners and the travelling public. 6/12/1913

ACCIDENT – Last week whilst returning from Sydney on his new motor bicycle, the Rev. F.A. Malcolm, of this town, met with a nasty accident through his motor coat getting caught in the back wheel. The Rev. gentleman was thrown and rendered unconscious for some time. Besides being shaken the Rev. gentleman received some nasty facial abrasions, but we are pleased to report that he is about again and that his friends are now able to recognise him. 6/12/1913

MR. WEBSTER – The selected Labor candidate, Mr. J.J. Webster, addressed the electors of Moruya on Saturday night from McKeon’s Commercial Hotel balcony. There was a large gathering, and the candidate, who is clear and forcible speaker, was accorded a patient hearing, and many of his statements warmly applauded. The following were the principal subjects dealt with:

LAND SETTLEMENT. – Cheap and easy access to the land as provided for in Labor’s land policy. EDUCATION. – Provision for the child of the poor parent getting the highest education the State can give.
DECENTRALISATION. – The opening up and developing of our ports whereby every producer would have access to his natural outlet.
EXTRAVAGANCE. – The speaker replied vigorously to criticism of his opponents concerning the alleged extravagance of the Labor Government, and quoted figures to show that the Government was spending money in an endeavour to develop N.S. Wales.
DAY LABOR v. CONTRACT. – The speaker also replied to his critics concerning the adoption of the day labor system for our public works, also replied to the statements of Liberal candidates re the historic fig trees. 6/12/1913

NAROOMA (From our Correspondent) – The first social evening of the Narooma School of Arts Glee Club was held on Friday evening in the Narooma School of Arts. There were 30 guests who were entertained by the Glee Club, whose rendering of the Old Folk songs was much enjoyed. Following is the programme as rendered: – Mr. W. Rowlands, the conductor, sang “True till death” and “Queen of Angels”; Messrs. N. and C. Mitchell, duet, “Life’s Dream is O’er”; Miss Lunn recited “Lasca” and “Mrs McGrill”; Mr. C. Carter recited “Milton’s Hat”; Mr. N.P. Martin sang “There Let Me Rest” and “Your Eyes Have Told Me So”; Mr. N. Mitchell sang “To Have, To Hold, To Love.” The above programme filled in the intervals of dancing and made a very enjoyable evening. The refreshments were provided by the lady members of the Glee Club and music supplied by Misses E. Lynch, R. Davison and J. Lynch (violin). 6/12/1913

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).