One hundred years ago – 10 January

Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of this time in 1914, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:

SLUMP IN LOCAL BABIES – The local registrar informs us that the births of only 25 babies were registered by him during the quarter ended 31st December, 1913, as against 39 registered in the September quarter and 42 in the June quarter of last year.  We understand the normal registrations for some years past have been from 20 to 30, but when the Maternity Allowance principle became law there was an immediate responsive increase such as stated.  But the pace was too hot!  It could not possibly last, and so we are back again at normal, with the prospect of better future results from the £5 per capita stimulus…  10/1/1914

EUROBODALLA From our Correspondent – A very enjoyable evening was spent in the Eurobodalla new hall at the breaking up of the Eurobodalla Public School for Xmas vacation, when the pupils under the able guidance of their music and singing teacher (Mrs. Preddy), entertained a large audience with songs, musical items, etc.  At the conclusion Miss Eileen Bishop read an address to Mrs. Preddy, and Miss Edna Taylor presented her with a very nice salad bowl and servers from her music pupils.  Mr. H. Turner returned thanks and mentioned that the object of the concert was to procure funds for books for the school library.  Mr. Turner then introduced Mrs. Fraser, who, on behalf of past and present pupils and friends, presented the worthy teacher, Mrs. Johnson, with a beautiful toilet set, silver-backed combs, mirror and brushes, as a small recognition of her valuable assistance in preparing pupils for the qualifying certificate and her untiring help to the school in general…    10/1/1914

NAROOMA SPORTS – The sports in aid of the School of Arts building duly took place at the pretty little seaside village on New Year’s Day.  Glorious weather prevailed,consequently there was a good attendance.  Mr. D. Hutchinson ably assisted as judge.  The committee and up-to-date secretary, Mr. E.C. Simmons, are to be warmly congratulated on their efficient management of the day’s sports.  10/1/1914

NERRIGUNDAH From our Correspondent. – On Tuesday last Mr. and Mrs. J. Manning celebrated their Silver Wedding at their son’s residence, where a large room had been nicely decorated with ferns and flowers.  Invitations had been issued early, and a large number of friends assembled who thoroughly enjoyed the evening by dancing and singing which was kept up well into the morning.  Mr.  Walter Cole supplied the music to the satisfaction of all present.  The refreshments were prepared by Mr. Pollock’s baker, E. Doodson.  For those who preferred billiards to dancing a first-class table was at their disposal.  Mr. W.E. Guest, on behalf of the company, congratulated the worthy couple and said it must be a pleasure to them to be there that night after twenty-five years of life together, surrounded by their happy family and old friends, many of whom had known Mr. Manning from birth, and Mrs. Manning for many years.  He hoped they would be spared to celebrate their Golden Wedding under similar pleasant circumstances.  Mr. Manning, in responding, thanked all present for their kind congratulations and wishes for the future.  He regretted that owing to the great distance Mrs. Manning’s mother and other members of her family who live at Wellington were unable to be present.   10/1/1914

Sixteen 100 years ago booklets containing articles for the years 1899 to 1913 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).