An Ornament To Moruya – one hundred years ago today, 9 May 1914

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

AN ORNAMENT TO MORUYA – Standing well up from the ground at the corner of Campbell and Evans Streets, commanding one of the best views in the district, is the picturesque bungalow residence just completed for Mr. G.H. James. The appointments and furnishings are most modern and the conveniences for utility are right up-to-date. The house containing 8 rooms and offices is outside of rusticated red mahogany. The principal rooms, as well as the wide hall, are ceiled and lined throughout with heavy patterned white enamelled Wunderlich steel. Multicolored lead light doors, fumed oak art mantels, and overmantels, Brescian marble fenders, tiled hearths and grates, complete the decorative scheme inside, whilst spacious verandahs lines and designed for outdoor sleeping surround the building. These are finished off with grilles picked out in white, giving the outside a most attractive appearance. Ample light is obtained through large fanlights over each door, besides these are wide casement openings in floral and cathedral glass. At the rear water is laid on to set-in tubs, copper, bath, sinks, &c. It is Mr. James’ intention to install the petrol air gas system. The whole of the work was carried out by local tradesmen, under the supervision of Mr. Alf. T. Watson. The building was designed by Mr. James, with the assistance of our local Architect, Mr. J.T. Brogan, whilst in the decorations throughout Mr. Peter Davis has quite excelled himself.
This handsome structure should stand as a monument to Mr. James’ aestheticism, and he is to be highly congratulated on thus assisting to enhance the town. If only a few more of our capitalistic citizens would follow Mr. James’ example and erect some modern dwellings in keeping with this beautiful residence, as well as a few up-to-date business premises in our main streets, the township of Moruya would become as far-famed for is architectural magnificence as for its picturesqueness.

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS. – A GREAT SUCCESS – The jubilee Celebrations of the Moruya Methodist Church were commenced in the Centennial Hall on Thursday afternoon, when the Jubilee Fair was opened. The Rev. F.A. Malcolm explained that the Rev. F. Colwell, President of the Conference, could not be present until Saturday, and in his absence called upon Mrs. Colwell to take her husband’s place. Mrs. Colwell referred to the pleasure it gave her to meet the friends she had known when here years ago, and in a neat little speech, declared the Fair duly opened for business. This official opening was postponed until the evening when quite a large gathering assembled. During the afternoon and right up until 10.30 p.m. the stall-holders were kept busy in disposing of their goods, and at the close were highly pleased with the day’s takings. A great deal of interest centred around the competitions, the bed-making in particular causing great amusement, Mr. S. Nelson secured the prize, a fine Criterion stove. The penny cleaning competition, quite a novelty in these parts, also caused some excitement, the prize falling to Miss Bond. This was a very fine set of carvers, the gift of Lever Bros., of Sydney. The Rev. F.A. Malcolm secured a bridle which was competed for in the shooting gallery, just beside the hall. His card showed the possible, three bull’s eyes. During the evening the Methodist Glee Club rendered several of their bright pieces, while the children, under Miss Grant, and Mr. Parbery with his cornet, also rendered assistance. The hall looked splendid in appearance, the stalls being heavily laden with goods and artistically decorated. One of the main features was a sweet and cake kiosk, set in the centre of the hall. …. 9/5/1914

WATTLE BARK – John Bridge and Co., Ltd., report: – A more cheerful time pervades the market, and tanners seem more disposed to accept New South Wales bark at the recent decline in prices. The local article is considered better value than the African product. This is proved by our having just sold about 2500 bags of South Coast, the bulk bringing £7 10s. There is no demand for light and inferior stuff – quotations for these are quite nominal. Best heavy £7 5s to £7 10s; medium growth £6 5s to £7; light £5 to £6; inferior £3 to £4 10s per ton. Prospects favour a continuance of the demand for better classes.   9/5/1914

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).