The winds of war and pedigree pigs – 100 years ago – 1st August, 1914.

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

LONDON, THURSDAY – A European war is almost certain. Germany sent an ultimatum to Russia, giving 24 hours to explain her mobilisating. The Austrians occupied Belgrade after a heavy bombardment, which did considerable damage. The Serbians withdrew after a brief engagement. An artillery duel is proceeding four miles from Belgrade…

A strong anti war current prevails in Germany, fostered by Socialists. Meetings in protest against the war are being held throughout Europe, and Socialists are striving for means to prevent an international conflict. 1/8/1914

CHURCH ADORNMENT– A member of St. John’s Church has presented a handsome carved altar to the Church. The work is being done by a Goulburn firm and will be the commencement of a scheme to beautify the sanctuary, including a revredos, which it is hoped soon to complete. A Litany desk, the work of a parishioner, has also been presented to the Church, and another member is making alterations to the structure of the sanctuary to elevate the altar and give a more dignified appearance to the Church. When the whole scheme of beautifying the edifice is completed St. John’s will be one of the prettiest churches on the coast. 1/8/1914

TENNIS CLUB – An enthusiastic meeting was held on Thursday night last for the purpose of forming a tennis club in connection with the Church. Mr. O.L. Harrison was elected secretary with a strong committee to assist him. The Rector ex-officio was elected president of the club. The place for the new court is to be in the Rectory grounds on the site of the old court laid down in the time of the Rev. J. Spencer, at one time Rector of this parish. Not only will the court improve the Rectory grounds but will be a means of promoting the social life of the Church. With two tennis clubs in the town in time we hope to see some interesting tournaments and matches arranged, and an impetus given to tennis. 1/8/1914

PEDIGREE PIGS – In this issue Mr. H.P. Jeffery is advertising pure-bred Berkshire weaners for sale. Mr. Jeffery recently purchased from the Newington Asylum, a pure-bred Berkshire sow, which is considered by judges in this class to be one of the best imported into this district… 1/8/1914

BILLIARD ROOM – On Saturday night last the official opening of the newly-installed billiard table in the Mechanics’ Institute took place, the President, Mr. R.L. Dawson, making the first cannon. Mr. Dawson, in a neat little speech, told how strict perseverance overcame all opposition to the installation, in the course of which he said that one of the principal objects in installing the present table was to provide recreation for young fellows away from the places where it might be considered the associations were not calculated to be enlightening or uplifting. He hoped each member would now do his or her best to make the table a successful venture…1/8/1914

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-  http://www.mdhs.org.au  .