The district responds to the outbreak of war …and a homing pigeon

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

LADIES CALLED – In this issue a meeting of ladies is called for Tuesday next at 3 p.m., in the “Town Hall” (old Council Chambers) for the purpose of forming a helpers’ branch of the Red Cross Society in this district. Help in this national crisis is forthcoming from almost every town in the Commonwealth, and we are sure the ladies of Moruya will not fail to add their quota. This is an opportunity that every patriotic woman here, young and old, should avail themselves of to assist the British soldiers on active service by preparing clothing and comforts for them. 15/8/1914

BATEMAN’S BAY NEWS – The whole topic of conversation in the Bay is the war, Lieutenant Maloney is trying his best to master a squadron, but the class of men that is required seem to hesitate a good deal. They don’t evince any eagerness to join. It is supposed that if there was no talk of war a large body of brave volunteers would be offering. The thought of the air being adulterated with lead causes them to think they are safer amongst the blackbutts and ironbarks of the South Coast. 15/8/1914

REPORT TO POLICE – Mr. Millen made the announcement on Monday that all German subjects in Australia are required to at once report to the police, and to give their names and addresses. If desiring to change their place of residence they must notify the police before leaving, and must again report on arriving at the new place of residence. All German reservists are held as prisoners of war and released on parole. 15/8/1914

HOMING PIGEON – On Monday last a homing pigeon arrived at Mr. J. Green’s residence, Mantle Hill. On the bird’s leg was a ring marked as follows: W.P.H.S. 162, 1913. 15/8/1914

NEW BRANCH– On Sunday last Mr. R.B. Heffernan, Vice-President, and Mr. J. McKeon, Secretary, accompanied by a number of other members of the Moruya branch of the Catholic Federation journeyed to Narooma in one of Balmain’s special motors for the purpose of forming a branch of the Federation in that charming seaport town. After receiving a cordial welcome by the warm-hearted Narooma folk, the visitors adjourned to Lynch’s Hall where a large and most enthusiastic meeting was held, members of other denominations being also present. The Rev. Father O’Connell, in the absence of the President, Very Rev. Father Cassidy, occupied the chair, and Mr. R.B. Heffernan, in a very lucid and eloquent speech explained the aims and methods of the organisation. Mr. P. Flynn, (Moruya), then ably and effectively addressed the meeting, laying particular emphasis on the fact that the object was non-political….The large audience gave close attention to the speakers’ remarks, and at the termination of the addresses a motion by Mr. J. Hyland, seconded by Mr. J. Lynch for the formation of a branch was then unanimously carried…15/8/1914

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).