Ploughing Matches, Elections and Proclamations from 12 September, 1914

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

PLOUGHING MATCH AND SPORTS– The A. and P. Society’s annual ploughing match and sports were held on Wednesday last on Messrs. Ryan Bros.’ paddock at Mynora. The attendance was unusually large and must have doubled that at any of the Society’s previous functions of a similar nature. The working committee had everything in apple-pie order. A large tent was erected on the ground provided with excellent refreshments, the wives and other lady friends of the Society assiduously attending to same.

Miss Polly Bishop did a good business in a fruit and lolly stall. Mr. McKeon had a publican’s booth on the ground which was well patronised, and no doubt will have the effect of inducing friend “Mac” to seek a transfer of his license on future occasions. The President, Mr. Hutchison, and the working committee worked hard, and had the satisfaction of carrying the big day’s programme through without a hitch.

There was keen competition for a ploughing match, and when the judges decided the first prize in favour of Mr. Josiah Taylor, the veteran ploughman of Kiora, there was great cheering amongst the onlookers. The second prize was secured by Mr. J. Latta, of Milton, his ploughing having been done by a team of four bullocks. Mr. E. Keating was awarded third prize, Mr. Duncan, Eurobodalla, getting fourth. There was six stud horses on the ground, all of which were minutely scrutinised by horse breeders… 12/9/1914

RECITAL – The members of St. John’s choir will give a recital of sacred music in the church on Friday night Sept 18th. The music will include anthems, sacred solos, quartettes and duets, and as the choir now comprises about 40 voices and has been diligently practising for some weeks lovers of good music should have a musical treat. A collection will be taken up in aid of the choir funds. 12/9/1914

FEDERAL ELECTION – The Elections for Federal Representatives and Senate passed off very quietly as far as Moruya was concerned on Saturday last. The Court House was petitioned off and the business of both booths conducted therein. Mr. G. Walter, local Post Master, had charge of No 1, with Mr. H.E. Simpson as Poll Clerk, whilst Mr. T. Walter officiated as Deputy Returning Officer in No 2 division having Mr. H. Hancock as his Poll Clerk.

The Examiner wishes to thank the officials for their courtesy in supplying returns, and also the Telegraph Department for the prompt attention to our press wires. Following are the numbers returned for the House of Reps.: – New South Wales – Labor 13, Liberal 14. Victoria – Labor 12, Liberal 8, Independent 1. South Australia – Labor 4, Liberal 3. Queensland – Labor 7, Liberal 3. West Australia – Labor 2, Liberal 3. Tasmania – Labor 3, Liberal 2.

The Senate is almost entirely composed of Laborites. 12/9/1914

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS (From our Sydney Correspondent) – Thursday 10 A.M. – A Royal proclamation has been issued, which forbids to pay money or entering into commercial, financial or other contracts which might benefit the enemy. 12/9/1914

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).