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

MALABAR WEIR – “As God helps those who help themselves,” the “Examiner” would like to know why the Mullenderree farmers do not try and help themselves? Time after time this paper has pointed out the great benefits that would accrue to the landholders of Mullenderree by the construction of a weir across the narrow neck of Malabar Creek and close to the Pompey Point Bridge, but with the exception of holding a meeting or two nothing in the shape of a really live move has been made by the residents so vitally interested. We admit that at the time a move was being made in the direction suggested, but these who meant business had their ardour considerably damped by the opposition of Mr. Fred Staunton who had leased an oyster area in the Creek which, of course would have become useless if the Creek was closed. Now, however, Mr. Staunton has had his eyes opened to the very great benefits that would accrue, not only to himself, but to the whole of Mullenderree residents, by changing the present salt for fresh water and claiming hundreds of acres which at present are quite useless. So now that all obstacles have been swept out of the way, another meeting of the farmers should be held and steps taken towards making the weir an accomplished fact…   10/10/1914

AN APPEAL – Lord Kitchener has asked the Queen to supply 300,000 belts, knitted or woven, and 300,000 pairs of socks, to be available in November. The Queen willingly acceded to the request, and has asked the women of the Empire to assist in making these articles for the troops.   10/10/1914

NAROOMA PROGRESS SOCIETY – The Deputy P.M.G. advises the Hon. Austin Chapman: – I have to intimate that a communication, dated the 27^th July last, has been received from the Narooma Progress Committee (Mr. T. Mitchell, Hon. Sec.), requesting that preference be given to tenders for motor car mode of conveyance of mails between Tilba and Moruya, and that a daily mail service be established between Corunna and North Narooma. Consideration will be given to the question of substituting motor car for coach and horses mode of conveyance on the Moruya-Tilba mail route in connection with the tenders received for next year’s contract. With regard to the desired increased frequency between Corunna, Narooma and North Narooma, I may state that compliance with the request would not be justified, as Narooma has at present daily communication, viz., three times weekly by direct mail, and three times weekly via. Wagonga. It is also considered that the existing three times a week service meets the requirements of the roadside settlers and those situated at Corunna and North Narooma, in view of the limited revenue derived. It is regretted that the request cannot, therefore, be acceded to, and I shall be glad if you will kindly advise the Committee accordingly.   10/10/1914

OFF TO THE WAR – Mr. Charles Wiggins, whom we mentioned last week as having volunteered for the front, left by the last Moruya boat to report himself to the authorities in Sydney. Prior to his departure Messrs. Wentworth Hawdon and Ken Anderson took up an impromptu collection in Queen and Vulcan Streets, when a nice little sum was got together and presented to the young Soldier at the Steamers’ wharf by Mr. Hawdon in a nice little speech. Mr. Harvison made a few remarks eulogistic of Mr. Wiggin’s pluck, and wished him on behalf of the district the best of success and good luck. Three hearty cheers were then given for young Charlie, who appeared quite taken back at the honor so suddenly sprung upon him, and returned thanks in his usual quiet way.   10/10/1914

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).