Broulee, Woodchops, Patriotic Sports and Stock Sales – one hundred years ago.

Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of this time in 1915, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:
WOODCHOP – Axemen are reminded that nominations for Mr. P. Bill’s Boxing Day £10 woodchop close on Monday next, 21st inst. 19/12/1914

SCHOOL BREAK-UP – The Convent School children dispersed for the Christmas holidays yesterday. After a brief but interesting concert from the little ones the prizes were distributed by Father Cassidy. The children were then regaled at a tea party on the grounds. Excitement was caused by the boys challenging the girls to a game of rounders. The match was highly contested for two hours and resulted in a glorious victory for the girls. A prize was given, donated by the priests to the winning team. 19/12/1914

SUCCESSFUL STOCK SALE – Harvison and Thomson’s stock sale held in Moruya on Wednesday on account of Mr. Cecil Keating, our Far South Coast leviathan stock dealer, established another record for the district, by clearing every hoof yarded at prices which not only astonished the natives but surprised the very oldest residents.

Fat bullocks sold to £12, fat cows to £9, store cows to £4, 13 springing heifers to £7 6s, poddy steers to £2 15s, and a yard of stags brought £6 7s per head, whilst sheep sold at 18s and lambs at 16s. Other lines brought proportionately high prices. The principal buyers came from Jamberoo, Nowra, Nowra Hill, Araluen and Milton, whilst the heaviest local buyers were Messrs. Leslie Hawdon, Will Ryan, Martin McMahon, Harry McIntosh, W. Smith, H.J. Thomson and Karl Thomson (Mogo). 19/12/1914

CAMPING AT THE HEADS – During the Xmas holidays Broulee beach might be well termed Canvas Town, as the popularity of that place for camping is becoming greater each year. This Christmas, however, quite a large number of tents were to be seen pitched along the beach, and most conspicuous was those under the “Lotophagi” banner, who regularly, twice a year, patronise the Heads in this manner. When visited by a representative of this office he found them all very comfortable and happy, with the exception of one or two who were suffering from sunburn and others who had not quite got over their previous night’s experience in the thunderstorm. Another member who could not be found, had been having a strenuous time of it all day answering the numerous applications to their advertisement (Cook wanted, Young and pretty preferred), but it was ascertained by his mates that his labors had been rewarded. After hearing many extraordinary fish yarns etc., this scribe left with the idea that camping at the Heads was not a bad one at all, while many of the company were beginning to growl that the new cook had not returned to get the tea. 2/1/1915

NAROOMA – A BIG DAY’S Patriotic Sports will be held at Narooma, The Brighton of The South, on Friday January 1st, 1915. 19/12/1914

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).