Weddings, Prohibition and the Red Cross – news from 100 years ago

Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of this time in 1915, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:

AGISTMENT – 4700 head of sheep have arrived at the well-known Buckenboura Estate from one of the drought-stricken western districts. The Manager, Mr. Vider, informs us that 299 points of rain have fallen at Buckenboura lately, and that the grass is growing beautifully.   24/4/1915

“FOLLOW THE KING” – The “Follow the King” movement is making rapid headway in the State. A requisition signed by 1500 citizens was presented to the Lord Mayor (Alderman Richards), asking him to call a public meeting of citizens for the purpose of advocating a patriotic movement to follow the example set by His Majesty in the voluntary abstinence from alcohol during the war. The Lord Mayor agreed to call the meeting as requested.

At a large meeting in Sydney of the Prohibition Party on Saturday last the following resolution was carried: – “That the Prohibition Party congratulates the Labor Conference upon its emphatic declaration in favour of closing hotels and wine shops at 6 o’clock in the evening, and expresses the hope that the Government and Parliament will at the earliest possible moment give effect to the decision of conference by passing the necessary legislation.”

It was further resolved that the Minister for Public Instruction be asked to receive a deputation for the purpose of urging that definite temperance teaching be given in all the Public schools of the State. A committee was appointed to arrange for a series of prohibition meetings in the metropolis.   24/4/1915

WEDDING – The Sacred Heart Church, Moruya, was the scene of a pretty wedding on Wednesday at 10 a.m., when the Very Rev. Father Cassidy celebrated the marriage of Miss Mary Elicia (‘Pollie’) second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Behringer, of Yarragee, and Mr. Thomas W.F., youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Heffernan, of Yarragee. The church was beautifully decorated with white flowers and graceful palms by girl friends of the bride.

The handsome bride, who entered the church on the arm of her father, looked charming in a sweetly pretty gown of grey satin. From under a deep swathed belt fell a graceful tunic of crepe de chene. The bodice was veiled in grey tuscana net with vest and collar of white marquisette. Her hat of white velours was smartly finished with a pale pink mount. A handsome diamond ring and gold cable bangle were the bridegroom’s gifts.

The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Florrie Behringer, who was beautifully gowned in a nattier blue crepe de chene with a chic cream collar. Her white hat with a dainty blue posy and a gold bracelet, studded with diamonds and rubies (the gift of the bridegroom) completed a pretty costume. Mr. R.B. Heffernan (brother of the bridegroom), officiated as best man

….After the ceremony a reception was held at the Royal Hotel where light refreshments were partaken of and the bride cut the richly embellished wedding cake, which was a delectable production from the establishment of Mr. Albert Lynch….   24/4/1915

RED CROSS WORK – The liberal response from all parts of the British Empire, and particularly Australia, to the appeal by the British Red Cross Society, is the subject of favourable comment in a leading article in the London “Times” of March 6, in which “a special tribute of admiration to the signal efforts of Australia” is paid. Of a total of £119,136, which had been contributed in money by the overseas dominions when the last mail left, Australia headed the list with £76,609, and in gifts in kind her offerings were far larger than those of any of the other dominions.   24/4/1915

Seventeen 100 years ago booklets containing articles for the years 1899 to 1914 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).

Our latest publication entitled Kiora Kith and Kin, by Shirley Jurmann is also now available from the Society.