Raymond Bishop Leaves For War, Wounded Soldiers In Malta, Early Closing and Other 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:

EUROBODALLA – (From our Correspondent.) Eurobodalla and the surrounding district turned out last Thursday to bid farewell and to show their recognition to one of our most popular young men, Mr. Ray Bishop, who is offering his services to defend his country and to stand shoulder to shoulder with his brother who is taking a very prominent part in the defence of his country and freedom at the Dardanelles.

I am pleased to say that our promising young medico, Mr. M. O. Stormon, gained his distinction at the recent examination in medicine at the Sydney University. Good boy! “Mick”. 11 September 1915

A SCANDAL – It does appear a scandal that while the pick of our manhood are bravely going to the front in order to uphold the Empire and protect their dear ones, so many wasters – whose only occupation appears to be polishing hotel verandah and guzzling long beers when any softy happens along to shout for them – are allowed to remain behind to disgrace our town instead of being hustled off to the front. 11 September 1915

ADELAIDE HOTEL – The contract for the erection of the new Adelaide Hotel has been secured by a Sydney contractor named Mr. J. Taylor, at something like £2,600, which must be regarded as a very low price, considering the up-to-dateness of the structure as shown by the plans. The new building is to be of brick with compressed air lighting, water service throughout and an up-to-date lift. 11 September 1915

EARLY CLOSING OF HOTELS – The Legislative Assembly has decided that hotel bars should be closed at 9 p.m. Cabinet will have to decide whether or not it shall be given effect by an amendment of the Liquor Act. 11 September 1915

ART UNION – Mrs G.V. Ebsworth who conducted the Bodalla Art Union kindly informed us that the first prize (fat bullock) was won by ticket No. 234, held by Mr. J. E. Mckellar, of Braidwood, and second prize (pig) by ticket No. 171, held by Master R. Osborne, of Mount Cooper, Nimitybelle. The winner generously returned the pig to be redisposed of for the Fund, Mr. Hutchison buying it for £3 10s. 11 September 1915

MOTOR SPORT – A meeting of the R.C. parishioners met at the Presbytery on Monday night when it was decided to promote a day’s sports, concert and ball, on 10th November, in aid of the Parish Motor Car Fund. 11 September 1915

ROLL OF HONOUR – Mr Donald Johnson, of Mullenderree, has been officially informed that his son, Private Leybourne Johnson, is in the Hospital at Malta, suffering from wounds. Private J. O’Grady, 4th, 5th Refcts., is also reported wounded. 11 September 1915

COLLETT’S STOCK SALE – On Saturday, Mr. H. J. Thomson held a successful sale of cattle on account of Mr. E. Collett. There were 20 head of dairy cattle and heifers, the latter reaching as high as £9 8s, the lot averaging £7 15s. 11 September 1915

DEATH – After a long and lingering illness Mrs. Thomas Davis, sen., passed quietly away on Wednesday morning at the residence of her son, Thomas Davis, Coila, at the ripe age of 78 years, the immediate cause of death being heart failure. She leaves a family of five sons and one daughter viz., Thomas (Coila), James (Sydney), William (Bega), Peter (Coila) and Miss Sarah (Coila), to mourn their loss. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon when the remains were interred in the Presbyterian portion of the Moruya cemetery alongside those of her late husband. 11 September 1915

WEDDING. McMILLAN-WHITE – A pretty wedding which created considerable interest took place at St James Presbyterian Church, Moruya at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the contracting parties being Albert Giles McMillan, son of the late Mr John McMillan of Durras Lake, and Miss Letty White daughter of the late Thomas Charles White of Central Tilba. The bride entered the church on the arm of her brother, Mr. T. C. White of Bodalla, was charmingly attired in a trained gown of white crepe-de-chine trimmed with silk guipure. She also wore the customary wreath and veil and carried a lovely bouquet. The bride was attended by her sister Miss Muriel White who wore a pretty frock of white voile trimmed with malines lace and black picture hat trimmed with pink babe roses. 11 September 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 Museum in Campbell St. Moruya (www.mdhs.org.au)

A New DVD entitled Soldiers of the Eurobodalla, Stories of our Locals is also now available from the Society.