Preparations for the 1916 Conscription Referendum and other news from 100 years ago

Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 29 April 1916, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:

BLOOD POISONING – Mr. C. Stewart who has just completed a pretty stone and brick cottage in Fitroy St. for himself, is now suffering from a poisoned finger, and the Doctor has ordered him to rest for a few days.

YOUR DUTY – The duty of electors is to go to the Court House to see if their name is on the roll. If not, get it on. The fact that the police have collected your name does not necessarily imply that your name is on the roll to permit you to vote at the coming liquor referendum.

VISITOR – Mr. W. Boot, editor and proprietor of the Bega “Budget,” is on a visit to his sister, Miss Boot, of Yarragee. Mr. Boot who is still suffering from what his medical advisor terms a wry neck, looks remarkably well, and is as cheerful as of yore. He leaves for Sydney next week where he anticipates having to undergo an operation for his ailment.

NAROOMA SEND-OFF – Privates Walter Fuller and James O’Connor, who were home on final leave recently, were given a farewell in the Narooma School of Arts. Both nights the hall was beautifully decorated with flags, flowers and greenery. The two lads who expect to sail very shortly for the front, look as though camp life agreed with them, and say it is a glorious life. Private Fuller is a member of Carmichael’s Thousand and Private O’Connor a member of the Field Artillery.

ACCIDENT – Last week Lyndon, the four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. James of “Lynwood,” met with an accident. He had the misfortune to fall on the back of his head on the hardwood floor, the effects of which did not manifest themselves until a few days later, when the child became unconscious, through compression. Dr. Quilter was called in, and we are pleased to state, the little victim is now on the mend.

WEDDING – Immediately after Divine Service at St. John’s Church on Tuesday morning last (Anzac Day), Mr. John Hansen, eldest son of Mrs. J. Wright, Bateman’s Bay, was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Ethel, fifth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Stubbs, Gundary, the Rev. A. G. Rix officiating. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a pretty gown of grey crepe de chine and cream shadow lace, together with a white corded silk hat and a wine-shaded flowers, and gold wristlet watch – gift of the bridegroom. Amidst showers of good wishes Mr. and Mrs. Hansen left per special car for Nowra, en route to the Blue Mountains, after which they will return to Sydney where they will reside.

PREPARE FOR WINTER – Our “Boss Carter,” Mr. D. H. Lavis, notifies in our business columns that he can now supply firewood of any kind at reasonable rates, so it behoves every householder to lay in a stock for the fast approaching cold season. He also removes furniture and carts goods from the wharf with every care and at a low price.

DEATH – Much sympathy is expressed for Mr. and Mrs. Alf Crapp, who were bereft on Thursday of a lovely sturdy little girl aged 14 months. The child contracted a cold only a day or two previous, which developed into croup, and within a few short hours another blossom was garnered for the Heavenly Realm.

PERSONAL AND OTHERWISE

– Dentist R. N. Bull has rented Mr. A. Millikin’s cottage in Church St. and on arrival of his wife and family from Braidwood will take up his residence therein.
– Mr. John Bate, of Tilba, gave 52½ guineas for the three-year-old bull Sterling of Darbalara, bred by the Scottish Australasian Investment Co., at the Sydney Show sales.
– Mrs. Maggs, a visitor to Moruya expressed her warm approval of the beautiful appointments and service in the local Church of England, as compared with other country Churches.
– Ferryman S. Harkus of Nelligen informed us on Tuesday that he had not been to bed for the three previous nights owing to the vast amount of tourist traffic, principally to Narooma for the Easter holidays

Seventeen 100 years ago booklets containing articles for the years 1899 to 1915 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).