Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Charlie Chaplin and In the Grip of Alcohol come to Moruya

Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 20 May 1916, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:

WANTED – An Agent or Caretaker for the Buckley’s Family Cottage and Shop in Campbell Street, Moruya.

INSURANCE: The Buckenbowra Wattle Bark Company’s Mill which was recently destroyed by fire, was valued at £5000, and was only insured for a trifle over £2000.

BAZAAR – Our R. C. friends in the district have decided to hold a big bazaar in October next, the proceeds to be divided between the Church and New Convent funds.

PVT. Leo De Saxe who has been recuperating in New Zealand since his return from active service, has been home on a short visit to his parents prior to taking up his banking duties.

FREEZING PLANT: H. J. Thomson advises us that a company of three or four has purchased J. and W. Emmott’s shipping stores at the rear of Coxon’s Hotel, and intend establishing there an up-to-date freezing plant.

EMPIRE SERVICE – Tomorrow (Sunday) evening Empire Service will be celebrated at St. John’s Church. Friendly Societies and Clubs will be in attendance and an Honor Board, inscribed with the names from here who have and are assisting the Empire in her great struggle will be unveiled.

SILO: A brick silo at Mr. T. G. Allen’s farm at Cobargo burst last week after being filled

PICTURE SHOW – The Lylic Electric Picture Company gave one of their pleasing picture entertainments to a crowded house in the Mechanic’s Hall on Wednesday night. The films unreeled included some of the most popular of the day, such as East Lynne, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the Melbourne Cup, Charlie Chaplin and In the Grip of Alcohol, the last named , in our opinion, being one of the best ever unreeled to a country audience.

DEATH – The aphorism – “Those whom the gods love die young,” was verified on Sunday evening last, when William Henry John, eldest son of Constable W. H. and Mrs Face, of Bermagui Station, passed into that sleep which knows no awakening, at the age of 14½years. Willie was a lovely healthy child until the age of about 7 years, when a nervous complaint manifested itself. Although the best medical advice was procured, only temporary relief could be obtained and as the years rolled by the patient gradually became worse, and about three weeks ago paralysis set in, Dr. Lister, of Cobargo, giving no hope of recovery. After nights of anxious watching sorrowing parents saw their beloved child released from all earthly sufferings as above stated, the primary cause of death being syncope and the secondary ataxia.

DEATH – The death occurred yesterday morning at the Moruya Hospital of a Mr. George John Smith, who only arrived in the State seven weeks ago from England. It appears that the poor fellow, who hasn’t a relative in the country, was engaged at McMillan’s, Beagle Bay, where he contracted pneumonia. He was brought to Bateman’s Bay, and then on to the Hospital on Saturday. Deceased was only 40 years of age.

METROPOLITAN NOTES – From our Special Correspondent.

– Mr. Harry Wenden, Moruya’s mining magnate, and who is staying at the Hotel Grand Central, is negotiating for the purchase of an up-to-date crusher which he purposes erecting at his Donkey Hill gold reef. Mr. Wenden’s reef has widened out to a depth of over 200ft, and he feels confident that a battery of his own on the ground will pay handsomely.
– Mr. Roy Byrne, of Cadgee , is also staying at this hotel. By the way, I would advise the eligible young girls in the southern districts to keep the glad eye on Roy, as he is being idolised by quite a host of Metropolitan damsels who justly regard him as a lovely fellow both in appearance and character.
– Mr. “Alf” Byrne , of Nerrigundah, is now in the Big Smoke. “Alf,” who, we understand did not pass the required test for the front, informs your Rep. that he has received the appointment of Deputy Returning Officer for No. 2 (King) Division.

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).