An Earthquake Shakes Moruya Up – News from 23.09. 1916

Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 23 September 1916, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:

RECOVERING – Latest reports from the local hospital state that the young D. Sebbens, who was taken to that institution in a serious condition on Tuesday last, suffering from an inward strain, is recovering. “Denny” will have to improve considerably before he is fit to “juggle” with the Boches.

KNITTING CLASS – The knitting class under the supervision of the Red Cross Society was commenced in the Shire Hall on Tuesday afternoon. The class will meet every Tuesday at 3.30 p.m. Anyone wishing to join may do so by handing her name to Mrs. T. Flood, the fee being only one shilling for the first lesson and 6d per week after.

MASONIC – Moruya Masonic Lodge Coeur de Lion held its usual annual installation in its pretty little lodge room, and banquet in the Centennial supper room, which is situated net door. The first business was the installation of Bro. C. Cheesman to the position of Wor. Master Elect, and investiture of the following officers, Wor. Bro. G. E. Hanscom officiating as Installing Master, viz., I.P.M., Wor. Br. S. C. Shumack; S.W., Bro. J. Bond; J.W., Bro. R. J. Shumack; Chaplain, Bro. E. S. Henderson; Treasurer.

EARTHQUAKE – About half past ten o’clock on Sunday night many residents of Moruya heard distinctly the disturbing shock of an earthquake, the houses, doors and windows vibrating for some seconds.

TOWN TALK –

– That Mr. D. S. Keir, representing R. L. Scrutton and Co. of the “Big Chief” Oil Engines will be in Moruya on Monday or Tuesday next.
– That Pte. “Jack” Grime, a popular accountant in the Moruya branch of the Bank of New South Wales, has been wounded and is in hospital in England.
– That E. Bingham formerly a clerk in the local Commercial Bank, was to have left Sydney for the front last week.
– That Mr. Vic Cork, the first manager of the Forster’s Bay cheese factory, near Narooma, has now charge of the Jamberoo cheese factory; and
-That this is the same Mr. Cork who married Miss Hardcastle, a step-daughter of Mr. Charles Crapp, of Kiora.
– That Mr. T. E. Keyte, of Major’s Creek has been advised by the Defence Department that his son-in-law, Pte. R. Duffy, had been killed in action in France.
– That Mr. Charlie Batt of New Zealand, who has been away from Moruya for the last eight years, and Miss Maude Batt, the phenomenal bass singer, are now home at their sick mother’s bed side.
– That Mrs. Batt snr., of Mantle Hill, and Mrs. J. McIntosh, of Gundary, are reported to be in a very low state of health, and little hopes are entertained of their recovery.
– That Mr. and Mrs. H. Hancock have returned from Queensland where they have been holidaying for some months for the benefit of the latter’s health; and
– That friend Heber’s rotundity would do credit to any alderman in the State.

NELLIGEN – For once in the history of our little town, the oldest inhabitants and the local weather prophet are in complete agreement in predicting a dry summer. We have had a lengthy dry spell and rain is badly needed.

SICKNESS – A peculiarly virulent form of influenza has been going the rounds here for some time past. Several people were compelled to lay up for a few days and suffered much pain., accompanied by a severe cough. Mrs. A. E. Webber was so ill as to require the services of a doctor, but I am pleased to hear she is now improving.

SHIPPING AGENCY – Corporal C Grice, formerly I.S.N. Co. agent here has received his discharge from the military forces as being permanently incapacitated, and has lately resumed his old duties. Although somewhat weak after his late trying experiences and severe illness he is shaping well and we hope to see him well and strong again.

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).