One Hundred Years Ago Moruya Voted NO To Conscription

Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 4 November 1916, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society.

THE REFERENDUM – The voting on compulsory service overseas was carried out in Moruya in a quiet and orderly manner on Saturday last.

MORUYA SUBDIVISION

Yes ………………………………………………………………………        184
No ……………………………………………………………………….         583

BATEMAN’S BAY SUBDIVISION

Yes ……………………………………………………………………..          124
No ……………………………………………………………………….         243

The great Majority of those who have sons at the war voted “No” in Braidwood on Saturday. In two cases of electors who sons were killed the same vote was recorded.

PRESBYTERIAN FLOWER SHOW – Our Nelligen friends have contributed liberally towards the forthcoming Presbyterian Flower Show, as will be seen by advertisement elsewhere. Entries close with Mr. P. J. Mylott on Wednesday next, 8th inst, and the big event will open at 3 p.m. the following day.

SUDDEN DEATH – On Monday last Mr. Thomas Quinn suddenly collapsed when on his way into town. It appears that Mr. Quinn was driving into Moruya in his sulky, as was his custom. And when passing Mr. John Jeffrey’s residence pulled up to have a chat to Mr. Jeffrey who was near the road fence, and whilst so doing was noticed to suddenly lower his head and bend forward. Mr. Jeffrey rushed to his assistance in order to render first aid, but it was soon evident to him that his efforts were in vain as the patient passed away without a struggle. He leaves two brothers – Michael with whom he resided and William, who married a sister of Mrs. Corbett of this town and now resides at Maitland. Mr. T. Flood, Shire President, and Mr. R. N. Carden, Proprietor of the Royal Hotel, were cousins of the deceased.

A MORUYA NATIVE – Miss Madge, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Harper, formerly of this district, is in receipt of the following from her brother, Chas. A. Harper, A.M.C. written at Durban, S. Africa: –

On Shore, Durban
Natal, S. Africa, 15/6/16

Dearest Madge,
I am writing to mother per same mail, and also sending some papers and views of Durban. This is a very fine place. We went for a route march this morning, about six miles. We then played the “Tommies” football and beat them badly. There are hundreds of them here on their way to German East Africa. Australian troops have no time for them. They call us “cornstalks and pumpkins”.

We marched up to the Town Hall which is a fine place as you will see by the views. All the trains and trams are “double deckers” and are free to Australians. The people show their appreciation of the A.I.F. I am writing this in the Wesley Hall in West St. They serve everyone with free tea and cakes. I am having a “feed” as I am writing. We will stop here until next Tuesday and I suppose we will have leave until then. A friend from the A.M.C. and I were taken to the Zoo in a private car. It is about two miles out. The chap asked us to come for a ride and he took us all around Durban.

I am having the time of my life. The rickshaws are great fun. They are all dressed up with horns and bells, and they took us over three miles for 6d. They are better than cabs. I advise Australia to import some. They would do a good trade. We have been treated absolutely like toffs here.

Sydneyites should be absolutely ashamed of themselves for the manner in which they treat visiting troops there.

Later. – We leave here tonight for Cape Town which is four days around the Cape. I hope we get ashore there, it will be a bit more touring for us.

DUCKS EGGS – raise your own ducks for Easter. Settings of eggs from pure-bred prize Aylesbury ducks may be procured at this office at a moderate charge.

WAGONGA – A resident, friend, writes to say that after late copious rains the Wagonga district is looking lovely and a good season ensured.

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).