News from 100 years ago – 2 October 1920

Featured image: Sacred Heart Convent, Moruya.

Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 2 October 1920, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society

NEWS SUMMARY
– Six more oyster leases applied for.
– Grand Masonic Ball on 22nd inst.
– Bateman’s Bay Band Concert and Ball on 15th inst.
– Bodalla Cricket Club Ball on 15th inst.
– Dance in aid of C.E. Bazaar Produce Stall at Turlinjah on 8th inst.

NEW MEDICO.– It is plainly on the cards that a new medico is to have his name inscribed on a brass plate in front of a new building in Queen Street.

WELCOME BACK.– Great was the rejoicing on Monday when it became known that that highly esteemed priest, Father Bossence, would once again be amongst us. Owing to the illness of the Rev. Father O’Sullivan, the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Goulburn has appointed Father Bossence, who has been relieving at Gunning since his departure from here, to administer to this parish. 

 Thus have the prayers and petitions of his faithful flock been answered. The “Examiner” joins, with his very many friends in extending to this true pastor and sincere friend a hearty welcome back to Moruya.

 PRESENTATION.– Prior to his departure, Sergeant M. Keating, who has retired from the force, was made the recipient of a presentation on Monday evening at his residence.  The parting gift was a wallet of notes collected by Messrs. R. N. Carden and C. Johnson, and subscribed by the public as a mark of esteem in which the sergeant was held. Unfortunately just on the completion of his 31 years service, Sergeant Keating was stricken with illness, and Dr. Quilter advised him to proceed to Sydney without delay.  In consequence of the urgency of the case, Mr. Keating, accompanied by his son, left on Thursday.  All his friends and admirers trust that he may soon recover and be spared many years to enjoy his well-earned rest.

NEW BRICK WORKS.– Mr. H. Ryan, of Mynora, who has been absent from Moruya for a number of years and who has had considerable experience in the manufacture of bricks, is about to start works at Gundary.  A plant for the moulding of concrete blocks is on the way from Melbourne and on its arrival operations will at once begin.

CONVENT BALL. – The success of last week’s Convent Ball in Moruya adds another golden link to the long, unbroken chain of successful Convent Balls in this district.  It is one of the annual functions that is so popular and one that attracts all classes and creeds together, and the ball on the 24th ult. was no exception to the rule, representatives from all denominations being present.  The attendance numbered about 200, each of the outlying centres supplying its quota.  

The Centennial Hall was charmingly arranged, the decorative scheme, white lace curtains, zamia palms, mirrors, and the stately waratah being well carried out, and effectively acting as a “mise en scene” for the many very smart frocks that were worn on the occasion.  The artistic adornment of the building was the work of Mrs. Sebbens and Misses Staunton (3).

Under the mastership of Mr. C. DeSaxe everything went merrily as the proverbial marriage bell. Particularly delightful was the sweet music supplied by Miss Kurz and Mr. J. Buckley, occasionally relieved by Bodalla’s talented musicians, Mr. and Mrs. D’Esclen. The responsible positions of door-keepers were in the competent hands of Messrs. T. Flood, M. McKeon and A.W. Constable.

At midnight the committee of ladies had arranged a very enticing display of the choicest of ham sandwiches and delectable cakes.

Twenty one 100 years ago booklets containing articles for the years 1899 to 1919 are available ($6 to $8 ea) from the Museum.  Back copies of local newspapers can be viewed on microfilm at the Society’s Family History Research Library (Ph 4474 3224) situated at the rear of the Museum in Campbell St. Moruya.

The Moruya Museum houses a collection of furniture, books, artefacts and memorabilia that is intended to show visitors something of the lives of the ordinary people of this community from the middle of the nineteenth century. Most items on display were donated by local families. 

To explore the museum’s online collection click HERE.

Click to read a copy of the current museum brochure.