‘The Sport Of Kings’ and other news from 100 years ago – 27 November 1920

Featured image: Racing at Moruya

Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 27 November 1920, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society

MORUYA SPRING RACES. Our pretty little racecourse on Wednesday was the scene of the first Spring Meeting for years under the auspices of the Moruya Race Club. The day was beautifully fine, and although a slight westerly wind was blowing, there was quite an absence of dust.  The Park, fresh-bathed with week end rains, showed like a brilliant emerald.

There was a good attendance, and as is usual even at our annuals, the visitors predominated, the local people failing to patronise the Sport of Kings.

Although the Club received splendid nominations the scratching pen was freely used, there being only three starters in each race, except one when six faced the barrier, nevertheless the events were keenly contested and interesting.

MORUYA PONY RACES  The Moruya Pony Club’s race meeting on behalf of the local Hospital eventuated on Wednesday and was fairly well patronised.  The weather was most unpropitious for an outing, a Scotch mist, with a cold southerly wind, lasting throughout the day. All the officials as usual connected with the Club worked harmoniously and everything passed off most pleasantly, with the exception of a disturbance caused by W. Read, owner and rider of Suzette in the Flying Handicap, striking the Stipendiary, Mr. A. H. Turner, when informed by that official that he had decided to disqualify him (Read) and the mare for suspicious running.  Read, however bumped a snag and received a Roland for his Oliver and was ejected from the room with his nasal organ manifesting signs of his fighting blood.

Mr Turner was, apparently, the right man in the right place as he was ever on the alert to keep the sport clean and protect the public.

As on the previous day the scratching pen was again freely used, leaving only three contestants in the principal events.

One of the most exciting contests of the day was that witnessed in the Novelty Race for wee ponies when Mr. Millard’s tiny white Arab (for which he some time ago refused £50) ridden by his midget son downed the odds-on hot favorite, King’s Own.

EXAMINATION.– The pupils of Mrs. Preddy, L.C.M., were examined by Mr. John Thornton (London College of Music) on the 20th Inst., and the following successfully passed:- Practical, senior—Dulcie Shumack, Imelda Bartlett, Zella Windley.  Elementary—Renie Louttit, Florrie Bartlett, Leila Jenner, Marie Preddy, the last three with honors. Mrs Preddy and her clever pupils are to be highly congratulated on the success attained.

ACCIDENT.– A painful accident befell Mr. Clive Burke on Wednesday morning through a piece of timber, which he had placed on the circular saw at Mitchell’s Moggendoura mill, flying back and striking him on the forehead, severely bruising it, cutting his nose and blackening his eyes. Mr. Burke was indeed fortunate in escaping from being killed, as the wood after hitting him flew through the shed landing some distance away.

TENDERS closing at the District Postal Inspector’s Office, Goulburn, on Wednesday, December 1st at 12 noon, are invited for the performance of the following services:-

(1) Moruya, Bergalia, Turlinjah, Bodalla, North Narooma, Narooma, Corunna, Central Tilba, and Tilba Tilba six times a week by horse-drawn conveyance of motor car, and

(2) Tilba Tilba, Dignam’s Creek, and Cobargo, six times a week by horse-drawn conveyance or motor car; and

(3) Cobargo, Quaama, Brogo and Bega (Contractor to travel alternatively by the lower and upper roads between Brogo and Bega) six times a week by horse drawn conveyance or motor car; or  (A combination of these runs)

W.H. McGREGOR, District Inspector, Goulburn.

CLEARING-OUT SALE December 4th, 1920, AT 2 P.M. SHARP.  H.J. THOMSON has received instructions from Mr. Nathan Mison to sell by public auction his NEW HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE and EFFECTS, comprising -Bedroom Suite. 2 Double Bedsteads.  Cot, Gypsy Tables.  Toilet Set. Oak Dining Room Suite. Oak Dinner Table. Large Bevelled Mirror. Enclosed Kitchen Dresser. Safe, Table and Kitchen Chairs.  Stove, Dining Set, Crockery, etc. Verandah Blinds, Sewing Machine. Floor Coverings, Canary and Cage, Tubs, Horse, Sulky and Harness.  Saddle and Bridle, Rifle and Re-Loader. Bicycle etc. etc. Pair Pole Straps, Pair Double Reins. 1 Cross-cut Saw.

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.