Extracted from the Moruya Examiner by the Moruya and District Historical Society Inc.


Established 1883

100 Years Ago – 25 July 1925

£1 per annum


A Group of Sawmill Workers

Fuller Bros. and Russ Collie, have opened a sawmill at Olsen’s Creek, on the Prince’s Highway between Tilba and Narooma.

In a letter highly complimenting Mr. K. Fowler on his formation of a troop of Boy Scouts in Moruya, Mr. John D. Ward generously enclosed a cheque for 30/- towards entertaining our boys who left on Tuesday to see the Fleet. Mr. Wards thoughtful action was greatly appreciated by Scoutmaster Fowler. With his customary generous spirit and delight in seeing children enjoy themselves, Mr. R. N. Bull drove them in his own car gaily displaying the troop’s colors, navy blue and gold and scarlet and light blue. He was accompanied by Scout Master Fowler, Patrol Leader Alan Keating, Boy Scouts Bob Bull, F. Donnelly, Ray Rose, Harry Siddall and F. Tranter.

By courtesy of the owners, Dorman Long’s new vessel, the Sir Dudley de Chair, one of the steamers which will ply to Moruya for granite, was temporarily lent to Farmer’s Ltd., who decorated her and installed a wireless apparatus at the berth at Miller’s Point. [Sydney] With about 100 guests and a big brass band aboard, the Sir Dudley de Chair greeted the American Fleet outside the Heads, and sent news by wireless to people ashore. At night a dance took place on board the vessel.

The death of Mr. John Burke, father of our respected townsman, Mr. J. Burke, occurred at Bateman’s Bay on the 17th inst. The late Mr. Burke came to this country with his wife and child 60 years ago. For a number of years he lived at Braidwood, where his father had settled before him. In 1879 he came to Mogo as maintenance man on the main road. After 16 years spent in this capacity he was transferred to the hardest section of the Araluen road – that which adjoined Mudmelong. Having had the misfortune to lose his home by fire he was befriended by the Greigs, for whom he cherished a most grateful regard. Shortly after this he retired from the service in 1905, having earned the commendation of his superiors, and took up his residence again in Mogo. The large gathering at his funeral on Sunday testified to the widespread respect for his worth. He had reached the great age of 89, and is survived by a brother in Sydney and by seven of his family – Mesdames V. Ison (Bateman’s Bay), W. Cooper (Bega), M. Hoy and R. Hoy (Sydney); Messrs. W. Burke (Mogo), Paul (Sydney), and John (Moruya).

Mr. H. J. Bate has installed a wireless set at his home, Tilba Tilba.

Mr. Claude Donnelly and family have moved into Mr. W. Smith’s two-storey house lately occupied by Mr. W. Ryan, in Campbell St.

Extracted from the Moruya Examiner by the Moruya and District Historical Society Inc. If you are interested in history why not join us and become a volunteer at the Museum or our library. Check us out at https://www.mdhs.org.au and https://blog.mdhs.org.au

One response to “100 Years Ago – 25 July 1925”

  1. cassandrajordan Avatar

    Thank you for the weekly “100 Years Ago – 25 July 1925”

    My grandfather, Charlie FITZGERALD, was born in Araluen and was a Worker on the Roads. He used to cycle miles to work. He built a house in Nelligen approx 1900 which is still standing but derelict on Braidwood Street, Nelligen. His first wife Isabella (Macauley) died in 1918 from the Spanish Flu leaving 4 young children. My grandmother Annie HEYCOX married him in ? 1920 (need check) at age 21 and became mother to 4 young children. Charlie was ? Aged 46. He is buried in the Catholic section of Nelligen Cemetery.

    The reason I mention this as you have referred to a John Burke who also worked on the roads including Araluen. Maybe there will be the opportunity to refer to my grandfather in your weekly at some point.

    Best wishes
    Cassandra Jordan (nee Rodley)
    16 Leichhardt St
    BRONTE NSW 2024
    0409137260
    [My mother Laura was one of the 4 daughters (and 5 sons) of Annie and Charlie. I was born in Batemans Bay and Baptised in St Joseph’s Church Nelligen]

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