100 Years Ago – 27 March 1926

Profound sorrow is felt at the untimely death of the Rev. William McKay Herd (the beloved minister in charge of the Presbyterian circuit here), which occurred at the Moruya Hospital on Saturday night last. When on his way to hold service at Coila on the previous Sunday he met with an accident through his horse becoming frightened at a passing motor lorry and capsizing the sulky over a culvert.  On Thursday he roused for a short time from an unconscious state, but pneumonia supervened and he passed away at 11.30 Saturday night surrounded by his grief-stricken wife, her sister (Mrs. Hill), Rev. G. A. Sanders (C.E.), Dr. McCredie, Matron and nurses.

A coincidence in connection with the death of Rev. Mr. Herd was that he was buried on the anniversary of his birthday. Strange to relate the most important events of his life occurred in the month of March, he being born on the 23^rd, married on the 27^th, and died on the 20^th.

The profitable result of placing property for sale in auctioneer’s hands and on the open market was fully demonstrated on Saturday last when H. J. Thomson auctioned the land and cottage at Mullenderree [Moruya] in the estate of the late James Donovan. After spirited bidding, the house and two acres of land was knocked down to Mr. W. J. Stephens, of Gundary, for £360.

The best joke ever heard of here occurred on Monday morning, when our local ranger proved that he is no respector of persons when duty has to be attended to. Having his attention drawn plainly to the fact by a previous offender that a number of his own stock, one with a bell attached, were strolling down the Prince’s Highway, the ranger impounded the lot.

One of the quarry men should feel grateful to the police in saving him probably from a fatal accident. On Tuesday night the horse he was driving bolted across the bridge, and Constable Love pluckily stopped the runaway near Flynn’s shop, before any damage was done. The driver was thrown onto the horse’s neck, his companion having previously fallen out of the sulky on the bridge.

Mr. T. Burbidge writes to say that he was not the driver of the lorry which caused the late regrettable accident. He only arrived on the scene after the Rev. Herd had been extricated.

His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by Lady de Chair and Miss Elaine de Chair visited the Bodalla school on Wednesday morning. Mr. D. Hutchinson accompanied and introduced them. His Excellency addressed the children and told them that he hoped they would make the best use of their time at school and grow up good citizens of the British Empire.

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