Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of August 11, 1917, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:
FROM THE FRONT. – Mrs. A. H. Richards of Eurobodalla, has forwarded us the following letter for publication from her brother, Sergt. J. O’Grady, a native of Nerrigundah.
“London, May 16th 1917. My dear Sister, -- Just a few lines to let you know I am doing splendidly over here on furlough. I left France on the 7th, or rather the firing line on the 5th. We have had some very rough fighting since April and have had some heavy casualties, we were in front of Cambri in April, took three villages on Easter Monday. We were relieved for a couple of days at the end of April and on the night of the 3rd of May moved back in front of Bullecourt and relieved our second division. Next day we hopped out at 2.15pm and gained all objections by 3 o’clock. Fritz gave us some fight when we entered Hindenburg line and has been fighting us ever since. Did I tell you I won the Military medal. I was awarded it on the 15th April when the Germans attacked us in thousands, they were just like sheep. This is the second time I have been recommended, the first time was at Pozieres in July last year, but this time I was lucky enough to get something out of it. I must conclude with love to all.” From Jack.
SPECIAL CARS. – A. H. Weatherby will run special cars to Lynch’s sale at the Burra on Wednesday next 15th inst. Book your seats early.
POSTAL. Matron Constable’s youngest son Fred has received notice of his appointment in the G.P.O. Mr. Arthur Lynch’s fourth son, Reg, left last Saturday to take up duties in the Manly Post Office.
STUD CATTLE. – Last week Mr. D. Hutchison, examiner, passed 34 head of cows and one bull of Mr. J. R. Milne of Mullenderree, for inclusion in the Stud book of Milking Shorthorn Breeders association.
DEATH. On Tuesday Mrs. J. Burke, of Gundary, received the sad news of the death of her sister, Mrs. Jeffrey. Deceased leaves a family of six young children.
ILLNESS. – Mr. Crayton Burns, who was an inmate of the local hospital, has returned to his home, slightly improved. Mrs. Burns’ brother-in-law, Dr. Newton, from Sydney, has been in attendance.
FURNITURE REMOVAL. – During the week Mr. H. Waters conveyed all Constable Marsh’s furniture from Major’s Creek to Bateman’s Bay in his large motor lorry, subsequently bringing Sergt. Keating’s furniture into Moruya.
ACCIDENT. – On Thursday afternoon when Mr. Charles Colefax was conveying a load of husks from Kiora, he was overcome by weakness and fell from the cart onto his head. At the time of going to Press the sufferer’s condition was causing his friends considerable anxiety.
PERSONAL and OTHERWISE. –
Sergeant Keating has arrived from Bateman’s Bay and taken charge of the Moruya Police Station.
Mrs. M. A. Norman of Araluen has gone to Sydney to undergo treatment for her eyes.
Master “Bob,” second son of Mr. “Ben” Bartlett, is home on sick leave from the training ship Tingira.
The Braidwood “Review” says that it is rumoured that the Jembaicumbene dredge will shortly close down.
Mrs. Jane Shaw Chisholm, wife of the late Robert Chisholm, one of Araluen’s oldest residents died on Saturday, aged 86 years.
Messrs. Auburn and Alphonso Lynch are down from Mullimbimby to assist their parents and brother in preparing for the big clearance sale at the Burra on 15th inst.
BATEMAN’S BAY. – FRANCE’S DAY. – A very bright day and splendid returns rejoiced the hearts of the committee on Saturday, 4th August, for the above worthy object. Benandarah, Termeil, Durras and Mogo were well represented. The tug-o’-war did not bring in the entries that were expected, but the “pull” resulted in a win for the Bay team under Mr. A. Fenning. The sawing contest was won by Mr. H. Ryan and A. Pickett. The Old Buffer’s Race was won by J. Robinson and O. Fletcher, who tied. Married ladies’ – Mrs. Taylor. 75 yrds Hurdle Race – C. Ladmore. Walking Race (half mile) – Mr. Petty.
Eighteen 100 years ago booklets containing articles for the years 1899 to 1916 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).
