Shire-wide news extracts from the Moruya Examiner of 25 October 1919, provided by the Moruya & District Historical Society:
LAUNCH WRECKED. – Early on Saturday morning last Messrs. Kingsley and Williams had the misfortune to have their motor launch wrecked at Mullenburra Point, near Bingi. Owing to a heavy sea running the vessel was dashed against the rocks and was smashed to pieces. The occupants luckily escaped, and after swimming ashore, walked to Bergalia, about two miles distant. The launch was valued at £300 and was insured for £200. The fishing nets and tackle were also lost.
PLUCKY RESCUE. – A serious accident was averted on Wednesday morning through the timely assistance and plucky action of Messrs. H. W. and F. Luck. Mr. G. Luck was on his way from Yarragee to the Moruya factory with the milk cans and three of Mr. C. Luck’s children on board the spring cart, and when coming down the big hill to Gundary the breaching straps broke, causing the horse to bolt. The vehicle did not capsize, but the jolting threw the children out. On hearing the noise Messrs. H. and F. Luck, who were leaving the latter’s residence rushed out. Mr. Frank helped steady the horse’s pace by shaking his coat in front of him, whilst Mr. Hedley clambered in the cart and grasping the reins from Mr. George who was nearly exhausted stopped the animal. There was a lot of Luck in the adventure, therefore very little damage was done beyond a shock to the participants.
RETURNED HERO. – A welcome home will be tendered Sergeant “Wedge” Ryan, son of Mr. George Ryan, of “East Lynne,” at Bateman’s Bay last night. This young hero is the only Anzac representing Bateman’s Bay who has been spared to return. He fought in the great battle on the “Lone Pine” in Gallipoli. He fought in every battle from the Canal right through Palestine, and he was among those when the last shot was fired when the Turks surrendered. He was in the taking of Jerusalem. He brought back a cup valued at ten guineas, which he won with a horse he rode on the field of battle. He had no less than three horses shot dead under him. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on the field.
DEATH. – After many months of intense suffering through an internal complaint, Mr. Martin Strahan, of Mynora, lapsed into unconsciousness on Tuesday morning, in which state he remained until the following day, when he peacefully crossed the Great Divide, fortified by the rites of the Church he had been a faithful adherent of. Deceased, who was 66 years of age was a native of the district, where he spent the whole of his life industriously. He was a very hard-working man and a kind neighbour, and his strict integrity was one of his chief characteristics. He purchased a fine home at Mynora overlooking the Moruya River from the Keightley Estate a few years ago, and the wonderful improvement he has made in a short period is a standing mark of his indomitable energy and perseverance. The late Mr. Strahan leaves a widow and grown-up family to whom we tender our sincere sympathy.
ST. JOHNS TENNIS CLUB. – A well attended meeting to reorganise St, John’s Tennis Club was held in the Parish Hall last Monday night. The officers elected were: - President, Rev. G. A. Sanders; Hon. Sec., Miss F. Colefax; Committee, Messrs. Somerset (Treasurer) and Bastian, Mrs. Cheesman and Miss E. Jeffrey. The Club days will be Wednesdays and Saturdays. A junior branch for children between 12 and 16 is being formed which will meet on Tuesdays and Fridays.
WORKING BEE. – Our R.C. friends have arranged for a Working Bee on Wednesday next, 29th inst., to clear up the scrub in their portion of God’s Acre.
Twenty 100 years ago booklets containing articles for the years 1899 to 1918 are available ($6 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/publications.html).
