MINTARO, MAY 25.
The fifth anniversary of Court Plantagenet, A. O. F., took place yesterday, and Mintaro seemed a little livelier than usual. In the evening a dinner took place at the Devonshire Hotel, when about 33 persons sat down to it. The spread was very well got up, and the price exceedingly low, viz.—2s. 6d. P.C.R. Rowlands in the chair, and Brother A. Vogt in the vice-chair. The usual loyal toasts were given and responded to; also, those generally given in friendly societies, viz.—”Success to Court Plantagenet,” “The District Officers,” “The Surgeon of the Lodge,” “Kindred Societies,” “The Ladies of South Australia,” “The Widows and Orphans,” “The Press,” “The Chairman,” “Vice-Chairman,” “Host and Hostess,” &c., &c., which were responded to. The Secretary of the Lodge read the report, which was exceedingly favorable. No deaths had occurred since formation of the Lodge. The number of member was 46. All the sick-pay that had ever been given out of the Lodge was £42 8s. The rands total about £164 8s. The highest eulogiums were passed on the Surgeon, for his conduct and liberality towards the Lodge and its members. During the evening Messrs. Vogt, Giles, Howie, Krantz, and Heywood—members of the Mintaro Glee Club—sung several peices (sic), viz.—”Desolate is the Dwelling of Norma,” “The Red Cross Knight,” “To all you Ladies now on Land;” duet—Messrs. Giles and Howie—”What are the Wild Waves Saying?” During the proceedings several other gentlemen sang some pleasing songs, and the evening was passed in perfect harmony, though rather unfortunately our Vice chairman (Dr. Vogt) was called away on his professional business, but a worthy substitute was present, who was soon installed—viz., Mr. Thompson Priest—for the remainder of the evening. During the day the brothers and friends enjoyed themselves in playing cricket, quoits, and gymnastic exercises; they also formed in procession and walked the township. In the evening a ball was held in honor of the Queen’s Birthday at the Mintaro Hotel, Mintaro, which was well attended by ladies and gentlemen, and dancing was kept up until the break of day.—But what will concern Mintaro more especially is that the first load of flagging, per rail, was loaded at the Mintaro Station this day, and no doubt a great trade will now be opened with Gawler and Adelaide. The drawback always has been expense of carting. This difficulty is now met, and the efforts being made will also lead to exportation of the slate to the other colonies, as Mintaro is well-known for its slate quarry. More hands will be employed; more money passed; and we shall all feel the benefit.—The agricultural class are in high spirits; for, so far, it is a splendid season, and they have great faith now [i]n Sir G. S. Kingston’s prophetic statement of a good rainfall this season.
