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[image – H. E. Frick Clearing SALE advertisement.]
Mintaro News
MINTARO [From our own Correspondent] Mintaro, Tues., July 31/51. The monthly Institute meeting was held on Monday, July 23rd., and it was agreed to continue to hold the fortnightly card evenings, as they have proved to be popular and a success financially. A working bee was held last Friday night five stalwarts attending to affix the Dunlopillo seats to more of the chairs. It was very pleasing indeed to see men of the District Council of Clare busily engaged in cleaning up the cemetery; this work has been long overdue. The monthly CWA meeting will be held tomorrow after noon and further details will be available next week. The History book is now in the hands of the typistes, and my thanks go to all who assisted me with data of any kind for same. The ‘double blues’ have won their last two football matches — Keep those sox up Blues ! Good luck ! Personal — Spent a most enjoyable day Sunday week with Messrs. S. C. Jacka and C. Scarfe, recalling old times. Only wish my pen could record all they recounted. Mr. Scarfe especially made the long trip from Wirrabara to assist me in this work, and I do sincerely thank him and hope he received as much enjoymnet from the occasion as I did. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to another young couple — Miss Lois Grace and Mr. Keith Hobbs (of Wirrabara) whose engagement was announced recently. Recent holiday-makers at Broken Hill were Miss I. Puckridge and Mr. D. Willis.
Mintaro News
MINTARO [From our own Correspondent] Mintaro, Tues, July 3/51. Birthday Party—To celebrate Mr. P. Dunn’s birthday as a prelude to the Movie Ball in Clare last Wednesday, Mr. and Mrs. Dunn were host and hostess, and a very cheery 6 p.m. party at their home. A delicious buffet dinner was served and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Those present were:—Mrs L. and Miss D. Woods, Mr. ‘and Mrs. R. Hogarth, Mr. and Mrs. E. Jacka, Mr. and Mrs. B. Kluska, Mr. and Mrs. F. McNamara, Mr. and Mrs. E. Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. R. Pulford Mr. and Mrs. M. Ridgway, Misses I. Puckridge and M. Jenner, and Messrs. V. Jenner, D. Willis and A. Gertau. After some rollicking: community singing to music provided by Mr. D. Willis at the piano, the party left per cars for the Clare Ball, and it was a fitting climax to a very happy evening. Mr. Ron Sullivan of 5AD gave Mr. Dunn a Cheerio Birthday Call over the ‘mike’ for his 21st or something—Congratulations! This and That—See Mr. and Mrs. Alf. Mitchell revisiting Mintaro in their new ‘Holden’. It is very pleasing indeed to see this highly respectd (sic) couple back even for a short visit. A good muster of men attended at Torr Park last Saturday morning to plant the trees along the front fence. Coming home from Saddleworth last Saturday, after defeating the Blue and Golds, the Mintaro supporters in Lawrence’s bus were unfortunately delayed on the road near Leasingham for about an hour. I believe this is the first time that this pleasant mode of transport has ‘broken down’ while conveying the Mintaro folk to and from the various football fixtures. Mr. Rex Midwinter spent last week-end at his home in Mintaro. He is full of plans for this new home at Broken Hill, where he is working. Best of luck, Rex ! Work has been begun on the ‘History of Mintaro’ book and while thanking all who have already contributed, I feel there are some families about which very little has been gleaned from sources available. Would any Mintaroite who knows of any humorous incident of the past, or outstanding or everyday occurrences in the lives of the people please let me have full details very very soon. Can anyone supply information about the old mounting stone in the Main Street? or when the Police Station was first opened? Any inforamtion however small will be gratefully accepted and used. Thank you!
Councillors Retire
Five Councillors Retire from Clare District Council April Meeting. … H. & L.G. Dept, forwarding plans proposed widening Mintaro/Manoora road near Mintaro pound; approved and that it be left hands Clerk and Overseer take any necessary action. …
Dredging Port Henry
Miscellaneous shipping. The Government schooner ‘Yatala’ towed the dredging barge out on Thursday afternoon, and proceeds to the head of the Gulf to deepen the bar at Port Henry, the nearest shipping place to the Burra.
Sidelights on Sevenhill
SIDELIGHTS ON SEVENHILL An Old Parishioner Remembers THE “solid” History of the Austrian Jesuits and Sevenhill has been covered by the Diocesan, Archivist and others. We propose, under the heading of “SIDELIGHTS ON SEVENHILL,” to publish during the next few weeks informal, even haphazard, details of a more intimate and personal nature concerning the “old days” in Sevenhill parish. In this issue, we publish the first part of a memoir written by an old parishioner born at Mintaro 81 years ago. My own recollection of the great work of the early Austrian Jesuits, he writes, does not go back further than 1872, 20 years after the starting at Sevenhill. However, having lived forty years in their parishes of Mintaro and Farrel Flat, and board ing at the College in 1882 and 1884, brought me in close contact with all the Fathers excepting the first two, Frs. Kranewitter and Tappeiner, and the last-comer, Fr. Peifer. MY contribution is simply a history of my own parishes and will be very little use to you, I fear. It seems such a weak and feeble effort in an attempt to describe the wonderful and holy esteem in which they were held by all their parishioners; I am hope fully looking to my confreres to supply those essentials. Fr. Tappeiner was the first Parish Priest of Mintaro. He was responsible for the early erection, in 1854, of that little “church upon the hill,” which still stands, apparently as solid as the day it was opened. The land was presented by Mr. Peter Brady, a great friend of the Fathers. (Mr. Brady’s great-grandson, Rev. Dr. Giles, is now Secretary to the Apostolic Delegate in Sydney). The church in Mintaro was the first in Australia, probably the first in the world, to be dedicated to the “Immaculate Conception.” My parents married and settled in the Mintaro district in 1864. Fr. Tappeiner was still their Parish Priest. I was baptised by him; but before memory begun he left for Norwood, to the then newly established mission. He remained there till his death in 1882. His body was brought to Sevenhill. It was the largest funeral up to that time. In the Mintaro parish he was loved intensely. Some of my earliest recollections, hearing parents, friends and parishioners mentioning the name of Fr. Tappeiner with a kind of sacred reverence. I learnt afterwards that the same love and affection for his name existed throughout the parish, and that his removal to Norwood had been looked upon as a calamity. Even Protestants had the greatest esteem, and he was publicly farewelled in the district hall. It was during Fr. Tappeiner’s term in Mintaro that the Sisters of St. Joseph were founded in South Australia. Two of the first to join Mother Mary McKillop were Bridget and Annie Howley (Sister Calasanctius and Sister Andrea). They left Mintaro in 1868, and were followed shortly by Rose Dowd (Sister Acquin). All three were parishioners of Fr. Tappeiner. Sister Andrea died in the year 1932, but the others are still doing good work. It would have been in the late sixties when Fr. Tappeiner left Mintaro. He was succeeded by Frs. Strele and Krusel, and each in his turn was equally revered as was Fr. Tappeiner. At that period Mintaro and district contained a strong Irish element fresh from the “old land,” which is ever noted for the wonderful love of the Soggarth Aroon, but even in that country it would have been impossible to equal the bonds of affection which existed between the Irish settlers and the Austrian Jesuits. Fr. Hayes followed, and with him, in 1872, begin my personal remembrances of those saintly men. Fr. Nieban was there in 1873. He used ride on horseback, as all the others had done, from Sevenhill to Mintaro for Sunday Mass. Benediction in the evening and a Monday morning Mass for the Sisters who had recently been established in Mintaro. Fr. Nieban was transferred to Georgetown. Fr. Reschaeur then took charge of Mintaro parish. Masses were said as usual on Sunday and Monday mornings, but as the Sisters had opened another school at Mintaro Railway, a school erected by Fr. Strele and Bro. Eberhard, four or five miles away, Mass was sometimes celebrated there also. It was necessary, therefore, for the Priest to stay a night or two at Mintaro vestry or at Mr. Peter Brady’s house, where there was always a hearty welcome. When Fr. Reschaeur took charge, he built, with his own hands, a little room attached to the vestry. He also put on the roof. The room still stands as a monument to his industry and skill. He also erected a gallery for the choir. He left Mintaro about 1875 for a northern mission. Fr. Herbery succeeded and made a long stay. He was loved by all, especially the children, who watched for his coming over the hill. Some of them would run off to meet him, “bail him up” until he disbursed apples or other fruit which he usually carried in front of him on his horse, During his term at Mintaro, a rumor of his returning to Europe caused consternation. He announced on the Sunday that it was so. I look back on that event as one of the saddest incidents of my childhood. I still have a picture given as a farewell memento, when he came to say good-bye. The parish was grief-stricken. What happened I know not. The transfer was cancelled and Fr. Herbert remained in Mintaro for many years afterwards. He was a hard worker in every way. Finding a stable necessary for his horse, he helped to quarry the hard stone which was required. In the early eighties he left Sevenhill for another mission. Fr. Karlinger, patient, kind and of a most lovable disposition, came next. He had been some years in Georgetown previous to this. During his time at Mintaro, the adjoining parish of Farrell Flat, which was previously attended from Burra, was attached
Mintaro Musings
MINTARO MUSINGS [From Our Own Correspondent.] Mintaro, Wed, Sept 29/48. C.W.A. Opening—To celebrate the formation of a C.W.A. Branch in Mintaro, the Manoora Ladies were invited to show some of their Handicraft efforts. About 35 ladies were present and the Mintaro President, Mrs. S. Sckunke presided. Proceedings opened with the “Song of Australia” followed by an overture, artistically rendered by Mrs. L. McKay, Mintaro Secretary. Mrs. Schunke then welcomed the Manoora ladies—all presents—introduced the Manoora President, Mrs. Scott, who charmingly explained the aims and activities of C.W.A. throughout the State and of Manoora in particular. A competition arranged by Mrs. A. L. Sandow was won by Mrs. Lunn of Manoora. Mrs. Frank McNamara proposed a vote of thanks to the visitors for bringing their excellent handicrafts to show the local ladies just what can be made. This was seconded by Mrs. T. Jacka. An inspection of the articles on show brought forth many comments of admiration and congratulations for the ladies who had done the work. A delicious afternoon tea was enjoyed by all those present. A Trading Table in charge of Mesdames A. Hall and T. Jacka realized £2/11/7, 27 Mintaro ladies joined the C.W.A. and the afternoon tea made 19/-. Officers elected at the inaugural meeting are as follows:—President Mrs. S. Schunke, Secretary Mrs. L. McKay, Treasurer Mrs. M. Willis, Vice-Presidents Mesdames W. Reid, and F. McNamara. Handicraft Secretary Mrs. E. Jacka. General Committee Mesdames J. Wood, A. Hall and T. Jacka Handicraft Committee Mesdames G. Hunter, R. Gill, and M. Ridgway. Next C.W.A. meeting will be held on Wednesday October 6th. Farewell — Last Thursday night a representative gathering assembled in the Hall to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. E. Pulford and family who left on Saturday to take up residence at Point McLeay. Mr. A. L. Sandow was in the chair, and he spoke on behalf of the Institute Committee. Several apologies were received. Mr. Sandow called upon the following speakers; — Mr. R. Hean, “Town and District”; Mr. V. Jenner, “Tennis Club”; Mr. R. Tickle, “School Committee and Progress Assoc.”; Mr. M. Ridgway, “Public School”; Mr. E. Mitchell, “Farrell Flat R.S.L. Sub-branch” Others who spoke were Messrs. G. Faulkner and D. Smith. Mr. Sandow made a presentation of a silver tray service from the townsfolk. Mr. Young presented the departing guests with a silver cake comfort from the Tennis Club, of which Mr. Pulford was President and No. 1 player. Mr. Pulford suitably responded. All sang “for they are jolly good fellows,” dancing followed, the music being suppleid (sic) by Mrs. G. Wood with Mr. M. Swan as M.C. Super arrangements were in the hands of the Tennis Ladies. This and That—Owing to the departure of Mr. G. Pulford, who was secretary of the Institute Committee, a special Committee meeing (sic) was held last Thursday night, and Mr. M. Ridgway was appointed secretary until the next General meeting. Tennis men worked at the courts again last Saturday and enjoyed the football broadcast at the same time. Mrs. V. Jenner served them with afternoon tea. Cricket enthusiasts hammered and chased the leather on Saturday. Personal—Heartiest congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Alan Blight on the birth of a baby daughter last weekend. Mr. and Mrs. T. Jacka are the very pround (sic) and happy grandparents. Hear that Mr. W. R. Wood’s condition is unchanged. Mrs. F. McNamara has been suffering from the “flu” and Miss Enid Midwinter contracted the measles last week, how are the spots Enid? Hope these folk will soon be up and about again. The Public School has lost 2 of its brightest pupils in the week—Keith Pulford and Paul Dolan. Mr. and Mrs. Ned Dolan and family leave this weekend to take up residence in the South-East. We wish them well in their new venture.
Mintaro Musings
MINTARO MUSINGS [From Our Own Correspondent.] Mintaro, Wed., Sept. 22, 1948. This and That—Holidays are over once again, and we spent a very happy week in Adelaide. On several occasions saw show visitors, dusty and tired, wending their weary ways homeward, laden with ‘sample bags’ and novelties, so did not venture to Wayville myself. By all accounts the Royal Show was a great success. The St. Joseph’s School children had an extra week’s holiday because of the illness of one of the Sisters. Do hope Sister is fit and well again. Several weeks ago Mr. Ray Tickle landed me a reply he had received from the National Gallery of S.A. with regard to the old coin he had found, and I quote:—’Your coin is a copper penny of William IV., dated 1837, and is regarded by collectors as quite modern. The inscription is in Latin, some of it abbreviated, and reads thus:—Gulielmus (William) IIII. 4th Dei Gratia (By the Grace of God) Britannia Rex (King of the Britains) Fid Def. (Defender of the Faith.’ A very interesting piece of information Mr. Tickle—thank you. ‘ U.N.A.C— The Public School children’s effort (collection and trading table) resulted in the grand sum of £14/17/6 being sent to help this very worthy cause. The Trading table realized £11/3/2, and the children, all who donated gifts, and all who came to buy, are to be congratulated on their great effort. Football Wind-up.—Last Saturday night sounds of hilarity and mirth issued forth from the hall—it was the occasion of the Football Club’s wind-up dinner. About 40 club members, players and officials, heartily enjoyed a sumptuous buffet dinner. The President, Mr. R. K. Hogarth, was the capable Toast Master, and he gave the first toast of the evening ‘The King.’ Other toasts were as follows: — ‘Mintaro Football Club’, Mr. A. L. Sandow; response, Captain, Mr. F. Maynard, Vice-Capt. Mr. E. Mitchell; ‘Mid North Football Association,’ Mr. D. Smith; ‘Dinner Committee,’ Mr. G. Faulkner; ‘The Ladies,’ Mr. R. K. Hogarth. Then came the presentation of trophies—Mortlock trophy, Best and Fairest player, awarded by players’ vote, G. Baxter; Hogarth trophy, best and fairest player, awarded on umpires’ votes, G. Baxter; Willis trophy, most consistent Junior under 21, J. Sandow. A Baxter on behalf of G. Baxter, thanked President and donors of trophies, and J. Sandow also spoke a few words of thanks. More toasts: ‘Gatekeepers and Boundary umpire, Timekeepers’ Mr. M. Ridgway. ‘Goal Umpire’—Mr. R. Birch. Response —Mr. V. Jenner. ‘The Secretary’ —Ass. Secty—Mr. R. K. Hogarth. Response—Messrs Young and Ridgway. ‘The President’—Mr. D. Smith. Response—Mr. R. K. Hogarth. Mr. Bert Kluska spoke on behalf of the Time-Keepers and congratuated the players on their grand sportsmanship. Several times the strains of ‘For he’s a jolly good fellow’ rang out, but the gem of the evening was ‘Why was he born so beautiful,’ which was sung especially for the very worthy Goal Umpire. All present voted it a great night. The thanks of the Dinner committee go to all who donated poultry and food-stuffs—thank you. Personal—The latest report to hand on the condition of Mr. W. R. Woods, who is seriously ill at his residence, Wirrilla is that his condition has slightly improved. Sincerely trust that he will soon be well on the road to recovery. Mr. Dave Fisher broke his leg in an unfortunate accident last week, and is now at home, after receiving treatment at the Clare District Hospital. Another accident victim is Mr. Alan Blight, who sustained injuries when he fell from a horse recently. He also was treated at the C & D Hospital and returned home last Monday. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. D. Horgan of Merildin on the birth of a son. Another young couple receiving congratulations for a happy event—a son and heir—are Mr. and Mrs. J. Marston. Mrs. W. J. T. Reid of Merildin spent a few days in Adelaide last week. C.W.A. Opening — The Mintaro Branch of the CWA held its opening ceremony on Monday. The Manoora ladies brought a display of their handicrafts which proved most interesting. Full details will be available in the next issue of ‘The Musings.’ Busy Bee — A working bee was held at the Tennis Courts last Saturday and some good work accomplished. Notice that the weed-killer used recently has proved most effective. Tennis enthusiasts are rallying to the courts at weekends—matches are due to commence shortly.
Mintaro Cemetery
OPEN COLUMN MINTARO CEMETERY. [To the Editor.] Sir — I read with interest a letter in your issue of Aug. 5th., relative to the condition of the Mintaro General Cemetery. I agree entirely with the writer that the condition of this cemetery is a disgrace. But not for a moment do I agree that the matter is the responsibility of the District Council of Clare. Some years ago the Clare Cemetery was in much the same condition. However appeals were made to the relatives of those laid to rest there and funds were found with which to clean up and improve that Cemetery. During my term of over 10 years as Curator not one penny of the Ratepayers money was spent on the cemetery. The only source of revenue for the work has been by direct giving (and in this regard several, with dear ones laid to rest there, have been most generous) plus money received for leases of plots. Mintaro has its own Curator, whom the District Council of Clare pays £5 per year, whilst the Curator of the Clare Cemetery receives 5/- per burial, which average about 12 per year for the past 10 years! It always rather amuses me that the moment there is something required people at once rush to the Council to find finance. And they, as a rule are the first to ‘squeal’ when the rates are increased. Your correspondent should read the whole of the Chairman’s last report, and study the big disparity between the increase of all costs and the rates levied — (133% to 30% I think.) Now I respectfully suggest that Mintaro should find its own funds for the cemetery. I feel quite sure that Mintaro could raise, enough money in a few days and have this most necessary work carried out without drawing on Council’s all too meagre funds. Then too, why not organise a working bee to clean the cemetery up? Several cemeteries in the country areas are kept in order that way. I am, Sir, &c., ESSINGTON DAY, North Adelaide.
Mintaro Cemetery
OPEN COLUMN STATE OF MINTARO CEMETERY [To the Editor.] Sir — May I through the medium of your valuable paper, be granted space to voice the indignation of myself and others concerned, at the obvious neglect of the Mintaro General Cemetery. The general condition of this cemetery defies description. Roadways and footpaths are covered with a multitude of weeds feet high. Vermin roam about uncontrolled, and snakes are a real menace in the Summer time. There is no vermin proof fence surrounding the cemetery. We know that it is the responsibility of the relatives to keep their gaves clean and tidy; but it is not their job to keep roads and footpaths clean. This I believe, comes within the jurisdiction of the Clare and District Council, which body, controls this area. I noted Chair man’s report re Clare Cemetery. We have been told that our Cemetery is not a Paying Proposition. What do we have to do to rectify this ? Comment obvious ! Surely one day a year would suffice to keep things reasonably tidy, providing a grader and a gang of men were made available. I am, Sir, &c., R. J. TICKLE. Mintaro, July 31st, 1948.