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.
Obituary Sydney Davis
Obituary Mr Sydney Dayn Davis, well known North East identity, passed away suddenly after a short illness at Terowie Hospital, on 13th January, 1948. Although Mr Davis had not enjoyed good health for a number of years, the news of his death came as a great shock to his family and large circle of friends. The late Sydney Dayn Davis, was born at Mintaro 59 years ago and was a son of the late Sydney Dayn Davis, formerly of Mintaro, and later Wadnaminga Gold Fields and Mannahill. He was educated at Lefevre School after leaving school he entered into business with his father at Mannahill where he remained for a number of years In 1937 he acquired the lease of the Imperial Hotel at Terowie where he remained for six and a half years. Owing to ill health he returned to Mannahill where he carried on business as general store keeper and postmaster until the time of his death. During his lifetime he was keenly inteersted (sic) in all social activities. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge at Terowie and Jamestown and a member of the Manchester Unity. He is survived by a widow and four children. Mona, Mrs R. Stegall, Terowie; Clare, Mrs H. W. Macdonald, D’Lorah Downs Station; Gordon, Mannahill and Kathleen, Mrs L. Bailey, of Whydown Station Yunta. The funeral took place at the Terowie Cemetery on Wednesday, 14th January. Rev. Phillip, of Jamestown officiated at the graveside. The Bearers were Messrs L. Maloney, A. J. Hahoney, B. J. Cockshell, F Hawker, G. Bundey and M. Flint.
Mintaro Name
Out of the Mail Bag … Spanish REFERENCE to towns with French names in the South East (‘Mail’ 8/9/45) reminds a contributor that South Australia has one town with a Spanish name. The little northern town has not been particularly proud of this distinction during recent years. But when copper mining was booming at the Burra, the nearest port for shipping the ore was Port Wakefield, and Spaniards with mule teams did the carting. There was a stopping place approximately half-way between Burra and Wakefield, and the Spaniards referred to it as Mintaro, in their language meaning resting place. By the way, it is just a century since copper was discovered at Burra.
Letter from Corporal Mitchell
All Christian Natives on Dream Tropical Island [By Cpl. Eric Mitchell, of Mintaro.] The above writer has sent the following letter to his people, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Mitchell, of Mintaro, which we have pleasure in publishing: — Dear Mum, Dad and Mavis—Hullo folk, ’tis Sunday evening way out on the briny, I have been at anchor several hours, right beside a dream island which is only very small, but is one of those tropical islands you read about and seldom see. I wrote to you only last night, and posted it this morning just be fore we left T.I. Had a fair trip to-day, the waves were coming side on to the boat, which made it roll considerably—of course I had a few bad hours, for I don’t think those crays we had last night and again to-day agreed too well with the rolling ship. ALL CHRISTIANS. After finishing tea we rowed across to the native island which is mainly of sand and covered in tall green coconut palms. A tribe of natives live in this heaven, they are all Christians and very civilised, talking quite good English. Gee, they have a model village, all the houses made from entwined palm leaves. Big, medium and teeny weeny natives came down to the beach and met us, all very shy but well mannered and clean. The little kiddies were fine. They have a school of their own, while also in the village is a little church and a well kept cemetery. BURIAL PLACE OF MISSIONARY’S WIFE. One of the missionaries’ wives being buried there, but the whites have left since the war. We were given a few cocoanuts, each little house has their own number of trees, and to-night two natives came across to our boat bartering beads, pearl shell, etc., for tobacco. Well so much for to-night, another big day to-morrow, but still several day’s off port and posting this, so will add to it later. Goodnight. Monday evening.—Another day drawing to a close, and once again we are anchored to an island very similar to the one last night, but the natives are more friendly. A peculiar thing but perhaps not so strange after all these days, you see very few native women, they mostly keep in doors. The young lads aged from about 4 to 16 showed us round, they are ‘boska’ kiddies. After walking and talking with one boy for a while, Tommy, that’s his name, said to me ‘You my friend, I your friend’ and took me by the arm. I got the surprise of my life; you only have to start singing and they all join in. “PISTOL PACKIN’ MAMA” AND “THANKS MR. ROOSEVELT.” I was singing something and a little tacker starts on ‘Pistol Packin’ Mama.’ Just before we left to return to the boat we had them sing to us; it was great, although raining, we stopped and listened for half an hour, getting wet through. You should hear them sing ‘Thanks Mr. Roosevelt’; with their twang it was extra. Some songs of Australia I had never heard; they were patriotic. Erryl Carrol, our swing fan of the boat, conducted them and finished up teaching them the Cow Cow Boogey. It is raining quite heavily to-night, and we are not leaving until late in the morning, if then. I could stop here for weeks. JUNGLE JUICE. Before I forget, they have tin cans tied to the top of coconut trees catching ‘jungle juice.’ Tommy said to me, pointing to a four year old, ‘He’s Piano Sailor, his dad drunk everynight.’ Little Piano said ‘Only sometimes (quite indignantly)—You like jungle juice?’ I told him I had never tried it. They go to church twice a day, morning and night. I must not forget another song they sang ‘She’ll be smokin’ cigarette bumpers when she comes.’ Laugh, but how can you help liking the little beauts. So much for to-night. Cheerio ! Tuesday night—Just sevenish and work again finished. Again we are anchored by a very small island. All sand, no vegetation, about ½ x ¼ mile in size. Went across to it before tea and landed despite quite a swell, and a rocky beach. Thought we would find some turtle eggs, but somebody had beaten us. MILLIONS OF SEA BIRDS. We did see a sight though. This small blob of land is the home of millions and millions of sea birds. They just make the sky black when on the wing. They have laid their eggs on the high ground. You find eggs the size of fowls all over the island. We could have gathered hundreds of dozens, but only brought a few dozen back for eating. Had a glorious swim and also collected some colored coral and shells, which I may send home to litter the place. Friday, April 7th.—Well we are once again about to pull into above address, so must finish this off and post it. I never wrote the last few evenings for good reason, we made a dash for this coast across open sea, and was I bad. The last few days took the glamor off the trip for me, but I will have to take the good and the bad together. Well must draw this to a close, so Cheerio for now folk. I hope to collect some mail here from you, and more in the next few weeks. Hoping you are all well. Love to you all. Eric.
Mintaro Service
MINTARO A service at Mintaro was held at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday in St. Peter’s Anglican Church, when the Rev. J. A. N. James, of Auburn, preached on many phases of the war from 1939 to 1945, and he drew word pictures in a scholarly address of the tides of conflict and the brighter hopes of a re-constituted and more peaceful world. Councillor P. C. Jacka represented the Clare District Council at the service. The Catholic service at St. Mary’s, Mintaro, was held on Thursday morning, when the Rev. G. Collopy, S.J., was the celebrant.
Institute Opening Address
Mintaro Institute. ADDRESS BY MR J. T. MORTLOCK AT OPENING CEREMONY. A report of the opening ceremony of the permanent alterations and additions to the Mintaro Institute, declared open by Mr. J. T. Mortlock, appeared in our last edition. A very fine address was given by him on this big occasion. Mr. Mortlock said:— ‘Ladies and Gentlemen—The duty with which you have entrusted me this night is indeed a most pleasant one and one in which I am very happy to be joined with you all. In these times we often hear Sir Walter Scott’s lines quoted:— ‘Breathes there the man with soul so dead Who never to himself hath said This is my own, my native land.’ Patriotism has several different forms and perhaps the most sincere should be that of a citizen to his native town. The village school where he first learns his three R’s. The little church at whose altar he first lisps his childish prayers. The playground where he plays his first games. A hall like this where he first takes part in organised amusements, views his first picture play, hears his first concert and attends his first straw berry fete. All these first impressions should remain with him all his life or his soul must indeed be dead. Wheresoever he may go, in what lands afar he may wander, still some times his thoughts must hark back to the scenes of his early childhood days. To the permanent resident in any locality be it city, prosperous country town or humble village, the old public buildings with their attendant memories must be doubly dear. To me this old building has many happy memories. The first concert I ever attended was in this hall. I think it was given by the Lynch Family of Bellringers. In those days, there was a proscenium over the stage with two allegorical sepia paintings, one on each side. I think they represented music and drama or tragedy and comedy. Another recollection I have is of attending religious services once a month. The denomination to which I belonged had no place of worship in this town at that time, and so we had our services in this hall until we obtained our own Church. This, I think, was about 1906. Again, I remember joining the library and riding in on a pony to collect books from the excellent selection then available. Also I have recollections of strawberry fetes, concerts, bazaars and many other entertainments held in the village of Mintaro. Most of you present no doubt have similar memories. As you all know, in our Centenary Year 1936 a determined effort was made by the Mintaro Progress Association under the able chairmanship of Mr. P. C. Jacka to collect funds to enable the building of a new hall, as it had been felt for some years that this building was not suitable nor large enough to cater for the town’s requirements. A sum of money amounting in all to about £300 was collected, with much more promised, but the price of wheat, our principal local product, fell to a really low level, and then this terrible war burst upon us. Since the Centenary Mr. Tom Jacka had placed the Devonshire Hall at the disposal of the Institute, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for this kindly act. However, some time ago owing to trouble with the floor of the Devonshire, it was found that dancing at any rate was impossible, and the respective committees of the Mintaro Institute and the Progress Assoc. were approached to see what could be done to rectify the situation. You see to-night the good work that has been done. At the time of the Centenary Celebrations, Mr. M. L. Giles, the chairman of the Institute, suggested that something similar to the present layout would be sufficient for our needs, but most of us had more ambitious ideas, and several tentative plans were drawn up for new Institute buildings. We were not able to realise these ambitions and we have now fallen back on Mr. Giles’ original suggestions. The money collected at the Centenary was spent on additions and alterations to the existing buildings and I think you will agree with me that we have had good value for our expenditure. The old floor has been taken up and a new floor laid down which in the opinion of local terpsichoreans is eminently suitable for dancing. The stage has been done away with, thus greatly enlarging the space available. Provision, however, has been made for a temporary stage to be erected whenever it may be required. The old Council chamber has been acquired from the Clare District Council and has been renovated and a wooden floor has been laid down over the existing slate floor and suitable supper conveniences provided. The Council chamber will in future be known as the Assembly room and will be available for suppers, also as a room for lodge meetings, sewing circles and similar activities. Our honor rolls, portraits of our pioneers and similar treasures are all housed in the Assembly room, and I should like to point out that we are almost unique amongst South Australian Institutes is possessing a South African War Memorial in addition to one of the Great War 1914—1918. I think too, that the collection of portraits of our pioneers and local celebrities is noteworthy amongst country halls. The space is between this hall and the assembly room has been fitted out as a lounge and I am sure will be found most useful. Also a projector box has been constructed to enable us to enjoy moving pictures, a plea sure that has been so long denied to us. We are hoping that arrangements will be made in the near future to have a regular screening of the latest releases. Well ! ladies and gentlemen, you have at last a hall that if not imposing or ornate should fill the requirements for many years
Mintaro Institute
MINTARO INSTITUTE PERMANENT ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS. These were declared open to public use on Saturday night, 18th July, when Mr. M. L. Giles, President of the Mintaro Institute presided. After the singing of the National Anthem, the chairman gave a short account of the movement which resulted in the alterations, additions and renovations to the Mintaro Institute Hall. He publicly thanked the District Council of Clare and the Councillors for making available to them the old district council chamber; all subscribers to the special fund; workers — men and women; the Building Committee; and the builder, Mr. F. J. Forsaith, and to Mr. J. T. Mortlock for his consent in allowing funds in the Mintaro Institute New Building account to be used for the alterations and additions to enable the buildings and funds to be used to make a working proposition of them all. Mr. J. T. Mortlock, in declaring open the building spoke at some length. We think this a very fine address and desire to hold it over until our next issue, when we will be able to devote full space to its publication. The historical details given should be of great interest to our Mintaro and district readers. A vote of thanks to Mr. Mortlock was moved by Mr. A. J. Melrose, M.L.C., and was seconded by Mr. P. C. Jacka, President of the Mintaro Progress Committee. Miss Thelma Sandow rendered a solo which was highly appreciated. A dance and supper followed, being thoroughly enjoyed by all. Much credit was given to the ladies who assisted.