Heavy rain, Mintaro
NEWS OF THE WEEK. … Our Mintaro correspondent, writing June 23, informs us that it had been raining heavily all day, that the creeks were very high, and that he expected a flood down the Wakefield. …
Stanley, June 1870
STANLEY. June 4.—Special Meeting.—Present—Chairman, Messrs. Brown and Meany. Tender accepted— For delivering and stacking 60 yards stone on road near Walkey Creek, Thomas Brown, 3s. 4d. per yard. June 11.—Present—Chairman, Messrs. Bowman and Dowd. Letter from Destitute Board re Mrs. Hanniker. Chairman and Mr. Bowman reported repairs near Feineler’s much needed. To be done as soon as Council is in funds. Permission granted to Mr. Reilly to remove sand from the road near Mr. Cumming’s; road to be left in good order. Receipts, £1 12s. 9d.: payments, £45 4s. 9d.
Anniversary Court Plantagenet
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.
Roman Catholic Schools
ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.—Subjoined is a Statement of the Roman Catholic Schools in the province according to the latest returns of the numbers on the rolls. … Mintaro.—Miss Cooney, Mixed school. …
Meeting of Electors, Mintaro
THE COMING ELECTIONS. THE DISTRICT OF STANLEY. Meetings at Mintaro. A meeting of the electors of the District of Stanley was held at the Mintaro Hotel, Mintaro, on Wednesday morning, April 6. There were about 50 persons present. Mr. H. Jolly occupied the chair, and commenced the proceedings by remarking that although the Hon. Mr. Colton was late in the field he believed he had come just in time to save his bacon. (A laugh, and hear, hear.) He hoped the meeting would give the hon. gentleman a fair hearing. The Hon. J. Colton then enunciated his opinions on the more important topics of public interest as already reported. He appeared, he said, before them in compliance with an earnest and general invitation from the electors of that district; and if he had any doubt as to the wisdom of offering them his services that doubt disappeared last night, when a resolution was carried in his favor at a very large and influential meeting at Clare. The Chairman declared the voting to be two-thirds of the meeting for him and one-third against, which he could not but regard as highly satisfactory. Speaking of payment of members, he observed that it had been represented to him that there was a difficulty in getting suitable local men to represent country districts, in consequence of their having, in addition to giving their time, to incur considerable expense. They had no objection to give their time, but they did not think they could, in justice to their families, reside in Adelaide at much cost, as would be necessitated by attending Parliament. Therefore, if a measure was brought forward to pay country members a reasonable amount for expenses, he should not be found opposing it, although he was not prepared to go in for a general payment of members. Respecting the proposed land tax, he introduced the 2d. an acre scheme as a member of the Government. He did not bring it in anticipating that it would be carried in that form, but having been over and over again asked by the Opposition to bring in something to deal with the maintenance of the main roads, he stated that he would do so, and accordingly submitted the resolutions. He placed them, before, the House on the distinct understanding that they were to be taken and dealt with honestly and fairly; and if after they had been discussed, it was found that his was not a proper mode of raising the necessary revenue, he had a right to expect that he should receive the assistance of hon. members in carrying into effect some other scheme that would be considered more equitable. But he received no assistance, and he thought he had good reason for complaint. Their late member, Mr. Bright, instead of assisting him, proposed that the main roads be maintained out of the revenue as previously. (A laugh; and a Voice— ‘Well done Bright.’) He should not, he assured them, again propose such a tax. (Hear, hear.) He was convinced that before long additional taxation would have to be resorted to, and a property tax, in his opinion, was the fairest and most equitable that could be adopted. (Hear, hear.) He had given them his opinions. Certain other candidates who had addressed them had not given them theirs, on the ground that they were afraid other people would suck their brains, although he was not aware that either of them had a very large share of brains to suck. (Laughter and cheers.) Mr. James Torr then addressed the meeting. He said—I want an interest in your interests. There are ‘tripey and bumpy.’ What I said I’d do I am doing. I told you if better men than tripey and bumpy did not come out I would stand, and here I am. (Laughter.) I’m pleased with Mr. Colton. He’s a perfect gentleman; he’s worthy of your support. (Hear, hear.) I say vote for him. (An Elector—’Will you retire?’ No. (A laugh.) I cannot do that now. I have pledged my word that I’ll stand, and I’m going through thick, bone, and ‘siners.’ (Laughter.) I wish to represent you in the House as an honorable, working, and local member. Gentlemen, I don’t want any payment—Jimmy Torr can pay everybody. (Hear, hear.) I say if you can get two better men than ‘bumpy and tripey’ kick ’em out. You have the Hon. Mr. Colton and myself—both good men. (Laughter and cheers.) When you have finished laughing, gentlemen, I’ll go on. The day is coming when every boy will follow his own plough tail. Give us free selection, and let the working man have a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work. The sweat of a poor man’s brow is the backbone of the colony. (A laugh.) If the poor laboring men are put down, how will the rich men get on? The unemployed in Adelaide should be sent out into the country, and the men no good sent to the Stockade. (Great laughter.) I put myself forward as a candidate who’ll do all he can for the district in which he has eaten 24 Christmas dinners. (Laughter.) I say help the poor man and down with the rich man. (Laughter.) I say the poor man is the backbone and the ‘siners.’ I want a more liberal land measure. Let our men and children go out and pick out their own land and sit down and plough it. (Laughter.) I want land at 15s. an acre or a little less. If our best men are going over the Border, stop ’em, I say. If it be well, give ’em the land. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) The railway from Port Augusta ought to be at once taken, through the country. There in the North there is milk, there is butter, and there is honey. (Laughter.) They say the North is no good, but I say it is. (Hear, hear.) There is gold and there is silver there. We
Electors Meeting, Mintaro
MEETING AT MINTARO. On Wednesday morning the Hon. J. Colton met electors at the Mintaro Hotel. The township presented a gay appearance by the display of bunting, and about 50 persons were at the meeting; Mr. Jolly in the chair. Mr. COLTON said he appeared before them at the request of people in various parts of the district. It would be necessary for the next Parliament to consider many important measures—amongst them a new Land Bill; it being quite clear that the other colonies were bidding for our population. He was not in favour of giving away the real estate of the colony, for they must recollect we had a large national debt to provide for. The provisions of the proposed Land Bill would be found more advantageous than at present existed in the other colony. The proposed agricultural districts would embrace the best land in the colony, the upset price to be 30s. per acre, to be reduced to 20s. in one month, on the credit system. Such a system would be the means of having a contented settled population. (A Voice—”I hope so,” and cheers.) With regard to the tariff, many articles that could be produced in the colony should be to a certain extent protected. The Government would be in favour of giving encouragement to manufactories, such as iron, woollens, or hemp; for the purpose of increasing our products and exports. (Cheers). The insolvency laws required amendment. The Bill lately thrown out by the Upper House proposed to place insolvents estates in the hands of their creditors, instead of having them swallowed up by the processes of the Insolvent Court, and fraudulent debtors dealt with by the Criminal Court. No insolvent should have power to make an assignment without first calling a meeting of his creditors. (Hear.) The question of payment to members would be necessary to take into consideration. Many suitable candidates would be induced to come forward if their reasonable expenses were defrayed. The education question was a most important one, and he regretted that there was considerable apathy in the country on the subject. Where there was such a liberal franchise as prevailed in the colonies the education of the young should be attended to. He would not ignore the use of the Bible in schools, but no aid should be given to any but strictly secular schools. (Cheers.) He would now speak of the twopence an acre question. (Laughter and cheers.) That measure was the action of the Government, who had been frequently requested to devise means to raise a revenue for the maintenance of the main roads; but after the measure had been brought forward no assistance was offered by the House. They would recollect that their late member, Mr. Bright, stated that the roads should be maintained out of the General Revenue as heretofore—(“Quite right too”)—but he would tell them that additional taxation would become imperative. (“Absentees.”) He would not advocate class legislation, but a system should be devised that would meet all classes. (Cheers.) Mr. JAMES TORR, on rising, was received with ironical cheers. He recommended them to vote for Colton and himself. (Laughter.) They wanted men who would work, and those who did not should be sent to the Stockade. (Renewed laughter.) They required land at 15s. an acre, or less, and should he be returned, and get the position of Commissioner of Crown Lands, he would promise them a liberal land measure. (Loud laughter.) Mr. GEORGE FAULKNER wished that a more liberal Land Bill had been brought forward before, so that the best part of the Bundaleer run would have been prevented from falling into the hands of one individual. (Hear.) He hoped the memorial lately forwarded, asking that all sales of Crown lands should be “postponed until “the Land Bill was brought forward, would be favourably entertained. (Cheers.) Mr. COLTON had no hesitation in saying that the Government were sincere in their desire to open up the best lands in the colony, but a revenue must be raised. In answer to an Elector, he said that in future care would be taken to make water reserves for the public. Mr. FAULKNER had no objection to meet his neighbours, but objected to have to compete with land agents at sales. Mr. COLTON said the agricultural areas or districts would remedy the evil. Mr. PATRICK DOWD—Will the Government support the construction of a railway from Port Augusta northwards? Mr. COLTON—They will favourably entertain a guarantee of 5 per cent. for 30 years, providing the cost of construction does not exceed the fixed amount. (Cheers.) Mr. FAULKNER—Will the Government place third-class carriages on the Burra Railway and provide blinds for second-class carriages. (Hear, hear.) Mr. COLTON would not make any rash promises, but it was contemplated to reduce the passenger charges to about the price of the third class—(cheers)—and in travelling on the line yesterday he had observed the necessity for blinds to the windows, and the matter should be attended to. Mr. LATHLEAN wished the attention of the Commissioner drawn to the fact that great in convenience was felt by the train remaining at Manoora whilst the line had been finished for some time beyond Mintaro. Mr. COLTON—Such arrangements would shortly be made as would give every satisfaction. Mr. DOWD—Is the Commissioner in favour of handing the money now expended by the Central Road Board to District Councils? Mr. COLTON—The question was very important, requiring mature reflection. The time would arrive when a different system would have to be devised. The Board had given pretty general satisfaction. In answer to an elector, he would certainly be in favour of making the roads and approaches to the railway stations. Mr. WILLIAM THOMAS—Is Mr. Colton in favour of the Clare and Wallaroo Tramway and reducing telegraphic charges? Mr. COLTON would, if returned, advocate a tramway if proved to be necessary. It would be wise policy to reduce the telegraph charges, as lately done by Victoria. (Hear, hear.) In answer to
Road works
… Kooringa and Port Wakefield-road.—New works between Leasingham and Wockie Creek, 1,300l. …
Teacher Licensed
BOARD OF EDUCATION. Monday, March 7. … APPLICATIONS IN FORM. Formal applications were received — From Jas. Fry, Mintaro. To be licensed from January 1.
Torr, Candidate for Stanley
DISTRICT OF STANLEY. MEETING AT MINTARO. A meeting was held at Mintaro Hotel on Friday, March 4, to hear Mr. James Torr, a candidate for Stanley, explain his views on the leading topics of the day. Mr. George Faulkner presided, and in introducing the candidate said he was not bringing forward a stranger, but an old friend and a resident of upwards of 20 years in the district. Mr. James Torr said he did not intend making a long speech, but would in a few remarks give his opinions on leading questions. He considered that the Governor had done quite right in exercising his prerogative by dissolving the House of Assembly, as that House was doing no good for the country. On the land question he thought there should be free selection before survey; price not more than 20s. per acre, to be paid 2s. per acre in advance, with such restrictions as would be the means of placing the best land within the reach of bona fide farmers. He could not approve of the present system, for he had been a land-buyer for the last 23 years, and had been greatly humbugged by land-jobbers, although he had never employed one. It was time some of tho old members should be put out of the House, and he was confident that a more honest person to represent the large and important District of Stanley could not be put in than himself. (Cheers.) Mr. Dowd asked the candidate’s opinion on the education question. Mr. Torr would assist country schools where population was sparse, but not town. He would also advocate secular instruction, leaving the religious part to parents and ministers. In answer to Mr. Hill, he said he would make the insolvent law much stricter, and do away with assignments altogether, as that was the means used by a dishonest person to pick the pockets of the honest trader. (Hear, hear.) Several other questions of minor importance were answered satisfactorily. Mr. Hill then proposed Mr. James Torr. Messrs. Horan and Piper seconded, and the Chairman declared the motion carried unanimously. Thanks to the Chairman closed the meeting, at which about 80 were present.
Stanley, February 1870
STANLEY. February 19.— Present— Chairman, Messrs. Bowman, Dowd, and Meaney. Letters from Stow, Bruce, & Ayers, from Destitute Board, and from Upper Wakefield Council. Tenders accepted— No. 46, P. Rodgers. £22 10s.; side drains, 2s. 6d. per chain; No. 49, G. McLeish, £24; No. 50, G. McLeish, £11 10s., side drains 2s. 6d. per chain; No. 51, T. Faulkner, £49 10s. Letter from Commissioner of Public Works stating that railway will be opened for passengers and goods as far as Manoora after the 20th inst. Clerk to write to Black Springs and Waterloo Councils asking them to apply for appointment of Dr. Voght as medical officer for their districts. Crown Lands Ranger to be informed of growth of Scotch thistles near Farrell’s Flat Railway Station. Application from the trustees of Mintaro Cemetery for a passable entry, into gate of cemetery; to be done. Repairs to be done-between Sections 170 and 194, between 356 and 357, between Sections 166 and 167, and fords to be made between Sections 347 and 355, and between 278 and 340. Receipts, £18 0s. 2d. ; payments, £16 5s.