Mintaro Centenary News
Mintaro Raises £500 MINTARO. November 8. The Back-to-Mintaro Centenary celebrations were concluded on Monday and Tuesday of last seek. The back-to-school proceedings proved the most popular event of the celebrations, particularly with the older people. Assembling at 10.30 a.m. old scholars were placed in charge of Mr. Alfred March, an earlier teacher at Mintaro, awaiting the arrival of the Director of Education (Mr. Adey) to declare the function open. At 11 o’clock the Director and Mrs. Adey were met by the present head teacher (Mr. P. J. Collins), and passing through a guard of honor formed by the present children, were introduced to members of the school committee, assistant teacher, and members of the Centenary committee. The Director declared the proceedings open, and old scholars in charge of Mr. March, answered the roll call, and recalled lessons of younger days. Later Mr. Collins entertained the Director and Mrs. Adey, with members of the school committee, at luncheon. In the evening, the Centenary floral ball was held in the Devonshire Hall, to music supplied by Mr. T. K. Tucker’s band. Here, a new Jarrah floor had been placed in readiness for the event, but it was soon evident that further dancing space would be needed, and with the Devonshire, the institute was packed to its limit. The attendance was estimated at more than 700. Mr. J. T. Mortlock of Martindale Hall supplied the novelties for the occasion. A flower show was held on Tuesday, the concluding day. Mrs. S. Gerrard, of Merildin, worked assiduously to ensure large entries, and Miss V. Y. Pulford assisted in the classification of entries previous to the show. The flower sections were judged by Messrs. J. E. Madden, of Auburn, and C. G. Pulford, with Mrs. Bence, of Kooringa, judging the arts and needlework section. The show was opened by Mrs. W. C. Ayiing, of Gawler. Chief prize winners In the flower sections were:—Hughes Park, Mrs. W. R. Woods, Mrs. Catford, Mrs. G B. Martin, Mrs J. H. Knappstein, Miss Martin, Miss B. Maddern, Miss T. Sandow, Messrs. C. G. Pulford and J. T. Mortlock. Awards noticed in the fancy and needlework sections were to Mrs. Bampton, Misses Ley, Mrs. Collins, Misses Denton, Miss Martin, and Mr. A Rilstone, Mrs. J. N. Tickle, Mrs. Borowsky (paintings), and C. G. Pulford (photography). A display of fireworks was provided by Mr. J. T. Mortlock in the evening, when an estimated crowd of 600 watched proceedings from Burra street for an hour. Before the declaration of the ugly man competition at 9.30 p.m., the trophies won at the flower stow were presented by Mr. J. T. Mortlock. The ugly man competition was won by Mr. S. McNamara, with 27,792 votes. Mr S. Garrard obtained 17,973 votes, and Mr. W. E. Blatchford 11,610. The competition realised £237 4/10. At the conclusion of the flower show, dancing was conducted in the Devonshire Hall. As a result of the celebrations, it is expected that, with donations, more than £500 will be cleared. The greater proportion of this amount will be devoted to the building of a new institute hall.
Mintaro Centenary Celebrations
Mintaro Centenary Celebrations. A GREAT SUCCESS. MR. J. T. MORTLOCK GENEROUSLY ASSISTS. The celebrations of the Centenary commenced at Mintaro on November 1 in the presence of a large crowd of old timers who had returned and residents of the surrounding district. The committee, with Mr. Paddy Jacka as president, and Mr. G. E. Pulford as hon. secretary, had left nothing undone to make the celebrations a success, and their efforts were well rewarded. For several months they had been working hard, and the rock garden in the triangle at the north entrance to the town is a tribute to their efficiency. The town was bedecked with bunting, and lighted at night with colored electric globes. The Rock Garden was declared open by Sir George Ritchie early on Saturday afternoon. He congratulated them on the work they had done, referring particularly to the work of the ladies. That was the 52nd centenary function he had attended. A procession to Mortlock Park followed, where the programme of sports was carried out. The procession was a lengthy one, and was most interesting. Mr. C. G. Pulford, attired in an Admiral’s uniform, was marshal. The characters in the procession were quaint and unique. Mr. Stan McNamara in coachman’s at tire drove four grey horses in an old landau which the late Mr. W. R. Mortlock imported from London in 1870. Stan is never satisfied unless he is handling or driving horses, and he looked the old coachman to the life. In livery beside Stan were John Ross and his little son John. The occupants of the landeau were Sir George and Lady Ritchie, Mr. J. T. Mortlock, and Mr. A. J. Melrose, M.P. Following were representations of the Buffalo; the Yacht Hardship, with the crew and soldiers attired in the uniforms of the period; “Dad and Mum” on our selection,”; “John Horrocks, the explorer” and his black boys; Billy Bawden and Bob McEvoy as dryblowers; imitation Percheron horse and foal, quite realistic; and others of interest. The trophies for the best items in procession were presented to the winners by Mr. A. J. Melrose, M.P. later, as follows:— Best decorated motor, Miss T. Sandow for H.M.S. Buffalo, Mr. J. Carey for yacht Hardship. Best horse-drawn vehicle, Mr. S. McNamara in J. T. Mortlock’s 70-year old landau. Most original, C. Mustard as “Father Time,” L. Blatchford and company as “Rudd family,” H. Smoker as “The Wreath of a Nation.” Most obsolete, G. E. Thomas (penny farthing bicycle). Best sustained, H. G. Jacka as “Explorer Jim Horrocks”; Masters T. Hill and T. Pulford as “Percheron Foal.” Children’s prizes for best decorated bicycle, tricycle, or peram, Masters Wehrmann and Stanley Grace; Miss J. Northcote and Master John Davis (special.) THE LUNCHEON. The luncheon was held in a marquee, large numbers of old timers and visitors being present. The ladies provided an excellent repast. Mr. P. C. Jacka presided. A number of toasts were honoured, including the following:— “The King,” proposed by the president. “Sir George Ritchie and Parliament,” proposed in an excellent speech by Mr. J. T. Mortlock, and responded to by Sir George Ritchie. “The Pioneers,” proposed in an able address by Mr. M. L. Giles; responders Messrs. M. A. Kelly and T. Dunn, two of the oldest residents of the district. “Local Government” proposed by Mr. A. L. Sandow; responder, Mr. C. Neate, Chairman of the Clare District Council. “Mintaro Progress Association and the Centenary Committe,” ably proposed by the Rev. W. J. Mortimer; responder, Mr. R. C. Jacka. Mr. T. Dunn lit the 100 candles on the birthday cake, and Mrs. J. H. Vaughan cut the cake amidst applause. THE SPORTS RESULTS. Boys’ race under 12, Howard Garrett, Bryan Torr; 2nd div, Ken May nard, Peter Torr; girls’ race under 12, Enid Midwinter, Mavis Bulla; boys’ under 14, G. Torr, M. Graham, M. Garrett (protest lodged); girls under 14, Fern Hunter, Betty Jacka; old buffers’ race (trophy), D. Fisher, T. Dempsey; allcomers’ trial sprint, 75 yards, J. Dermody, G. Kelly; flag and barrel race (horses), S. Edwards on P. Fudge’s mount, H. C. Jacka; ; married women’s race, Mrs. H. E. Grace, Mrs. C. W. Stephens; musical chairs (horses), T. Faulkner, L. McKinnon; bending race (horses), S. Edwards on P. Fudge’s entry, A. McLeod; three-quarter mile scratch wheel race, O. Coles, W. Draper; Sheffield handicap, J. Conley and D. N. Graham dead-heat, R. Henderson; Two mile Centenary wheel race, W. Draper, O. Coles, W. Crawford; high jump, K. Kain, R. Henderson; one mile wheel race, W. Draper, O. Coles; Draught Horse Derby, M. Fudge on B. Northcott’s entry, E. C. Pearce. CONCERT PROGRAMME. In the evening the concert was held in the Devonshire Hall. The programme was compiled by Mr. P. J. Collins, and items were given by visiting and local artists. During the interval prizes, were presented to the winners in the afternoon’s sports programme by Mr. A. J. Melrose, M.P. A moving picture entertainment of Adelaide’s recent floral festival, depicted partly in color, was provided by Mr. J. T. Mortlock, of Martindale, under the direction of Mr. J. Thrum. CHURCH SERVICES. The second day of the celebrations was continued in fine weather. The Methodist Sunday School held its eighty-first Sunday School anniversary, the three Services being conducted by the Rev. Principal Lade. Following the afternoon service a flower procession to graves of the old pioneers in the cemeteries was held. This was participated in by nearly 600 past and present residents and visitors. St. Mary’s (Catholic) and St. Peter’s (Anglican) also held special services in charge of Rev Father Forster and Rev. H. E. G. Shepherd respectively. BACK TO SCHOOL. On Monday morning “Back to School” was held, being opened by Mr. W. J. Adey, Director of Education. This was entirely successful, a large crowd attending. FLORAL BALL. On Monday evening the Floral Ball was held, the crowd being immense and taxing the accommodation of the Devonshire Hall. THE FLOWER SHOW. The Flower Show was held on Tuesday, the entries
Clare State Centenary Celebrations
Clare State Centenary Celebrations THE EARLY HISTORY OF CLARE AND THE DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CLARE. A WONDERFUL RECORD. (By ‘Clarion.’) The Clare State Centenary Celebrations are now only a fortnight away, and enthusiasm is gathering momentum to make the gala week the biggest function ever held in the district. Reports that have reached us from all parts of the State and other States indicate that there will be an extremely large attendance, and the Mayor of Clare (Mr. Ohlmeyer) and the Centenary Committee expects that every person in the town and district will do their duty to hospitably entertain the visiting public in accordance with Clare’s best traditions. Those who have any accommodation available are asked to make special efforts to acquaint the secretaries of any facilities they have available. HISTORY OF THE CORPORATION OF CLARE AND THE DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CLARE. This week we give a history of the Corporation of Clare, and of the District Council of Clare, which we feel, at this juncture, is apppropriate (sic) to place before the public, giving an indication of the fine work of the pioneers who have placed Clare on the map as one of the finest business, and secondary and primary producing districts in the State. We are indebted to Mr. George Martin, the clerk of the District Council of Clare for the illuminating particulars, in the two lists: — CLARE IN 1843. This picturesque mid-northern town dates from 1843, about which time aborigines were fairly numerous, their main camp being on what is now the cricket oval. Clare is surrounded by fertile hills and valleys, and skirted by the River Hutt, and is noted throughout the State for its ideal and healthy climate. The Hill and Wakefield Rivers also pass through the district, the latter being adjacent to Mintaro, a very old town in the history of the State, as it was here that the teamsters rested their mules in the early days, on their way to and from the Burra mines, on account of the fertility of the district. The district was proclaimed a District Council area on 20th July, 1853, and it is interesting to note that it then included the township and district around Mintaro, which was proclaimed as a separate District Council area in 1868, but was again amalgamated with Clare on 24th. May, 1932. The township of Clare was proclaimed a municipality in 1868, and is, the hub of a large and prosperous district. In the very early days communication with Adelaide was by road via Kapunda, which latter town was then the railhead. Various methods of mail and passenger service were tried until the railway constructed in 1918 from Riverton to Clare solved the problem of transport. The train service is now twice daily to and from Adelaide. Road transport is catered for by a bitumen road from Adelaide to Clare. The capital value of ratable (sic) property over which the Corporation has control is £344,220, the assessment value of which is £17,211. The total rate which is struck is 2/3 in the £, producing annually £1,936. It is interesting to note the comparison between the Corporation and district, which latter has a capital value of £999,640, and assessment value of £49,982, whilst a rate of 1/5 in the £ yields £3,540 yearly. Included in the municipality and district areas there is a population of approximately 5,800 persons, who are accommodated in 907 dwellings. The approximate area of the Corporation is 500 acres, and the District Council 162,000 acres. Immediately adjoining the municipality are the settlements of Donnybrook on the South, Armagh on the north-west, Stanley Flat on the north, and White Hut on the north-east, all being closely settled, and the three latter places are noted for their fruit gardens and vineyards. Currants and other drying fruits are largely grown, also wine grapes, which supply the Stanley Wine Co. and Clarevale Co-operative Winery, which have extensive and up-to-date wine cellars in the municipality. Other townships in the district are Mintaro, Penwortham, Sevenhills and Hilltown. Mintaro is particularly noted for the slate which comes from the Mintaro Slate and Flagstone quarries. Penwortham has the distinction of having James Ainsworth Horrocks, the noted explorer buried in the Church of England churchyard, while the Catholic Church and College at Sevenhills are among the oldest in the State. Besides the industries quoted above, the district is particularly suitable for pasture land; stud sheep and cattle being extensively reared; and very good crops are grown on the farming land. The towns and district are served in the matter of light and power by the Mid-North Electricity Co., Ltd., whose power house is situated in the Clare township. An energetic parks committee attends to the planting and reservation of ornamental trees within the township viz:—Burton street reserve, the Old Scholars’ Memorial Plots, and avenues of trees which help to enhance the natural beauty of Clare, also, Christison Park (26 acres) a natural beauty spot two miles South of the town, available for picnics and campers. Clare is also widely known throughout the State for its beautifully situated and picturesque Bowling Greens, Croquet Lawn and Tennis Lawns, which are all together at the northern end of the town. Centrally situated is the oval, or recreation ground, dedicated as a Soldiers’ Memorial Park, consisting of approximately 10 or 12 acres. The oval is controlled and managed by a trust. At the entrance to the ground an imposing memorial arch has been erected in memory of fallen soldiers. A soldiers’ Memorial Hall has also been built at Stanley Flat, and it is here that the fine racecourse of the Clare Racing Club is situated. Besides the amalgamation of territory above mentioned the District Council of Clare also absorbed the Hundred of Milne from the District Council of Hutt and Hill Rivers on 1st May, 1935. The following is a list, as far as can be ascertained, of the past and present members of the Corporation, the District Council of Clare,
Centenary Plans
BUSY MONTH IN COUNTRY Centenary Plans Although there will be a number of metropolitan centenary celebrations during October, such as the interstate railways golf championships (October 5 to 12). South Australian Derby and Centenary Cup meeting (October 10 and 14). Labor Day celebrations (October 14), and Adelaide Band Competitions (October 26 to 28). most of the State’s centenary activities this month will be centred in the country, where nearly 30 towns and districts will be holding local festivities. These will conclude with the Tanunda band competitions on October 30 and 31. Each week there will be a number of important events, proving that South Australia’s centenary celebrations are State wide, and not merely confined to the metropolitan area (says this week’s centenary bulletin). The sum of £7,250 has been made available to assist country towns in providing, by means of improvements and beautification schemes, permanent memorials of the State’s centenary year. The scheme has been taken up enthusiastically, and before the celebrations, end in March of next year there will be hardly a school, hamlet, village or town in the State which has not commemorated the hundredth anniversary of South Australia’s proclamation. During the coming week there will be celebrations at Kapunda. Burra. Peterborough, Moonta. and Cleve. The following week will see festivities at Woodside, Salisbury, Watervale, Snowtown, Victor Harbor, Saddleworth, Loxton, Rapid Bay, and Ardrossan. Between October 14 and 21 there will be celebrations at Jamestown, Hawker, Marrabel, Renmark, Goolwa, and Maitland, and the remainder of the month will be taken up by events at Bordertown, Port Elliot, Clare, Mintaro, and Tanunda.
Mintaro Progress Association
MINTARO PROGRESS ASSOCIATION. [Contributed.] At the postponed annual meeting of the Mintaro Progress Association, held in the Mintaro Institute on Monday, July 6th., a large gathering of members and citizens of the town and district attended. Those present were Mesdames S. Garrard, J. Ross, W. Forth, jun., F. Maynard, L. Pearce, Messrs. P. C. Jacka, E. G. Pulford, P. J. Collins, Thos. Jacka, E. A. Scarfe, C. G. Pulford, J. W. Parr, L. T. McKay, J. Ross, A. L. Sandow, R. J. Tickle, S. Sawyers, B. Smoker, J. Comerford, A. Hall, S. Garrard, B. Alcock, V. E. Hobbs, F. Gumley, S. McNamara, E. W. Blatchford, J. Smith, D. Smith, E. P. Faulkner, J. Walsh, A. Travers, W. Bawden, A. Grace, J. Carey, G. Gumley, D. Jacka, G. Pearce, Thos. Hill, W. Pearce, L. Gumley, F. Maynard, J. Pearce, W. Hill. The secretary, Mr. E. G. Pulford, read his report of the year’s work. The association was formed on May 17th., 1935, the object being the transforming of a vacant piece of land in the heart of our town into a civic garden. By liberal donations from the citizens and the Clare District Council and a series of working bees we have purchased and erected a jarrah, cyclone chain-netting, galvanised piping fence around the triangular plot. In this a large rockery has been built, and although intended, as a shrubbery, we have, in view of the floral centenary, planted it this year with flowers. It is definitely intended to plant suitable shrubs at an early date. The Main street has benefited by the planting of a number of Jacaranda and Kurrajong trees; this being done in conjunction with a school Arbor Day on May 22nd. Two or three children were allotted a tree between them, and it is hoped in this way the trees will be fostered by the children in whose care they were placed. Corresponding with a row of flowering hawthorns on the roads at the southern entrance of our town, our association has provided, planted and seen to the protection of 21 Kurrajong trees on the opposite side. We have also assisted the Mintaro Ladies’ Croquet Club to fence, grade and plant their court. We are indebted to the Clare District Council for giving us all the assistance they possibly could, and to Mr. A. J. Melrose, M.P., for the thoughtfulness and interest he has shown and advice that he has given the association on many occasions. The association has a great helper in its president, Mr. P. C. Jacka. We were fortunate in having a visit paid us by Sir George Ritchie and Mr. V. H. Ryan, accompanied by our representative for this district, Mr. R. D. Nicholls, M.P. Through their effort and their being able to view the work which our association had done, they were instrumental in securing us a grant of £40 for local beautification and tree planting. The president declared all offices vacant. The following were unanimously elected: — President, Mr. P. C. Jacka; patron, Mr. A. J. Melrose; secretary and treasurer, Mr. E. G. Pulford; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. T. Mortlock, F. R. Mortlock, J. Malcolm, M. L. Giles, A. L. Sandow, D. Horgan, W. R. Woods, C. G. Pulford, D. Smith, W. E. Blatchford, A. J. Mitchell,, E. P. Faulkner, Thos. Dunn, E. A. Scarfe, J. Walsh, P. J. Collins, S. Garrard, J. McMahon, P. Keane, L. T. McKay, J. Ross, A. J. Travers, J. W. Parr; committee, J. Comerford, A. Hall, N. J. Marston, B. Alcock, T. E. Jacka, R. J. Tickle, J. Carey, L. T. McKay, S. Sawyers; auditors, P. J. Collins, A. L. Sandow; publicity and advertising, E. A. Scarfe, P. C. Jacka, P. J. Collins; finance committee, president, secretary, J. Ross, T. E. Jacka, E. A. Scarfe; programme committee and convenors — Back-to-school, Mr. P. J. Collins; decoration, Mr. A. J. Melrose; accommodation, Mr. E. A. Scarfe; flower show, Mrs. S. Garrard; floral ball, Mr. D. Smith; concert, Mr. P. J. Collins; marshall, Mr. C. G. Pulford; official luncheon, Mrs. J. Ross; floral procession, Mr. A. L. Sandow; ugly man, Mr. J. Ross for Mr. S. McNamara, Mr. A. Travers for Mr. S. Garrard, and Mr. A. L. Sandow for Mr. E. W. Blatchford.
Obituary Margaret Lynch
OBITUARY MISS MARGARET LYNCH, HAWKER. The quiet passing of Margaret Lynch on Sunday afternoon, January 12, at the old home near Hawker, where she had lived almost continuously since September, 1881, brings long, long thoughts. Brought up amongst the good old pioneers, her courage and steadiness and Christian common sense were an inspiration to all. Born near Mintaro in May, 1862, she received a short but solid primary education from Miss Harper, who boarded with the family, and taught school in a vacant farm house near by. Through families moving to the spacious north, however, this school was soon closed. The Sisters of St. Joseph opened a school a little later near Mintaro railway, but Margaret was by then a useful worker. With her father and a younger sister and brother she moved to the Hawker farm, facing all the hardships of pioneers and preparing for the coming of the remainder of the family in 1883. St. Gabriel’s’, Cradock, was built about this time, and large congregations drove many miles, many fasting, to 11 o’clock Mass. Occasionally Stations of the Cross were given at Lynch’s, Ward’s, and Schinnick’s homesteads. In all these events deceased played an active part, and with a rare good memory could tell many a tale of the flying years. Let us hope now she has joined again those who have fought the good fight.
District Council Clare
District Council of Clare Friday, 5th May. … Culverts near the pound at Mintaro and at Pulford’s corner were cleaned out and repaired…
Mintaro Slate Company
In: HOME EDITION Mintaro Slate Company Mintaro Slate and Flagstone Company, Limited, reports that consequent upon the change over from steam to electric power, portion of the old plant of the company had had to be scrapped and written off during the past year. As a result operations for the period ended December 31, 1929, showed a loss of £227, which compares with a net profit of £277 for the preceding 12 months, £1,187 for 1927, and £3,094 for 1926. The credit balance at profit and loss account at January 1, 1929, was £3,583. Two dividends amounting to 1/3 a share were paid during the past year, and absorbed £1,875. A credit balance of £1,482 will be carried forward. In their report the directors say that the plant of the company had been maintained in excellent order and had shown a great saving since being converted to electricity The continued trade depression had restricted business offering throughout the year. The company has a paid-up capital of £30,000 in £1 shares. Its reserve account figures at £8,606, sundry creditors £122, and provision for taxation £54. Assets aggregate £40,265, including quarries, freehold property, buildings and lease, £19,541; plant, machinery, and horses, £5,096; stock of slate and stores £12,665; sundry debtors £2,393, and cash £580.
Mintaro News
MINTARO A well-attended social was held In the Methodist Sunday-school, when a fine concert programme was provided. Musical items were rendered by Mrs. Parr, Misses L. Pulford, G. Tickle, B. Parr, and M. Goers, and recitations by Messrs. G. Preford and L. Blatchford. Supper was served. — Members of the Manoora A grade tennis club played against the local club, and won by 14 sets to 4. A tennis match was also played between Mintaro and Seven Hills clubs, and resulted in a win by a narrow margin for Mintaro.— Mrs. C. Garrard, of Mintaro, and her daughter Mrs. McGee, and niece, Miss Williams, left on Thursday for Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Golden Weddings
GOLDEN WEDDINGS RIVETT—NOBLE.—On the 7th January, 1880, at Pirie-street Methodist Church, by Rev. Copathwaite, William, youngest son of late Willam Rivett, late Mintaro Gap, to Harriet, third daughter of late Amos Noble, of Reedbeds. Present address, Seaton Park.