MINTARO, Jan. 2.
New Year’s Day was observed as a general holiday in this township, most of the business places being closed, and flags of various nations hoisted. A Committee of gentlemen had previously arranged a picnic, and engaged a band from Watervale, which made its appearance in the township about 9 a.m. After playing some time a procession was formed, and proceeded to Mr. Thomas Brown’s paddock, situate about one mile distant, a most beautifully shaded locality, where all sorts of sports had been provided for both ladies and gentlemen, prizes being awarded to the lucky competitors, the band playing at intervals. Dancing was kept up until the shades of evening set in and broke up a most pleasant and friendly meeting. During the afternoon an accident occurred as follows:—Mr. Ashton, formerly landlord of the Leasingham Hotel, had taken the bit out of his horse’s mouth; by some means it got its winkers off, and bolted with the spring-cart. It shortly came in contact with Mr. Freeman’s horse, which had been taken out of the spring-cart of that gentleman and tied alongside. The shaft penetrated the body of the horse immediately behind the shoulder. It is not expected to live. After some damage to Mr. Ashton’s cart the animal was secured; no person, however, was hurt.—A petition is in the course of signature, praying extension of telegraph to this township, which will be a great benefit to the tradesmen, as also to the farming population, if granted.—The farmers are busy reaping, and the weather is fearfully oppressive; but the health of the inhabitants, generally speaking, is good.
