COUNTRY NEWS.
[From our own Correspondents.]
MINTARO, September 21.
Times ave very dull in this locality, more so than they have been for many years past; but as far as the prospects of the ensuing season are concerned for the farmers they are not very bad. Stanley will, according to present appearances, not be much behind its average of former years. Those who parted with their property in this district to proceed North committed a fault not easily rectified.
The Salvation Army no longer visits us; in fact, it has not done so for some consider able time back, although it had the assistance of a splendid band gratis. Still it seems it did not pay, so it bid us a kind adieu, and flitted to hang its harps (or rather drums) on willows greener than ours.
The slate quarry is still working, but business in that line seems as dull as in other things. It is a pity it is so for our township’s sake, and as to the opening of the new quarry all hopes are gone of that event. If it is the first accounts will be dated in or about 2812, or a lapse of about 927 years from this date.
There is a new staff altogether at the Mintaro railway station, Mr. Pretty, station master, having resigned, and Mr. Todd, operator, having been shifted to Freeling, the Government, in their wise method of retrenchment, having forwarded a gentleman (Mr. Coles) from Freeling to fulfil both situations, which no doubt, although extra work, he is competent to do. Unfortunately, also, a Mr. Farrell, the late porter, and who has held that occupation almost since the station was formed, is now, through illness, incapacitated from farther labor. It is to be hoped that they will do something for him, as he has a large family, and during his term the Government has had no cause of complaint against him.
