NORTHERN JOTTINGS.
By an Idler.
…
It strikes me forcibly that Mintaro is going to the dogs. There is nothing doing in the place worth recording. The men are scattered over the harvest fields in the district, and the women and children get along after a fashion. I had the pleasure of speaking to the “Butcher’s Wife,” who is noted for her eccentricities, but who failed to recognise me as the gentleman who on a previous occasion gave a pen picture of her ladyship, at which she was highly indignant. While in the neighborhood I thought I would visit the far-famed Mintaro slate quarry, The proprietor is a kind affable old gentleman, and I was shown over the works. Flags of all sizes can be obtained, and of splendid quality. I did not imagine that it was such a valuable property, and that such an extensive business was being carried on. There is not a place of any importance in the colony, I am told, where there is not Mintaro flagging. It is sent in large quantities to Victoria and the neighboring colonies. Having seen the material I am not surprised at the extensive business done in it. …
