Mintaro Institute built 1878, still in use as a Community Hall. South Australia
Former Stanley District Council Chamber c1877 and Mintaro Institute c1878 in the State Heritage listed township, where the Institute building foundation stone is to be found placed on the front of the council chamber.
*Our District Council has accepted a tender for the erection of a Council Chamber, and the building will be started immediately, as the contractor has to get it finished by the 1st of August. The need of such a building has long been felt, and it will not only prove a convenience, but also a credit to the place.
An effort is now being made to collect subscriptions sufficient to cover the expense of building an institute. At the present time considerably over £100 has been collected, but it is anticipated that with further canvassing an amount something like £250 will be collected, which, with the Government subsidy, will cover the cost of a suitable building. [Ref: Kapunda Herald and Northern Intelligencer Friday 4 May 1877]
*New Institute at Mintaro
There were great rejoicings at Mintaro on Monday, February 4, when the foundation stone of a substantial new Institute was laid in that township.
After 12 o'clock noon the day was observed as a strict holiday,
The building of which the foundation stone was to be laid had been commenced a few weeks previously by Messrs Whitehead, of Auburn, and Jolly, of Mintaro, the contractors, and such progress had been made that the visitors found about eight feet of the walls already built up.
Its situation is excellent, seeming to have been chosen for the twofold advantage of convenience and ornament. It is quite in the heart of the town, being flanked on the right by the District Council Chamber— a stone building of a very neat appearance — and just sufficiently prominent on a slight elevation as to arrest attention from any point of view in the town.
When completed it will be 58 x 24 feet, and 21 feet high, wall measurement: and will consist of a porch with folding doors leading into the principal room, 36 x 21, behind which will be two rooms, designed for the reading-room and library, each 10 x 10. The stone used is a rough sandstone which has been obtained from Kelsh's quarry, and the rubble-stone is from Bowman's block. It is estimated that the cost will be close upon £800.
In accordance with a promise given to a deputation the week before, the Hon C Mann QC (Attorney-General), visited the town for the purpose of laying the foundation stone. He was accompanied by Mr W Townsend MP who had likewise promised to take a part in the proceedings. On their arrival at the railway station they were welcomed by Mr Thompson Priest JP, the Chairman of the Building Committee, and Mr George Faulkner, as representative of the District Council.
A private luncheon was provided for the party and a few local gentlemen at the Devonshire Arms, and after partaking of this refreshment they were conveyed in buggies to the Mintaro Slate Quarry, which they inspected under the ciceroneship of the lessee, Mr Priest.
Inspection of Mintaro Quarry
The fine quality of the stone which is obtained from this quarry is well known in most parts of the province. It is almost the only stone that is used for flagging and paving the halls and lavatories of large public buildings nowadays, as well as for a variety of other purposes for which it is specially adapted. The quarry itself has been worked more or less for a period extending over 21 years, but at no time has it opened up so splendidly as at present. Excavations have been made to a depth of nearly 60 feet, and now it presents an immense slope of valuable laminiferous stone many feet in depth. A peculiarity of this stone is that almost all of it has a very smooth surface, and requires comparatively little polishing after it is quarried out or split up into layers. Many blocks possessing this feature are removed which measure over 100 superficial feet, but there have been large blocks 33½ x 29½ feet taken from Mintaro. The superior nature of this stone is becoming widely known, and it is now being shipped to all the metropolitan centres in the colonies.
Twenty-nine men are constantly employed at the quarry, and in a broad sense it may be described as the mainstay of the town. The appliances in use and the numerical strength of the manual labour employed might not be such as to lead to an extensive or rapid development of the quarry at present but there can be no doubt that a time will come when it will be a scene of great industry and be the direct means of raising the town of Mintaro into the rank and importance of a large populous centre.
LAYING THE STONE
Shortly after 3 o'clock a procession consisting of Oddfellows and Foresters was formed in front of the Devonshire Arms, whence it proceeded to the Institute.
A large number of the residents, including many ladies, were assembled at the building, and the liveliest interest was manifested by everyone.
Mr Mann said he need scarcely express his pleasure at being privileged to lay the foundation stone of that building. He was particularly gratified with their kind reception of him, although he confessed the thanks were rather due to themselves for inviting him to be present.
Mr Priest, as Chairman of the Committee … saying they had all worked happily together. He was very glad to add that the Committee as well as the outside public had subscribed in a handsome manner to the building fund, and he hoped that before long sufficient money would be raised to clear off the debt altogether.
The people being asked to contribute before going away, many came forward with donations, which they placed on the foundation stone, and it was found that no less a sum than £20 18s. had been contributed in this way.
A banquet was afterwards given in the District Council Chamber in celebration of the event. There was a large gathering.
After the foregoing proceedings were concluded Mr Townsend delivered his famous lecture on 'The Lights and Shadows of London Life' before a crowded audience assembled in the large hall attached to the Devonshire Arms.
A dramatic performance followed which was so excellently played that it took every one by surprise. The names of the performers were Mrs Schoolar, Misses Briggs and M Tobin, and Messrs Anthony, E G Priest, Burton, Hunt, Fewster, and Briggs. After this was finished the room was cleared for dancing, in which a large number joined, who kept up the rout till late in the morning. [Ref: South Australian Register Wednesday 6-2-1878]
*The South Australian Advertiser of Saturday 23 February 1878 states Mr C E Anthony drew the plans and specifications [of the institute].
The Mintaro Women's Patriotic Club held a successful competitive fete in the Mintaro Institute on March 20, which was very largely attended. During the evening a beautiful roll of honour, the gift of Mr and Mrs Woods, of Martindale, to the town and district was unveiled by the mother who had given the most sons in service for King and country. This honour fell to our late president (Mrs L A Jacobs), who has given all her boys. In a short speech she unveiled the roll. [Ref: The Mail (Adelaide) 13-4-1918]
*MINTARO INSTITUTE
PERMANENT ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS
These were declared open to public use on Saturday night, 18th July, when Mr M L Giles, President of the Mintaro Institute presided. After the singing of the National Anthem, the chairman gave a short account of the movement which resulted in the alterations, additions and renovations to the Mintaro Institute Hall. He publicly thanked the District Council of Clare and the Councillors for making available to them the old district council chamber: all subscribers to the special fund, workers — men and women, the Building Committee, and the builder Mr F J Forsaith, and Mr J T Mortlock for his consent in allowing funds in the Mintaro Institute New Building account to be used for the alterations and additions to enable the buildings and funds to be used to make a working proposition of them all.
Mr J T Mortlock in declaring open the building spoke at some length.
A dance and supper followed, being thoroughly enjoyed by all. Much credit was given to the ladies who assisted. [Ref: Northern Argus 24-7-1942]
*Mintaro November 7
Seven Soldiers welcomed home.
On the 1st Nov, seven discharged soldiers were welcomed home by a large crowd in the Mintaro Institute. They were J Ross, F Maynard, G Blatchford, B Midwinter, B Ross, E Mitchell AIF, and K Sandow RAAF.
A Guard of Honour was formed by children from both schools, with W/O Peter Giles and B Northcote at the head of each row. While standing the people sang the first verse of the Song of Australia. Mr Alf Mitchell opened the evening with a few words about each man. Then the chairman, Mr A E Crossing, made a speech, during which time two minutes silence was observed for those who had fallen.
Other speakers were Messrs M L Giles and A L Sandow. Then the president of the Boys' Fund, Mrs Stan Schunke, presented each service man with a very nice wallet. The recipients said a few words, thanking the people for their kindness.
Items were given by the local boys and girls, and to conclude the evening dancing was enjoyed. [Ref: Northern Argus Thursday 8-11-1945]
*Mintaro 29 September CWA Opening
To celebrate the formation of a CWA Branch in Mintaro, the Manoora ladies were invited to show some of their handicraft efforts.
About 35 ladies were present and the Mintaro President, Mrs S Schunke presided.
Afternoon tea was enjoyed by all those present.
Twenty seven Mintaro ladies joined the CWA.
Next CWA meeting Wednesday October 6. [Ref: Northern Argus 30-9-1948]
*A large slate plaque on the former council chambers is dedicated to the commemoration of the Jubilee 150 Re-enactment of the Bullock and Mule Teams which travelled the Gulf Road, carting copper ore from Burra through Mintaro to Port Wakefield from 1849 to 1857. It was unveiled by Mr K A Sandow 18 October 1986.
*Mintaro Institute was extensively renovated in 1988.
An Australian Bicentenary slate plaque on the Mintaro Institute building states it was opened by Mr E M Mitchell on 5 March 1988 after renovations made possible by the Commonwealth Bicentennial Authority.
Mintaro Institute built 1878, still in use as a Community Hall. South Australia
Former Stanley District Council Chamber c1877 and Mintaro Institute c1878 in the State Heritage listed township, where the Institute building foundation stone is to be found placed on the front of the council chamber.
*Our District Council has accepted a tender for the erection of a Council Chamber, and the building will be started immediately, as the contractor has to get it finished by the 1st of August. The need of such a building has long been felt, and it will not only prove a convenience, but also a credit to the place.
An effort is now being made to collect subscriptions sufficient to cover the expense of building an institute. At the present time considerably over £100 has been collected, but it is anticipated that with further canvassing an amount something like £250 will be collected, which, with the Government subsidy, will cover the cost of a suitable building. [Ref: Kapunda Herald and Northern Intelligencer Friday 4 May 1877]
*New Institute at Mintaro
There were great rejoicings at Mintaro on Monday, February 4, when the foundation stone of a substantial new Institute was laid in that township.
After 12 o'clock noon the day was observed as a strict holiday,
The building of which the foundation stone was to be laid had been commenced a few weeks previously by Messrs Whitehead, of Auburn, and Jolly, of Mintaro, the contractors, and such progress had been made that the visitors found about eight feet of the walls already built up.
Its situation is excellent, seeming to have been chosen for the twofold advantage of convenience and ornament. It is quite in the heart of the town, being flanked on the right by the District Council Chamber— a stone building of a very neat appearance — and just sufficiently prominent on a slight elevation as to arrest attention from any point of view in the town.
When completed it will be 58 x 24 feet, and 21 feet high, wall measurement: and will consist of a porch with folding doors leading into the principal room, 36 x 21, behind which will be two rooms, designed for the reading-room and library, each 10 x 10. The stone used is a rough sandstone which has been obtained from Kelsh's quarry, and the rubble-stone is from Bowman's block. It is estimated that the cost will be close upon £800.
In accordance with a promise given to a deputation the week before, the Hon C Mann QC (Attorney-General), visited the town for the purpose of laying the foundation stone. He was accompanied by Mr W Townsend MP who had likewise promised to take a part in the proceedings. On their arrival at the railway station they were welcomed by Mr Thompson Priest JP, the Chairman of the Building Committee, and Mr George Faulkner, as representative of the District Council.
A private luncheon was provided for the party and a few local gentlemen at the Devonshire Arms, and after partaking of this refreshment they were conveyed in buggies to the Mintaro Slate Quarry, which they inspected under the ciceroneship of the lessee, Mr Priest.
Inspection of Mintaro Quarry
The fine quality of the stone which is obtained from this quarry is well known in most parts of the province. It is almost the only stone that is used for flagging and paving the halls and lavatories of large public buildings nowadays, as well as for a variety of other purposes for which it is specially adapted. The quarry itself has been worked more or less for a period extending over 21 years, but at no time has it opened up so splendidly as at present. Excavations have been made to a depth of nearly 60 feet, and now it presents an immense slope of valuable laminiferous stone many feet in depth. A peculiarity of this stone is that almost all of it has a very smooth surface, and requires comparatively little polishing after it is quarried out or split up into layers. Many blocks possessing this feature are removed which measure over 100 superficial feet, but there have been large blocks 33½ x 29½ feet taken from Mintaro. The superior nature of this stone is becoming widely known, and it is now being shipped to all the metropolitan centres in the colonies.
Twenty-nine men are constantly employed at the quarry, and in a broad sense it may be described as the mainstay of the town. The appliances in use and the numerical strength of the manual labour employed might not be such as to lead to an extensive or rapid development of the quarry at present but there can be no doubt that a time will come when it will be a scene of great industry and be the direct means of raising the town of Mintaro into the rank and importance of a large populous centre.
LAYING THE STONE
Shortly after 3 o'clock a procession consisting of Oddfellows and Foresters was formed in front of the Devonshire Arms, whence it proceeded to the Institute.
A large number of the residents, including many ladies, were assembled at the building, and the liveliest interest was manifested by everyone.
Mr Mann said he need scarcely express his pleasure at being privileged to lay the foundation stone of that building. He was particularly gratified with their kind reception of him, although he confessed the thanks were rather due to themselves for inviting him to be present.
Mr Priest, as Chairman of the Committee … saying they had all worked happily together. He was very glad to add that the Committee as well as the outside public had subscribed in a handsome manner to the building fund, and he hoped that before long sufficient money would be raised to clear off the debt altogether.
The people being asked to contribute before going away, many came forward with donations, which they placed on the foundation stone, and it was found that no less a sum than £20 18s. had been contributed in this way.
A banquet was afterwards given in the District Council Chamber in celebration of the event. There was a large gathering.
After the foregoing proceedings were concluded Mr Townsend delivered his famous lecture on 'The Lights and Shadows of London Life' before a crowded audience assembled in the large hall attached to the Devonshire Arms.
A dramatic performance followed which was so excellently played that it took every one by surprise. The names of the performers were Mrs Schoolar, Misses Briggs and M Tobin, and Messrs Anthony, E G Priest, Burton, Hunt, Fewster, and Briggs. After this was finished the room was cleared for dancing, in which a large number joined, who kept up the rout till late in the morning. [Ref: South Australian Register Wednesday 6-2-1878]
*The South Australian Advertiser of Saturday 23 February 1878 states Mr C E Anthony drew the plans and specifications [of the institute].
The Mintaro Women's Patriotic Club held a successful competitive fete in the Mintaro Institute on March 20, which was very largely attended. During the evening a beautiful roll of honour, the gift of Mr and Mrs Woods, of Martindale, to the town and district was unveiled by the mother who had given the most sons in service for King and country. This honour fell to our late president (Mrs L A Jacobs), who has given all her boys. In a short speech she unveiled the roll. [Ref: The Mail (Adelaide) 13-4-1918]
*MINTARO INSTITUTE
PERMANENT ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS
These were declared open to public use on Saturday night, 18th July, when Mr M L Giles, President of the Mintaro Institute presided. After the singing of the National Anthem, the chairman gave a short account of the movement which resulted in the alterations, additions and renovations to the Mintaro Institute Hall. He publicly thanked the District Council of Clare and the Councillors for making available to them the old district council chamber: all subscribers to the special fund, workers — men and women, the Building Committee, and the builder Mr F J Forsaith, and Mr J T Mortlock for his consent in allowing funds in the Mintaro Institute New Building account to be used for the alterations and additions to enable the buildings and funds to be used to make a working proposition of them all.
Mr J T Mortlock in declaring open the building spoke at some length.
A dance and supper followed, being thoroughly enjoyed by all. Much credit was given to the ladies who assisted. [Ref: Northern Argus 24-7-1942]
*Mintaro November 7
Seven Soldiers welcomed home.
On the 1st Nov, seven discharged soldiers were welcomed home by a large crowd in the Mintaro Institute. They were J Ross, F Maynard, G Blatchford, B Midwinter, B Ross, E Mitchell AIF, and K Sandow RAAF.
A Guard of Honour was formed by children from both schools, with W/O Peter Giles and B Northcote at the head of each row. While standing the people sang the first verse of the Song of Australia. Mr Alf Mitchell opened the evening with a few words about each man. Then the chairman, Mr A E Crossing, made a speech, during which time two minutes silence was observed for those who had fallen.
Other speakers were Messrs M L Giles and A L Sandow. Then the president of the Boys' Fund, Mrs Stan Schunke, presented each service man with a very nice wallet. The recipients said a few words, thanking the people for their kindness.
Items were given by the local boys and girls, and to conclude the evening dancing was enjoyed. [Ref: Northern Argus Thursday 8-11-1945]
*Mintaro 29 September CWA Opening
To celebrate the formation of a CWA Branch in Mintaro, the Manoora ladies were invited to show some of their handicraft efforts.
About 35 ladies were present and the Mintaro President, Mrs S Schunke presided.
Afternoon tea was enjoyed by all those present.
Twenty seven Mintaro ladies joined the CWA.
Next CWA meeting Wednesday October 6. [Ref: Northern Argus 30-9-1948]
*A large slate plaque on the former council chambers is dedicated to the commemoration of the Jubilee 150 Re-enactment of the Bullock and Mule Teams which travelled the Gulf Road, carting copper ore from Burra through Mintaro to Port Wakefield from 1849 to 1857. It was unveiled by Mr K A Sandow 18 October 1986.
*Mintaro Institute was extensively renovated in 1988.
An Australian Bicentenary slate plaque on the Mintaro Institute building states it was opened by Mr E M Mitchell on 5 March 1988 after renovations made possible by the Commonwealth Bicentennial Authority.