South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900)(about) |
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Saturday 3 September 1853
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THE DINNER.
At 6 p.m. the company sat down to a really hand some dinner at Gollan's old house ; one that did credit to the new host and lately-wedded hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Hooper ; indeed it would have claimed a place with the
best agricultural spreads many of the 'auld houses at home.' Daniel Ferguson, Esq., occupied the chair. The cloth having been removed, the Chairman pro posed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were received with due honours. The Chairman then gave the health of the Governor, who deserved the highest praise for his endeavours to promote the cause of agriculture. The names of the successful competitors were then read, and the prizes distributed. The prize for the best plough was given to one made by Mr. Robt. Law, Shuttleston, near Glasgow. Men's Frizes. First prize, No. 7 Matthew Rankin £5 5 0 Second No. 5 John Stark, 4 4 0 Third No. 3 Charles Stringer 3 3 0 Fourth No. 2 Matthew Linn 2 2 0 Fifth No. 4 Wm. Freeman 110 Best plough, belonging to Mr. Bowman, £2 2s. Boys' Prize. First prize, No. 11 John Rankin £2 2 0 Second No. 12 Hugh M'Clean J 11 6 Third No. 10 James Miller 110 Some remarks having been made showing dissatis faction with the decisions, Mr. Linn called upon the Secretary to read the rules, which was accordingly done, with some very judicious remarks from the Secretary. Mr. Linn then said he was quite satisfied, as there appeared to be no ground for the objections made. Mr. Umpherstone made some very judicious and practical remarks on ploughing, which seemed to si lence entirely all remarks of the objectors. Mr. Dawson proposed the health of the Judges, and in doing so gave the discontented some very hard hits in a good-humoured style, which tended to restore the good humour that had been for a short while threatened with interruption. Mr. Umpherstone, in returning thanks for the Judges, said that it was indeed difficult to please all parties ; but the rule which he had always followed, and always should follow if ever he should again consent to act as judge, was to do what he thought right, irrespective of consequences. The remarks made by the Judges in the distribution of the prizes were intended to be a kind of guide to the competitors, in order that they might know what were the grounds on which the Judges gave their opinion. He then proceeded to remark on the ne cessity of some improvement in the ploughs, in order that they might have a good cut. Mr. Bowman proposed the health of the Successful Competitors. Mr. Matthew Rankin, jun., the first prizeman, re turned thanks. Mr. Stark proposed the health of the Unsuccessful Competitors, who, he had no doubt, were making up their minds to carry away the prizes next year. (A laugh.) Mr. Blue, the Secretary, proposed the Agricultural Interest and the Farmers of Strathalbyn. Mr. James Dawson returned thanks in a speech highly characteristic of an old farmer, which called forth much approving mirth. Mr. Dawson, sen., though rather out of time, persisted in drinking, much to the amusement of the meeting, the health of the Chairman. The Chairman, in returning thanks, said he had been called upon to do a double duty; he was, however, always ready to make himself useful in the cause of agriculture. (Cheers.) Mr. Blue proposed the Success of the Pastoral In- terests, and in connection with it the name of Duncan Cameron, Esq., a gentleman valued for his homely pre tensions and sterling worth. Mr. Duncan Cameron returned thanks. Mr. Umpherstone proposed Lady Young and the Ladies of South Australia ; and in doing so alluded to the progress made in the agricultural interest since that time two years, and to two steamers being at that time on the Murray. Mr. Linn returned thanks in a neat and appropriate speech. Mr. Linn then followed his speech with the excellent song of ' My ain Fireside.' Mr. Umpherstone said, in the midst of all their drinking, they must not forget the health of one who was the life of Strathalbyn when in it, Mr. Gollan. Mr. Robert Jones returned thanks for his absent friend, Mr. Gollan. Mr. James Dawson favoured the company with the favourite old air of ' The Maid of Llangollen.' The Chairman gave — Success to the Press of South Australia, particularly to the Observer, the organ of the agriculturists. Mr. Stark proposed the health of the Strangers, old and young. Mr. Linn returned thanks. We regret to add that the harmony of the evening was interrupted by the conduct of an individual whose duty it was rather to have aided the excellent Chairman in promoting the convivialities of the occa sion, than by his conduct and language to have obliged him to vacate the Chair. ' Several tolerably good songs were introduced, and amongst others our very ancient friend, ' He's a jolly good fellow,' was of not unfrequent occurrence.