Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Friday 17 June 1898, page 42


WILLIAMS AGRICULTURAL

3 HALL.

' . OPENING CEEEMONY.

Mr. P. H. Piesse (Director of Public Works) ou June 1 declared the Agricultural Hall at tbe Williams open. Great preparations had been mada by the local committee and a large gathering took place/ notwithstanding the unpropitious weather, visitors being present from Narrogin, Wagin and Katanning, as well as from all parts of the district.

At 6 o'clock a banquet was held, presided over by Mr. Gr. S. P. Cowcher, J.P. Afte:full justice had been done to the gooc. things provided, a list of toasts was sub-

mitted.

After the loyal toast had been duly honoured, the health of the Ministry, coupled with the name of Mr. Piesse, was proposed by Mi'. Quinn, ene of the oldest

settlers of the district.

In reply. Mr. Piesse, who was most cor-dially received, expressed the pleasure it gave kim to be present and congratulated the committee upon the good work they had dene, in erecting such a substantial and commodious building- at such a small cost, namely, the £250 granted by Parlia-ment. Ho hoped it would afford facilities for the social and intellectual advance-ment of the district. The hali, he said, compared favourably with those erected ir. other parts of the colony. Th» question of the proposed railway from Pinjarrah to Marradong was mentioned by Mr. Piesse and though there were some expressions of dissatisfaction and impatience in the meet-ing he assured those present that the surreys had only just been concluded, and in consequence of the difficulty in connection with the character of the country much care had to be exercised in selecting the best route. Instances wer* cited whore it was shown that delays foi the purpose of making further inquiries bad been the means of saving very large amounts in the ultimate cost of the construction as well as in sub-sequent maintenance of the work. He promised that the matter would re-ceive full consideration as soon as the par-ticulars which were now being prepared

for him came to hand.

Other toasts followed, after which a ball was given, when dancing continued to the small hours of the morning.