South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), Tuesday 8 May 1855, page 3


KOORINGA.— FAREWELL DINNER TO MR.PAXTON.

On Wednesday, the 2nd instant, Mr. Paxton. was entertained at a farewell dinner by the principal inhabitants of Kooringa. .It was served at the Burra Hotel in Mr. Barker's best style, and about 50 gentlemen assembled

to do honour to a gentleman so well known and so much respected, whose intended departure for England will deprive the colony of one of its most enterprising settlers. Dr. Mayne took the chair at 7 o'clock. On his right were the guest of the evening, Mr. Jaffrey, a brother Directo, Captain Roach, the Superintendent of the Mine, &c. ; and on his left Messrs. G. S. Kingston, M.L.C., and John Morphett, M.L.C., Directors; Henry Ayers, Secretary to the Mining Association, &c. There were also present, besides the residents of Kooringa, Messrs. John Newman, Henry Noltenius, G. H. Fox, and several other gentlemen from Adelaide. The company having done ample justice to the excellent provision for which the Burra Hotel is so favourably known, the Chairman pro-posed in succession the healths of Her Majesty, Prince Albert and the Royal Family, and His Excellency the Acting Governor, all of which were right loyally ho-noured and followed by a song from Mr. C. Ware 'Merrily rolls the millstream o'er.' The next toast was heartily received— 'The Army and Navy;' and Mr. Barker's appropriate song, 'Hearts of Oak,' elicited much applause. Mr. Challoner then rose, and said it was his pleasing duty to propose the health of a gentleman who was about leaving them. He believed they all knew him as a large holder of property at Kooringa ; he had done much for the interests of their township ; he had always exerted himself to encourage the sports of the colony, and was for a considerable time owner of the well-known racehorse Highflyer. He trusted they would all heartily respond to the toast of 'William Paxton, Esq., Guest of the Evening,' at the same time wishing him and his family a happy and pleasant voyage to England, Drunk with much enthusiasm. Song by Mr. Robert Cowper— 'The Greenwood Tree.' Mr. Paxton, in an appropriate speech, returned thanks. He considered himself greatly honoured in attending there the guest of so many friends. He was proud of

being able to say that he had been connected with the Burra Mine from its commencement. He saw the first pick struck, and had since then noted its onward and steady progression; and he could confidently assert, that had it not been for the Burra Burra Mine, South Aus-tralia would not have stood in the position she does at the present moment. He did not take credit to himself for what he had done for the Burra, as he had done it to benefit himself as well as others. He could only say that on his arrival in England any friend from South Australia would meet from him a hearty welcome. Mr. Powell proposed ' The Burra Directors,' testify-ing to the good they had done. They had gone on the broad principle of ' Live and let live,' and done all in their power to push the interests of the colony. Indeed, he fully believed that they had been instrumental in saving the colony. Mr. J. Morphett returned thanks. Song, by Mr. J. Newman— ' The Bonnie English Rose. Mr. J. Newman, in a few words, proposed 'The Health of Captain Henry Roach,', alluding to the pleasant manner in which the Directors and Captain Roach acted as one and one. Song by Captain Matthews— 'The Ivy Green.' Captain Roach returned thanks. The working was happily again commenced, and had reached the 50fathom level. He was much pleased at being able to say that the prospects of the mine were as good as its warmest friend could desire. Song by Mr. Pearce—' The Gipsy King.' Mr. Edlin proposed 'The Health of the Ladies; or rather, instead of 'the ladies,' he would say 'lovely woman.' : ? , Inspector Gardiner, on behalf of the ladies generally, returned thanks. The Chairman, in proposing 'Mr. Ayers's Health,' spoke of him in the highest terms. Many might have known Mr. Ayers longer and better than he had done but none could appreciate him more. Mr. Ayers returned thanks. He certainly was taken by surprise at the kind manner in which his health had been drunk. He was glad that his services were appre-ciated, and trusted that the result of the mine would long continue to be good. Song by Mr. Ware— 'Tho Maids of Merry England.' Mr. Paxton gave 'The Health of the Hon. Member for the Burra Burra, Mr. G. S. Kingston.' (Cheers.) Mr. Ayers then sung— 'The Song of the Monster Mine, ' which was unanimously encored. Mr. Kingston returned thanks. He believed he had stuck to what he had stated on the hustings, and should

always consider himself bound in every way to promote the interests of the Burra. Mr. Powell, in proposing ' The Health of Mr. Chal-loner,' spoke of his praiseworthy efforts to do good at the Burra, and felt sure that he was respected by every inhabitant. Song by Mr. Ware— 'Oh, if I had a thousand a year.' Mr. Challoner having returned thanks, Mr. G. H. Fox, in an eloquent speech, proposed 'The Health of the Chairman,' and felt thankful, as he be-lieved every one present did, for the efficient manner in which he discharged his duties. Song by Mr. George Bennett. The Chairman, having returned thanks, several gen-tlemen retired, but harmony was kept up till the dawn of day. The Burra Burra. Mines.— The Directors arrived at Kooringa on Wednesday, and the next day inspected the mines. All is going on favourably, and the miners are making very good wages. The Smelting Works.— Within the last five weeks more than 200 tons of capper ore have been smelted and refined. About 20 men are employed in this department, and the ore continues to be verv rich.