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LAYING THE FOUNDATION-8TONE OF
THE MOUNT BARKER INSTITUTE.
The inhabitants of Mount Backer, like those
of many other places throughout the colony,
have given evidence of the increased interest
which is being felt in the cause of educa
tion. Finding the old Institute insufficient for
their wauls, they have taken energetic and
successful means of obtaining a commodious
building and supplying it with the requisite
materials for the mental improvement and grati
fication of the inhabitants of the town and sur
rounding district. As early as 1856 the nucleus
of an Institute was formed by a few residents
clubbing together and purchasing a few books,
which were kept in a small room in the house
of Mr. Bollen, in Gawler-street, to which the
public were allowed access. ▲ few years after
wards a move was made to Mr. Kemp's premises,
where a struggling existence was with difficulty
maintained for some time. In September, 1864,
a fresh start was made through the efforts
of several influential residents. The little
library was transferred to a room rented
from Mr. W. Chapman, who undertook
the duties of Librarian, and since _ that time,
in spite of many old supporters having left the
district, it has gradually progressed. There are
now from 700 to 800 volumes in the library,
including several valuable books of reference, as
well as a good assortment of newspapers and
periodicals. The subscribers number over 100,
and the reading-room is now so largely patro
nised that the accommodation is quite insuffi
cient. About six months ago the necessity of
providing further conveniences was recognised
by a number of those interested in educational
matters, and a Committee was formed to con
sider the best way to get the want supplied.
Negotiations were entered into, which resulted
in the purchase of the piece of land on which the
new building is to be erected, situate in a
central and prominent position in Gawler-street,
being the corner block opposite the Mount Barker
Hotel.The Committee went vigorously to work,
and succeeded in collecting £500, including
£100 presented by the Hon. J. Dunn, M.L.C.,
and a handsome donation from Professor
Qolloway, of London, per Mr. A. W. Rich
ardson, an active member of the Committee.
An application to Parliament, made by Mr. J. G.
Ramsay, M.P., resulted in a vote of £800 on the
usual conditions. As the total cost, including
furniture, is estimated to be about £*2,000,
considerable effort will still be required to raise
the full amount needed. Owing to the limited
space hitherto available, not many recent pur
chases of books have been made; but it is con
templated on removal to the new Institute to
thoroughly replenish the library, so as to render
it as useful and attractive as possible. The hall
is to be completed by the beginning of March,
so as to be available for a bazaar in connection
with the annual Show. The contract time for
the remainder to be finished is April next.
On Friday, December 11, the day appointed
for laying the foundation-stone, an unusual
number of visitors from Adelaide and the
country surrounding gave the usually quiet
township of Mount Barker quite a holiday
aspect. The shops were closed, and flags were
displayed in all directions. The weather was all
that could be desired, the sun shining with a
warmth that the cold breeze made quite wel
come, while the rain of the previous night
effectually prevented the annoyance of dust.
As some of the officials connected with the
Institute belong to the Freemasons, the Grand
Lodge of that mystic body extended their
patronage to the affair, and mustered ins trong
force. The formal proceedings of the day began
by the children of the town and district
assembling at the Show ground, and marching
thence to the residence of the Hon. J. Dunn,
where refreshments were provided for them.
Afterwards they went through the township iu
procession to the site of the new building. The
girls were here accommodated on a platform,
with tiers of seats specially arranged for the
occasion. Subsequently the Grand Lodge of
Freemasons, with representatives from other
Masonic Lodges, and the Friendly Societies
in their respective regalia, numbering in
all between two and three hundred,
formed into procession in front of the Oak field
Hotel, and marched thence to the scene of the
ceremony, headed by Sciirador's Band. Upon
anival Mr. Dunn, on behalf of the Committee,
requested Mr. Hardy to lay the foundation-stone,
which he consented to do, and before proceeding
further called upon the District Grand Chaplain
to offer prayer. The Rev. H. Bead, D.G.U.,
then offered a short prayer. Mr. H. C. Mais,
District Grand Superintendent of Works, then
handed the plans to the District Grand Master,
who approved of them, and requested the
architect to be guided by them in carrying out
the work. The Hod. T, English said it would
afford him great pleasure to comply with that
request. He trusted the work would be com
pleted to the D.G.M.'s satisfaction. At the
request of the D.G.M. the Deputy Graud
Stcietary, Mr. R. E. Lucy, read the
document to be deposited under the
stone, which, among other things, said: —
The Trustees are the Hon. J. Dunn, M.L.O.,
Messrs. J. G. Ramsay, M.P., Thos. Paltridge,
J.P., A. W. Richardson, and Wm. Barker. The
Building Committee consist of the Hon. J.
Duun, and Messrs. J. G. Ramsay, T. Paltridge,
W. H. Dunn, J.P., W. G. McCullagh, S.M., L.
von Doussa, A. W. Richardson, Win. Barker, T.
H. Stephenson, R. McKeuzie, Dr. Weld, and
Rev. E. J. Henderson; Mr. L. von Doussa is
Hon. Secretary; the Architect the Hon. T.
English, and the Contractor Mr. R. Trenouth.
Enclosed were copies of the Register, Advertiser,
Southern Argus, current coins of the realm, and
a sample of the prize wheat of the last Mount
Barker Show, weighing 67 lbs. 11 ozs. per
bushel. Mr. T. Paltridge then hauded a silver
trowel to the Grand Master, who proceeded to
prepare the mortar for the stone, which was
thereupon lowered to its place. At the request
of the D.G.M., the Deputy Senior and Junior
Wardens, Mr. H. E. Downer and Mr. Justice
Gwjnne and Mr. F. Wieksteed applied their
jewels of office, the square, the level, and
the plumb respectively to the stone,
and pronounced the result satisfactory.
The Grand Master completed the work
by striking the stone three times with
the mallet and said, " I declare this stone well
laid, true, and trusty. Upon this foundation
may a superstructure arise perfect in itself and
honourable to the builders." The Grand Chap
lain implored the blessing of the Great Archi
tect of the Universe, after which the three
Worthy Masters approached with corn, wine,
and oil. The Grand Master said, " I scatter
this corn upon the stone as the emblem of plenty,
and may the blessing of Heaveu rest upon this
work and upon us. I pour wine upon tais stone
as an emblem of gladness; may our hearts be
filled with thankfulness. I pour this oil upon
the stone as an emblem of peace and goodwill;
may brotherly love and friendship reign
throughout the world." The Grand Chap
lain offered thanks, Mr. T. Paltridge, J.P.,
on behalf of the Committee, presented the
silver trowel to Mr. Hardy, which he accepted,
stating that he had pleasure in assisting on such
occasions, and should treasure the trowel as a
memento. He then invited the District Grand
Senior Warden to address the company. His
Hcnor Mr. Justice G wynne, standing on the
stone, said be was pleased to have tbe oppor
tunity of saying a few words. He hoped the
masons would not think they were unduly inter
fering with their province. They used the same
implements, but they applied them to a very
different purpose. Thev applied them to educa
tion and the mind. The level taught ttiem if
placed by accident in higher positions than
others not to look upon them with uncharitable
ness. The level was an emblem of equality.
In the plumb they werere minded of the
balance of justice; and the square was a
reminder that it was their duty to act fairly to
their brethren and all mankind, and in fact
go "upon the square." They had seen the
honoured custom of sprinkling the corn and
wine and oil. That was commenced at the
building of Solomon's temple, when, as was
recorded in Holy Writ, Solomon sent for large
supplies of corn and wine and oil for the sup
port of those employed in that work. Tney
brought it here merely as emblematical. He
wished them plenty and prosperity. The struc
ture was intended for the purposes of educa
tion. He agreed that the question, of educa
tion was one of the most important of social
and political problems of the day. The
education of the people was one of the
weightiest responsibilities God had placed in
the hands of Governments. He did not mean
by education simply reading, writing, and
arithmetic, but something infinitely beyond that.
He would have the rising generation educated
at auy rate in the elements of scientific know
ledge—say geology, chemistry, and political
economy; and though he would not expect thein
all to become proficient, he thought they might
easily master the broad principles and learn to
think independently. It was a great thing that
the rbirg youth should ask upon what fouuda
tion were tnings based, and be able the nisei res to
investigate the reasons of things. How it was to
be done was not for him to say. Should the
Government introduce teachers from home?
The mere salaries to be paid was not a thing to
be mentioned. He thought it would be well,
with Institutes growing up in all parts, that some
steps should be taken to afford e ucation, per
haps, by scientific lecturers. At any rate, the
improvement of the education of the people was
an object of the first importance, and he trusted
the people in this neighbourhood would use all
their best endeavours to bring it about.
A number of young ladies then placed flowers
upon the stone, after which soma mora weighty
contributions were also received. Cheers were
given for the Queen tnd Royal Family, end far
Sir. Hardy, who acknowledged the compliment,1
Dr. Pert was the District; Grand Master of Qece*
monies. Mama of an appropriate character was
played at intervals by the Band.
The following is a description of the new
building:—It will have a frontage to the main
street SO feet wide by 85 feet high, and in
the Italian style of architecture, having
pilasters with enriched capitals surmounted
with an enriched entablature, bold cornice, and
open parapet. The principal entrance Is by a
handsome deeply-recessed doorway ornamented
with columns and pilasters. The windows are
double mullioned, with segment and circular
heads, ornamental pilasters, and trusses. The
cornices and other dressings are to be
executed In Portland oement, the walls are
to be rubble stone in square random blocks,
good material being obtainable in the
locality. The ground-floor of the front
portion of the building will contain entrance
hall 10 feet wide, library 17 x 16 feet, waiting*
room 16 x 12. These rooms are 13 feet high.
There is also a ode entrance to the hall and
staircase nine feet wide. The upper storey is
divided into committee-room 26 ft. 6 in. x 16
feet and 14 feet high, and a class room 17 ft. 6
in. x 11 ft. 6 in., and entrance to the future
gallery and public halL The latter will be 50
x £2 feet with a height of 21 feet 6 inches. It
is lighted by three circnlar-headed windows on
each aide, finished with ornamental dress*
ings. The ball will be ornamented with
a bold and enriched cornice with recess at the
back end with enriched mouldings and brackets.
Provision is made for future extension at the
rear by erection of proscenium and retiring*
rooms, and gallery at the front end. The archi
tect is the Hon. Thoa. English, under whose
superintendence the work is to be carried out;
Messrs. R. C. Trenouth & Wo. Dick being the
contractors. The amount of (he contract is
£1,505. The whole of the foundations are in,
and the work will now be quickly proceeded
with.
THE DINNER,
At 5 p.m. about 90 persons dined at the
Assembly Rooms, Mount Barker Hotel. The
Hon. J. Dunn, M.L.C., presided, supported on
^ uugu« euy^vi wu vu
either side Sy the Hons.* H. E. Bright (Commis
" T. English, M.L.C.,
sioaer of Public Works) and T.
and Rev. H. Read, with Messrs. l£ C. Mais, Al
Hardy, and others. Mr. T. Paltridge, J.P.,
occupied the vice-chair, with Messrs. J. G.
Ramsay, M.P., and L. von Doussa on either
side. Several visitors left at an early stage of
the proceedings. The usual|loyal toasts having
been duly honoured.
Mr. C. Balk, J.P,, gave "The Parliament,"
coupled, lie understood, with the Ministry. He
regretted that the member of the Government
who had been present had thought fit to go
away, and as in his absence it would not be
advisable to say much, he would briefly
state that he could give the Ministry
credit for having done their best for
the welfare and progress of the colony.
The Parliament itself was going to be dis
solved, and perhaps he ought to follow the old
Latin saying, "lie mortuis nil riiii bonum."
(Laughter.) Hon. members were about to
return to their constituencies, and that part of
the Legislature which we called the " popular"
one would have to give an account of their
stewardships, and would then be told how they
had fulfilled their duties. He believed the
greater number of hon. members had exerted
themselves to the utmost to benefit colonial
interests; and even if they had not altogether
succeeded it should be remembered that great
impediments had been thrown in the way.
(Hear.) He hoped that in the larger and more
representative House to be returned at the next
election all public questions would receive a
thorough ventilation.
The Hon. T. JEkglbsh, in responding, re
marked that although he was not returning
thanks for the " popular" branch of the Legis
lature just referred to, still at the same time he
thought they would all have reason to say and
feel and acknowledge that they might thank
God that there was a Legislative Council—
(Hear, hear)—because, whether they were con
servative or not, he asserted, and they must
admit, that it gave a better opportunity when
any question of vital importance came on for its
second and full consideration. (Hear, hear.)
It mieht be said jocularly that the Council was
obstructive, but it would never be said sincerely.
(Applause.) He was sure that the Council as at
prer.ent constituted had the best interests of the
colony at heart, and no doubt that body would
have opportunities of showing that in the
future.
Mr. J. G. Ramsay replied for the House of
Assembly, remarking that Parliament was like
all human beings and institutions—imperfect—
and their actions were necessarily often so; still
they did a great deal of good. (Hear, hear.)
The good preponderated at any rate, and if
that even were not the case they would in a
short time have an opportunity of arriving at
that state of perfection which all desired aud
few got.
Mr. H. 35. Downeh proposed " Success to the
1 Mount Barker Institute," and thought it required
no word of his to induce them to join very
heartily in drinking what might be termed the
toast of the programme. The circulation of
useful books tended to disseminate a large
amount of valuable knowledge, the influence of
which would be felt in all classes, not only as
regarded personal information and the great
benefit individually received from it, but because
the more extended intellectual power was and
I the more it was cultivated the better for the
general welfare of the country and its represen
tation in Councils or Parliament, They found
that men whose views were enlarged by the great
advantages of education could not help exer
cising a very useful influence over all matters
connected with the State, and therefore
one could not help feeling a great
amount of pleasure in seeing the stronghold
which Institutes were taking throughout the
length and breadth of the land. (Hear, hear.)
tie was sure that all, and especially those who,
like himself, were wholly or almost wholly Aus
tralians, would feel an immense amount of
pleasure in noting that Institutes—calculated to
do so much good—were starting up in every
part of the colony. He hoped that when the
Mount Barker Institute was finished they would
find that it realized all that was now expected of
it, and that it would not simply last a day and
receive support for a short time, but that the
residents would understand that the longer the
Institute was kept upon a proper footing and
the more actively it was supported, the better
for the people of the district. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. Ramsay returned thanks, mentioning that
au excellent beginning had been made, and ex
pressing a hope that the institution would in
future be as prosperous as present circumstances
seemed to promise.
Mr. Jas. Johnston give "The Architect,"
and in reply
The Hon. T. English said he had provided
the most convenient erection he could fcr the
money at hand, and had studied, first strength,
then commodiousness, and lastly ornamentation.
He then proposed the contractor, Mr.
R. C. Trenoutb, referring to the satisfactory
way in which he had just completed the
Strathalbyn Institute as a guarantee that
the Mount Marker Institute would be equally
well constructed.
Mr. Tbenouth replied in suitable terms,
saying that he would leave his buildings to speak
fpr themselves, (Applause.)
Several other toasts followed, aud the pro
ceedings, which had been somewhat curtailed
owing to the want of time, then terminated.
An individual with glowing eyes and fearless
mien, after the edibles had been removed,
stationed himself near the Chairman, and made
himself "generally useful," occasionally acting
voluntarily as spokesman for that gentleman.
He rejoiced in the expressive sembriqutl of
"The Aldg&te pump," and was evidently no
strarger.
In the evening a musical and literary enter
tainment took place.
Colonial Abt.—At the Gallery of Art con
nected with the Melbourne Photographic Rooms,
Rundle-stroet, we bare been shown several
i beautiful representations of Australian and
other scenes executed in oil by colonial artists,
! and lately received from Victoria. A large
picture by the familiar hand of Mr. J. W.
Curtis at once attracts the eye owing to its
excellence. What was once a noble ves.ol lies
shattered and helpless on a coral reef, amidst a
wild waste of waters that seem restlessly
eager to complete the sad scene which the
pitiless winds and ragged reefs have begun,
dark threatening cleuds casting an ominous
shade over the gloomy sea, with here and there
a foam-topped wave, are in admirable keeping
with the tale mutely told by the painted canvas.
" Sundown" is a truly Australian scene, with
the tail stately gums grouped in mid-distance,
a golden gleaming sky beyond, and over the
whole that peculiar dusty-looking softened glaro
that always follows on the heels of one of our
midsummer days. Auother fine picture, entitled
" Woodlands," describes itself, and is well worth
inspection, as are many others of a similar
nature. The promoters of the exhibition deserve
support for their praiseworthy endeavours to
foster a love for art and encourage colonial
artists, many of whom, though possessing talent,
have been too long allowed to remain in com
parative obscurity.
The Poet Lighthouse.—We understand that
the new Sight for the Port Adelaide Lighthouse
bar arrived by the Garnock, and that ovary
effort will he made to erect it by the beginning
of the new year. The present light is to be
removed to Gleselg, where accommodation has
already been provided for it.
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