Wed 15 Nov 1873, The Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal (Port Wallaroo, SA : 1865 - 1881)

On Sunday a new Bible Christian Church, recently erected on Boor's Plains, was opened, the Rev W. Wilson preaching in the morning, and a Rev. gentleman from Port Wakefield in the afternoon and evening. There will be a tea meeting this afternoon to be followed by a public meeting at which addresses will be delivered by several ministers and friends.

INCENDIARISM.

Sat 21 Aug 1875, Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 - 1904)

A fire occurred at the wooisheds, Boors Plains, between the evening of Monday, the 10th, and Tuesday morning, the 11th inst., which was evidently the work of an incendiary. When the run was resumed by the Government, Captain Hughes, the previous lessee, applied for permission to use the shed annually for shearing purposes, which concession was granted on the grounds that the applicant had been and still is a large contributor to the revenue of the colony, as well as that the land surrounding these improvements had not been surveyed, and consequently was unsold, so that Captain Hughes could not obtain their value, according to the Government assessment, until the land should have been taken for agricultural purposes. It has therefore been the custom of Captain Hughes for many years to send his sheep at every shearing season from the Tipara run to Boor's Plains to be shorn, on account of the accommodation there, as well as because of other conveniences. To this the settlers around Boor's Plains have taken exception, on the ground that the "people's grass" was being annually eaten up by the sheep travelling to and from that place; and about four years since a memorial was forwarded petitioning the Government to disallow the practice, as being detrimental to their interests and encroaching upon their rights. Of this there was little or no notice taken, and as a more effectual remedy, some person or persons unknown have thought it advisable to take the case into their own hands, and set fire to the premises. On visiting the scene there were unmistakable proofs that the fire was not toe result of an accident, as the perpetrators were not only bent upon destroying the woolshed, but the kitchen and men's sleeeplng department also, which are situated a few chains south of the former. Here a fire was kindled in one of the corners, inside the sleeping room, underneath one of the bunks, and against tbe pine uprights ; but either the rascals were disturbed or alarmed at seeing the conflagration at the shed if they failed in their attempt upon the kitchen.

An inquest was held on Saturday in the Court House, Kadina, P. W. Gurner, J. P., acting as Coroner, and Mr. T. Peattie as Foreman.

John Walker, farmer, Boor's Plains, deposed —On Tuesday, about half-past 2 o'clock, as I came past the woolsheds, I saw the fire, but did not go near. Told Mr. Mclntyre that the woolshed was burned down. Did not see any person about the place. Thought that some person had set fire to it but did not know. Live two miles from the place. Have beard that a memorial was to be sent in to Government that the woolshed should not be occupied as a woolshed. Do not need to go near the place to reach Kadina. The matter was not brought under my notice until my wife called my attention to it, as we were coming into Kadina. My wife alone came with me.

Jasper Monkhouse, farmer, Boor's Plains, said—On Tuesday morning I went to Iook for horses and saw that the woolshed was on fire about 8 o'clock. Did not see any person near.

Have never heard any person threaten to set fire to it. Live one mile from the shed. I have never seen any travellers camping, near the place. When I saw the fire the shed was burned down. Have no suspicion of any person. The first person I informed was Mr. Mclntyre. I returned home on Monday about sundown, after looking for my horses. Neither saw nor met any person at that hour. There was no appearance of fire then. Have been living at my place twelve months. Never heard any person complain about Mr. Hughes's sheep coming there every year. Was never asked to sign a memorial relative to the matter. Never heard any person express an opinion that the shed should be done away with. Am of opinion that the shed should be done away with, and that the shed was set on fire by some person.

William Tremberth, farmer, Boor's Plains, stated—I came into Kadina about 4 o'clock on Monday afternoon, and did not see anything of the fire. Passed about 500 yards from the shed on going home and did not see any signs of fire. This was about half-past 11 o'clock. Did not meet any person near. On Tuesday morning about 11 o'clock my brother John told me that the shed was burned down. I passed about 12 o'clock and saw that the shed was burned. My brother was cutting timber on Tuesday near the railway. Knew nothing about the fire. Have heard several persons complain about Mr. Hughes's sheep coming there. Have never heard any person say that it would be a good job if the shed was taken away. Have been reading on Boor's Plains over four years. Have heard of a memorial to prevent Mr. Hughes's sheep coming to the shed. Did not sign, as it did not matter to me whether the sheep came. Saw some blackfellows pass on Tuesday.

Edward McEutire, Crown Lands Ranger, deposed—On Tuesday I received information that the shed was burned down, and on Wednesday found the shed burned to the ground. Everything was destroyed that the fire could reach. Returned to Kadina, and informed the Surveyor-General. In the course of the day I received a telegram instructing me to cause an enquiry to be made. On Wednesday afternoon I went again, with a view of obtaining information respecting the origin of the fire. Did not obtain much information. Did not visit the huts. I have this day seen the huts, and there has evidently been an attempt to burn them down. Have heard once that it was a good job it was burned down, from some parties, and they have used some very insulting language referring to Mr. Hughes and family. Have no suspicion of any particular person, but am firmly of opinion that the shed was set fire to by some person or persons who want the feed.

The verdict was—"We are of opinion that the place known as the Woolshed, Boor's Plains, was wilfully and maliciously set on fire by some person or persons unknown on the evening of August 10 or on the morning of August 11 last."

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RIFLE SHOOTING IN ENGLAND.

Wed 1 Nov 1916, The Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954)

Writing from England under date of September 15, Private W. J. Mitchell, son of Mr Jas. Mitchell, Boors Plains, says:—

•• Your third letter to hand on the 10th inst., and was pleased to learn that all hands were quite well, as all of us boys are. At present we are training hard and the work is very interesting, especially the rifle shooting, as we have to go through many ranges and some very rapid practices. I am the top notcher in to day's shooting of 200 men. I am enclosing a copy of to day's in this letter, to show you what can be done with practice. Well, we had a trip to the mighty London for four days and, well, I can hardly describe the time that was spent, there was so much to see and so many places of interest that one was like a whirlwind. The Australian troops are very popular In London, and we get a very warm welcome from all we come in contact with. In fact, a fellow feels quite flattered, and he may get proud if he stayed in the Old Country long. I have posted some post cards of different places to you. On some you will notice the set of pictures of the tower of London, which interested me so much. It takes quite two hours to go and look through this tower, and it brings back the history that school days rammed in our heads. I will not try and describe anything, as it will take too long, but if we are fortunate enough to get back to you again there will be many interesting stories to tell. We also visited Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Palace, Zoological Gardens, and a host of other places. The jewels at the tower were very fine, especially the crown of our present King. We had a couple of evenings at the best theatre in the heart of London. The bus fares are very cheap. One can go about the city and have quite half an hour for 3d. The fares are as low as .5d for half a mile ride. The underground railways are good and cheap, and the moving steps like the treadle of a horse winnower used to amuse us. There are plenty of wounded Australian officers and men moving about the streets. Some are belted out of shape a bit. It seems a pity that things like this happen, but it cannot be helped. One day this week Sir John French interviewed the Australian camps, and he was very much impressed with the appearanee and physique of the troops. He said if we were made of the same material as the Gallipoli heroes (which he was' satisfied we were) we would go through the enemy's lines in the West. Acconling to news from the front, the Germans are being hard pressed, and when they, see the flash of steel from our boys they are terrified. I must state that Clarry and myself, Bob, George Higgs, and Gill Penna have been selected for the first draft to go to France. I do not know when we are going, but it will probably be next week. We are all anxious to go, and are in the best of health. I will send another cable home when we get the correct date of our departure for the Sring line. Anyhow, you folk must not worry about us, as we will take all the care that a soldier can take, and if we are unlucky enough to get hit, that is a soldier's misfortune. When oar officer called for volunteers one hundred stepped out, and he selected 63 and told the rest they had to go a week later. The weather is getting a bit cold again, and all the fields and road-sides are nice and green. Walter Jacob is stationed about a mile away, and we often visit each other. We had to walk to and back from the station when we went to London, but it is only five miles. One gets quite used to the soldiers' short walks. I was only thinking to-day how the soldier boys will get on when peace Is proclaimed, I suppose they will always walk. I was pleased to hear of the splendid rains you have had and hope the crops will turn out will. I get plenty of news from Australia every mail, and it takes all my spare time answering correspondence. When we get to France our time will be limited, and we will only be able to send post cards and short letters. I hope you all keep in good health. The following are details of my shooting to day. Of course, we get any rifle and no wind gauges, and had to use our own judgment;- shots at 200 yards (own time), 3 bulls, 2 loners ; 5 shots at 300 yards (own time), 3 balls, 2 Inners; 200 yards (10 shots in 40 seconds), 7 balls, 2 inners, 1 magpie ; 300 yards (15 shots in 60 seconds). 3 bulls, 8 inners, 3 magpies, I outer. We had 45 seconds to fire the 10 shots, but I got them off in 40, and hit the figure-head seven times. If it were a German he weald have closed his eyes. I was interviewed by an English officer, and felt quite proud when he said it was the best rapid collective fire he had seen on the range.

Wed 6 Dec 1916, The Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954)

Personal.—Mr J. Mitchell, of Boor's Plains, was advised on Tuesday by the Defence Department that his son, William Mitchell, had been wounded. It is only a few days since Mr Mitchell received a similar message concerning his son Clarrie.

Fri 11 Jan 1918, Yorke's Peninsula Advertiser (SA : 1878 - 1922)

Mr and Mrs J. Mitchell, of Boors' Plains, have received a letter from their son, Sergt W. J. Mitchell, that he had been gassed on the 30th October, and was in an hospital in France. In a letter written on the 16th November, he says that he has recovered his sight, and that his voice is returning. Pvte. G R. Mitchell (another son) has rejoined his battalion in France, after several months in England as the result of wounds received in Match last.

Sat 28 Sep 1918, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954)

Sergeant W. J. MITCHELL, 27th Battalion, was killed in action on August 29. He was born at Boors Plains, near Kadina, 31 years ago, and was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. James Mitchell. He had lived in the district practically all his life, except for four years at Parilla share-farming. He enlisted early in 1916, and sailed in June. He was wounded on November 5 at Flers, and was gassed in November, 1917, but joined up again after three months. Private C. R. Mitchell, his brother, is in hospital in England, wounded for the third time.

Sat 26 Jul 1919, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954)

At Boor's Plains on July 18 the Rev, J. O, Hughes unveiled a marble tablet on the wall of the Boors Plains Methodist Church in memory
Of Sergeant W. J. Mitchell, Lance-Corporal J, A Corney, and Private H. A. Crabbe, each of whom was connected with the Sunday-school.

CHAFFCUTTING ACCIDENT.

Thu 6 Mar 1919, The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929)

KADINA, March 5 - While Mr. W. N. Cross, farmer, of Boor's Plains, near Kadina, was chaffcutting yesterday, his left hand was caught in the cutter. It was found necessary to amputate the hand at the wrist.

FAREWELL AT BOOR'S PLAINS.

Sat 23 Feb 1924, The Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954)

A largely attended valedictory was tendered Mr Henry Daddow and family on, Thursday evening at the Boor's Plains church Mr Daddow is one of the pioneers of the district, and has been prominent in all matters making for the progress and welfare of the plains and surroundings. The family will shortly leave to reside in Adelaide. Cr. A. Rodda (chairman of the District Council of Kadina) presided. The Rev. D. C. Harris (charge of the Wallaroo Mines circuit) eulogised the splendid work Mr. Daddow had done for many years in connection with the Boor's Plains Methodist church, and his valued services as local preacher, Sunday school superintendent, secretary of the Boor's Plains church trust and circuit steward, and also cordially thanked Mrs Daddow for the fine hospitality extended to the ministers of the circuit on very many occasions. The Misses Daddow would also be much missed at the Sunday school. Cr. A. Rodda, on behalf of the residents of the district, referred to the debt they owed Mr Daddow as one of the grand old pioneers, and expressed keen regret at the leave taking. Presentations on behalf of the church and district were then made by the Rev. D. C. Harris, Mr and Mrs Daddow receiving a valuable clock, the Misses Grace and Thelma Daddow each a cake basket, and Master Howard Daddow a handsome inkstand. Mr Daddow' replied at some length and feelingly acknowledged the much appreciated kindness and goodwill of his many friends. An interesting and appreciated program of musical items was submitted by the Misses E. Stocker and Audrey Davies and Mr S. Scoble. An excellent supper was provided by the ladies of the church, and a vote of thanks was tendered them, the performers and the chairman at the instance of the Rev. Harris The evening's program was arranged by Mr Norman Gross.

EARLY DAYS AND STRUGGLES. REMINISCENCES BY AN OLD FARMER.

Wed 7 Aug 1929, The Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954)

Mr Jas. Mitchell, of Boor's Plains, in a recent interview with a representative, of this journal, stated that he was born at Williamstown, near Gawler, in 1856, in a wattle-and-daub hut, of humble parents, and spoke interestingly of the early days and conditions. The hut was thatched with rushes, cut from the nearby creeks and, there were three rooms, no glass in the windows which were covered with a piece of calico. The settlement consisted of about 30 souls, who were all engaged in clearing the 'big gum timber off the land. This timber was used mostly for telegraph poles and sleepers for the railway. Gawler was then the terminus of the line, and the country north of it was mostly unsurveyed.

The Ubiquitous Bullock Team.

All the farm work was done with bullock teams, and even the ploughing matches were held with the same traction power. One of the most curious sights was to see a wood cutter, named Dick Holme's, who used to drive a bullock between the shafts of a cart, with a pair of horses in the lead. Drinking, water was obtained from Victoria Creek, which emptied into the South Para. The same water is now caught by the Barossa reservoir.

Food Dear - Wages low.

Food was dear in those days, but wages low, hence the pioneers could keep things moving. Flour was the expensive item, but meat was cheap, most farmers killing their own sheep and cattle. Brown bread was the order of the day, and Mr Mitchell speaks feelingly of brownbread and honey, which latter was plentiful. He did not see a loaf of white bread till he was a man grown.

Work at 6d a Day.

At the age of thirteen years he obtained work from a neighbor, driving bullocks, his wages being 6d. a day, and find his own keep; the boy considering himself rich with a wage of 3/ a week in his trousers pocket. Mr Mitchell had but one year's schooling at Williamstown, and three months at night school. Free educaiton, of course, was unknown in those days, and the had to pay for all schooling. The late Mr Shepherd was his teacher, and he was one of ten scholars; most of the teaching consisted of how to catch opossums, of which there were thousands about the place, and which the boys caught on their way home. The skins were sold at 3/6 a dozen. Kangaroos and emus were numerous, and were frequently hunted by the farmers.

Youthful Adventures.

Mr Mitchell once climbed a blue gum, and routed out fourteen opossums. He found it difficult to get down, as he was unable to correctly get his feet into the notches cut in the ascent, so he chanced a drop of twenty feet and came down unhurt.

Swimming in the waterholes was a favorite recreation, and, being anxious to know whether bullocks could swim, he pushed a bullock into the creek, which at the time was in high flood. He found out that the animal could not, and the poor beast was never seen again; he has an idea that it went to sea at Port Gawler.

Settling at Boor's Plains.

In 1873, Mr Mitchell's father selected land at Boor's Plains, a block of 300 acres, at one pound an acre. A few years aga Mr Jas. Mitchell was offered £20 an acre for the same land but would not sell, as he could not bear, to see the old somestead broken up. In 1876 Mr Mitchell, senr., had 60 acres under wheat. It was a very dry season, and all the crop was cut for hay ; he got six tons, or two cwt. an acre. The succeeding year the wheat was sown in February, and six inches of rain came along the third week in March. The wheat that year averaged 26 bushels an acre.

Good and Bad Seasons.

Mr Mitchell, senr., then went back to Williamstown, and left his son James, the subject of these reminiscences, as manager on the farm. He was then just 21 years of age, and had begun to look about for a wife. Ups and downs followed. In 1888, he had 300 acres in on shares, and Mr Mitchell's share was 1.5 bushels an acre, a miserable return for all the labor and expenditure involved. The following year, 1889, was the wettest year South Australia ever experienced. Kadina gauging 2,723 points. The crops were wonderful, but caught the red rust badly, and did not repay reaping, being absolutelv worthless.

The Coming of Super.

With the introduction of superphosphate, the whole method, of farming was revolutionised, and Mr Mitchell was the first, in conjunction with the late Mr Chas. Day, to use the new manure, which they did with splendid results. Two hundred acres were put in with English super (Law's), and the crop was wonderful; 50 acres had been reaped, going 20 bushels, when a hailstorm came along and took the rest, only a bushel an acre being garnered from the remaining 150 acres. Since that time, Mr Mitchell has not looked back, and has prospered satisfactorily.

The Great 1914 Drought.

Periods of drought had been experienced, but none so bad as that of 1914. The Boor's Plains gauge recorded only 870 points (as against 939 points at Kadina), but notwithstanding this poor precipitation, Mr Mitchell reaped five bushels an acre, and 70 acres of hay averaging one ton. Thus the harvest was not so bad after all, the wheat being sold as seed for 6/, and hay being £9 a ton.

Ten Good Years.

The war period was a good time for the farmers, there ensuing ten good years.- : 1916-17 averaged 29 bushels (mouse plague years), and the succeeding years were equally good. From 1924, the seasons declined, and the present year is the worst ever experienced at Boor's Plains, the rainfall being a meagre 360 points for the seven months ended July 31. The crops, notwithstanding, are looking fair, and if further rain comes soon, said Mr .Mitchell, there is the possibility of a fair return; if not, the outlook is very poor.

A Numerous Family.

Mr Mitchell was married at the age of 23 years to Miss Isabella Allen, a daughter of Mr Jas. Allen, of Boor's Plains, in 1879. by the Rev. Yeoman, a Bible Christian minister, at Kadina. There are fifty-five descendants, viz., five sons (Messrs Jas. A., Blyth; C. R. Shea-oak Log ; W. J., (killed in the Great War); H. S., Cuuliffe; and T. H., Boor's Plains); and six- daughters (Mrs Ball, Kent Town; Mrs J. Northey, Norwood; Mrs S. P. Brown,. Croydon; Mrs S. J. Northsy, Kadina ; Mrs M.F. Moody, Moonta Mines; Mrs E. 0. Smith, Newtown). There are 41-grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren.

Mr Mitchell was a great cricket enthusiast, and helped in the establishment of the Boor's Plains Club over fifty years ago. He still takes an interest in the game, though failing eyepsight has greatly handicapped him.

He was also active in the Kadina Rifle Club, of which he is a life member, being a formidable shot till four years ago. Despite his 73 years he is mentally and physically alert, and his cheerfulness and optimism are characteristic of a man who has proved himself a competent, veteran farmer and good citizen.

BOOR'S PLAINS ANNIVERSARY.

Sat 8 Apr 1933, The Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954) Trove

The Sunday school anniversary is connection with the: Boor's: Plains Methodist church was held last Sunday. The afternoon service was conducted by the Rev. H. P. Lambert, and the evening worship was led by the Rev. Edgar Arnold. On both occasions the church was full, and at the evening service many could not get into the church. At night 53 motor cars were parked outside the church. The young people, assisted by the senior portion of the school, sang well, and their efforts were much appreciated. Miss D. Thomas was the organist, and Mr M. Ward proved a capable conductor. Others whet assisted with their instruments were Mrs Tresize, Messrs N. J. Cross, R. Daddow and C. Lamshed. The floral decorations were beautiful.

On Monday afternoon the children's tea was held, which was followed by a public tea. At 7.30 the public meeting took place. The Rev. Edgar Arnold, led the devotions, and then introduced the superintendent of the school (Mr M. Ward) as the chairman of the evening. Mr Ward spoke of the work accomplished during the year and thanked all for their loyalty and co-operation.

Mr Lionel Sawley gave the secretary's report, which showed there were 71 on the roll. The treasurer (Mr Lance Cross) presented a satisfactory, balance sheet, and reported that the school had raised £75 for the new room which had been completed during the year. Recitations were given by Misses Eileen Cross and Lorna Stanway, and the young people repeated their hymns.

The address was given by the Rev. Edgar Arnold, who spoke on Five Reverences that lead life into the best channels of service, and urged the young people to have a very high reverence for their ovim selves, to have a deep-seated reverence for home, and a reverence for their conscience and their own church and school, and the highest of all reverence, love for the Eternal God Himself.

At the close of the meeting supper was served and a memorable anniversary inspired the workers to continue their fine work.

Boor's Plains Fair.

Sat 5 Sep 1936, The Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954)

There was a good attendance at the Boors Plains Metihodist Centenary Fair held at the recreation ground on Saturday, August 29. In well chosen words Mrs H. Measday (Mayoress of Kadina), who was introduced by Rev. Eric Tregiigas, declared the fair open.

A vote of thanks was moved and seconded by Mr N. Cross and Mr W. Ward. Brisk business was done during the afternoon. The stallholders were:—-Fancy stall, Mesdames R. D. Rodda and H. Queale; produce stall, Mesdames G. Sawky, G. Rodda and Trezise; cake; stall, "Mesdames M. Ward and H. Rodda; sweets stall, Mrs Roy Rodda, Misses V. Ward, E. Thomas and L. Lamshed; afternoon tea, Mesdames Stanway, Cross, Oakley and Bert Lamshed.' At night Stanway's barn was crowded for a concert presided over by Rev. L. R. Barker. The visiting artists were thanked by Mr Stanway. The following items were well received:-—Mrs L. R. Barker, Mr V. Hollands, Miss E. Finch, Mr D. Rosewarne, Miss Valda Mason, Miss D. Slee, Mr Bert Ward, Miss L. Stanway, Miss Fae Dohnt, Miss Norva Dohnt, Miss Aileen Gross, Miss Una Ward, and Masters Bob and Jim Ward, and Leane, and Bob, Paul and Don Trezise. The proceeds of the day amounted to over £30.

On Sunday the church anniversary was held. Rev. Erie Tregligas was the preacher in the afternoon. The local choir rendered an anthem and the Kadina Male Quartette (Messrs ; R .Bosisto, V. Hollands, N. Bartle and F. Watson) two numbers. At night, Rev. L. R. Barker conducted the service. Mrs Barker sang two solos and the choir an anthem. The Centenary effort concluded on Wednesday, when the annual public meeting took place. Rev. L. R. Barker was in the chair and Rev. G. B. Tucker, of Moonta Mines, gave the address. Mr Stanway presented a highly satisfactory balance sheet. Recitals were given by Misses Una Ward and Aileen Cross. A delightful supper was served at the close.

BOORS PLAINS METHODIST CHURCH JUBILEE.

Fri 13 Aug 1948, The Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954) Trove

CELEBRATIONS.

The trustees and members of the Boors Plains Methodist church, are celebrating their 75th anniversary on August 21 and 22. Rev. C. W. G. Smith will be the guest speaker at the opening service, presided over by the superintendent minister, Rev. J. C. Oliver, at 3.30 p.m. on Saturday 21st. Approximately 150 invitations have been extended to past members oc the church and former residents of the district, and for these invited guests, dinner is being provided by the members of the church guild. A bright musical program interspersed with reminiscent speeches from old associates, will constitute the highlights at the evening meeting.

On Sunday, Rev. S. Forsyth, superintendent of the Adelaide Methodist Central Mission, and well known radio preacher, will conduct divine worship at 2.30 and 7 p.m. Tea will be provided for visitors between the services for the modest sum of 1/. A special invitation is extended to all interested friends to attend the Sunday services.

A recently erected porch, plus internal improvements, and external renovations, have made the church and adjoining halls especially attractive. The committee responsible for the arrangements are doing everything to ensure a spiritually successful jubilee.

BOORS PLAINS' JUBILEE.

Fri 24 Sep 1848, The Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954) Trove

The 75th Jubilee Celebrations of the Boors Plains Methodist church, held on August 21 and 22. proved to be very successful and a very happy time was spent by the many old identities of the district who came back for the occasion. Rev. C. W. G. Smith opened the celebrations at 3.30 p.m. on the Saturday, and was also guest speakers for the evening at which Rev. J. C. Oliver was the chairman.

The church was beautifully decorated by members of the ladies guild, and at each service the church, was more than filled.

In the reminiscences of the early days of the church, much tribute was paid to the grand old pioneers who built their church by voluntary labour.

At 5 p.m. a high tea was served to the invited guests and all enjoyed a good chat on olden times. During the evening many of the guests gave enjoyable reminiscences. Mrs Bergren and Mr Wordie rendered several delightful duets, which were well received, as was also a solo by Miss T. Phillips and a recitation by Miss Lorna Stanway. The secretary read a list of apologies from exresidents who were unable to attend: he also regretted not knowing until later, that the late Mr and Mr Withal were the first couple to be married in the Boors Plains church: they were residents in the district for many years.

On Sunday, Rev. Samuel Forsyth. O.B.E. conducted both services. The Kadina Methodist church choir under the leadership of Mr A. Beare rendered several much appreciated anthems at the afternoon service. Tea was served at 5 p.m. and was much enjoyed by the large congregation. The evening service commenced at 7 p.m. and those who could not be seated in the church were able to hear the service in the adjoining room with the aid of Russack's amplifier. A pleasing solo by Mr A. Sawley, and a duet by Mrs R. L.Ward and Mr Reg Lamshed were well received.

The trustees and members or the church wish to express their appreciation to the officiating ministers for their addresses of inspiration which greatly assisted in the success of the celebrations. Donations and thanksgiving offerings amounted to over £40 for which the church trust was most grateful.

MANY THANKS.

Fri 23 Jul 1948, The Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954) Trove

I was delighted to get an invitation to the Boors' Plains 75th Jubilee Church celebrations, and it appears that the trustees and members are out to have one of the best, and as I read the order of the celebration, well the stage seems to be all set. Let me say to you, many thanks for your consideration. I have very happy recollections of this quiet, yet splendid spot of Methodism, set in its own natural surroundings, which for three-quarters of a century, has been a witness to all that the church stands for, and as I write to you, with the invitation card in my hand, I know something of what it represents. During my stay up there I valued beyond words the chance to grace the pulpit again and again, and to get in to that Bible class, well, one really felt at home. I think of those who drove me out to the church, from time to time, and our conversation on the way, it was enjoyable and profitable. Then the workers of the church come before me: Stanways, Roddas, Thomas, Lamsheds, Wards, and many others. These dear friends of mine become more valuable as time went on and to have their faith and spirit in worship on the Sunday, and their friendship during the week was really an inspiration, My dear old and esteemed friend, the late Mr Moses Champion used to tell me much of the early history of the church and the district, and how, as a lad, 14 years of age, working for the late Mr Allen, he was converted there. Well again thanks for the invitation, and may all your hopes be realised on the occasion.