TAPANUI.
Otago Witness , Putanga 2515, 28 Haratua 1902, Page 31
Mō tēnei niupepa
TAPANUI.
- May 26. — The" past week has been one of real winter, but, fortunately, the snowstorm at tho beginning did not prove a very heavy one, although the weather is still very unsettled, with indications of further ftorm. All outdoor work "has beeu pretty well at a standstill. It is to be hoped we shall experience » better month in June, which last year was all that could be desired for winter weather. So far there has noi been much frost, which is usually accompanied by stumy lays, if cold at uis;hts.
Public Meeting.— The Mayor (Mr W. Quin) summoned the ratepayers together last Monday evening, and placed before them a number of matters that he deemed were in the bast interests of the- future of the borough. One of the principal matters wa3 a better road into the Greenvale and Glenkenich districts, as in these flourishing settlements there is a lot of trade that might be brought in this direction if the roads were better. Then there v/as the question of getting the low-lying land on Run 14b, at the foot of the Blue Mountains, opened up for close sefcdenient. This is a matter that has been discussed for a long time pa3t, but has not yet been attained. There ia loom for a number of families on this land, and if opened up years ago it would have saved several families from leaving the district. With settlement, the run would return more revenue, and be a distinct advantage to tbe town. Another much-needed institution (a cottage hospital) was also mentioned, and it is hoped something practical will result, as patients from her" are, with few exceptions, sont to Dunedin, whilst the district contributions go to Lawrence. *
Coronation. — At the same meeting the question, of celebrating the King's Coronation by seme local function was also discussed. Those present were appointed a committee to meet that night- week and finaJiy decide what shall He done. A procession and open-air demonstration at night appear to be the popular methods of marking the great occasion, and no doubt the committee will soon find ways and means. It seems hardly necessary that the populace should all flock to other parts on such occasions, and in this instance every effort should be made to hold * suitable local demonstration in the interests of the juvenile population, as it is undoubtedly an event that should be -impressed upon their memories.
"Volunteering. — Tiie volunteers have got into harness again, and started in earnest upon the winter's work. A shooting match between teams from the Kolso M.R. and Tapanui Rifle Volunteers was held at the latter's range on Wednesday last, but, unfortunately, the day was bitterly cold and very much against good shooting. The conditions were 10 men a-side; seven shots at 300 yds and 500 yds, with two optional sighters. At the 300 yds range the score was equal, but the Tapanui team hud a good margin of points at 500 yds, and won by 17 points, the total score being Tapanui 40'J, Kelso 443. Twelve men shot off on each side, and the two lowest ecorers counted out. I hope to see many more matches between the companies, and it should do a. lot to encourage shooting. As the 3rd June is a public holiday, a liberal programme has been arranged for that day, with some five or six events, and shooting will commence at 9 o'clock. So far the woik done with the .303 rifles has been v c-ry satisfactory, and tho man nre well pleased with them. The Kelso M.R. paraded on Saturday, a,nd I notice this company ha 3 juFt added io its equipment a neat and serviceable-looking hat, imported direct from Home. The mounted men hay? an attractive uniform, well selected and of good pattern. The photo of Bugler Jack Dunnet in the Witness illustrated pages recently was an excellent one. The smallest bugler ard pony, however, are not tho only represent atives of the family in the Kelso Company, as the father (Sergeant Dunnet) is a vo.unteering enthusiast who has done much for the company, and more cf his "kidney" are rcqui redr cd to make country corps flourish. Another member is in the permanent forces (the Mn-ine Engineers, I believe, in Wellington), •wi list yet another is a member of the last contingent that left our shoies. The Dunnet finely are, therefore-, doing a full share in "h. irnH".s of Empire and home defecv.
Social— The Winter Club's first soc al on Fr.cl.iy evening next should be well attended, .i' '1 tii" l.td'e~ wi'l doubtless provide ai; attraci >. oM'gramm".
