TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 1765, 19 September 1885, Page 13

TAPANUI.

September 16.— The weather continues very unseasonable, to .the continued interruption of farm work. One good result is reported by a correspondent of the local paper— a large number of young rabbits have been drowned in their burrows. On the other hand, much loss will be entailed on farmers, many of whom had but partly sown or harrowed, while others have, the seed lying in the field. Court. — Litigious citizens held high revel in the Court yesterday and this morning. Phillips was fined only £1 and costs. The fine was moderated on account of the offence being the first charge of the kind against accused. Had the charge been one of obscene language — as it could have been — the Bench remarked that accused might have got six months'. This was the case of misconduct at the Quadrille Club's assembly. — A lengthy case, Cullen v. Aitchison, a dispute as to ownership of a bullock, caused much interest. Witnesses, of whom there were an unusually large number, swore directly contradictory, one side against the other. The case was decided in favour of plaintiff, with costs, amounting to £13 10s. It is a reversal of a decision at last Court, when the evidence on each side evenly balanced ; and, Aitchison having possession, the R.M. declined to interfere.

Episcopalian. — The Rev. Mr Hobbs holds his first monthly service, under arrangement with this parish, on Sunday next, 20th. Roads. — Roads in this division are in as bad a condition as they were in winter time. However, we have the hope that the new county engineer will shortly give them some attention He says nothing can be done at present, nor until the weather takes up.

Fire. — Mr David Haugh, of Dunrobin, had his stable and barn burned down on Sunday. Insured in the South British.

Anomalous. — Local buyers complain that growers send their stock and produce to the Dunedin market in preference to accepting current values from them. An amusing instance showing the cupidity of such a course occurred recently. A draft of sheep were sent to Burnside, and there purchased by a Tapanui dealer, who re-imported them to this district. The dealer re-sold them here for actually a less sum than that asked by the grower from the ultimate purchaser. In all classes of produce the same preference is evinced by a large number of farmers who run the yery closest bargain they possibly can with local buyers — a proceeding which gives the latter very good cause for complaint. However, with a few such experiences as the one quoted, the enchantment of the distant Burnside market may be dispelled, and fanners may also realise that it would profit them to accept even a less price frotn the local buyer, amounting at least to the difference in cost of delivery.

Boeouoh Council. — Mr W. Simmouds was re-elected for West Ward by 29 votes against five polled by Mr W. Price. Only a limited number voted, and the result was about what was anticipated. This is the only contest of the kind for some years, the burgesses reposing a happy confidence in the civic representatives generally. -