TUAPEKA.

Otago Witness, Issue 1319, 10 March 1877, Page 6

TUAPEKA.

Lawrence; February 26th. The weather has been unfavourable for harvesting ; au occasional shower and the strong gales have been the cause. The Tuapeka Jockey Club met on Saturday evening to appoint handicappers. After an explanation from the President, Mr Caleb Moore, ' of Dunedin, was appointed — the entries to be telegraphed to him on Tuesday morning. It was considered that as Mr Moore holds the appointment of handicapper for the Dunedin Club, he would^ be able to give every satisfaction in the nominations. I notice in the Times last week that it ia definitely settled that Downes cannot get to Dunedin to take part in the match against the Englishmen, in reply to which I must say it is very unfortunate. I have taken the trouble to stroll down to our Cricket ground, so as to be able to judge how he shapes, and my verdict is, I never saw him bowl or bat better than he is doing this season. When I was down- on the ground one night last week, one of our big colts was defending his wicket, and I noticed his middle stump was sent flying four times out of five balls. He exclaimed, " Where do you get those from, Downes ? they are terrors, and I can't understand them." He is bowling much faster "and as true as possible, and would give Jupp some trouble to play him in batting. He plays more cautiously, not slogging at every ball as of yore, but- plays them in a true ' cricket-like style. , Otago can ill afford to spare' him, and for the honour of the Province" it is a great pity he cannot play. His' right arm will ' be muctj wanted, and besides he is one of the smartest fielders in New Zealand; • Our railway is a great mystery. ' It is now • , three weeks since the sleepers were all used,' and the plate-laying has been at a standstill ever since. The wilful waste of piiblicmoney is most astounding. Thousands of pounds absolutely thrown away, for what?' Nothing. The goods shed has been. puk.pp , most 6ut-of-a-way place. To get to it— mate a road and purchase land— will cost at least L2ooo<}r L3OOO, which could have. been saved and \a respectable station built. There are plenty of , stables here better than the Lawrence Railway Station. The 'formation was made straight, but the authorities thought it wise to build the " engine shed in the centre of the 'formation.' * Since then there has been nothing but absurd alteration. . It is now a series of curves, arid , nothing else but curves. ' The train will arrive r at the platform immediately it is 'in sight, ■ which will be very dangerous. A few chains of plates have been laid, but it is stopped for want ' of sleepers. The youngsters here are having fine fun on the trolly. One slipped .off it on ' Saturday and was sent to the Hospital, and had ' to remain. It was found he had broken his arm, which I am inclined to think will be expensive fun. | ' There is talk here of having a demonstration on the opening of the line to Lawrence on a very elaborate scale. All the officials and our Iriends from Dunedia are to be invited. There will be a champagne luncheon, and in the evening a grand balL No expense is to be spared. So asto make the demonstration worthy of the occasion, the Town Council are to give LSO, and the remainder of the expense is to be borne by private subscription. A Building Committee in connection with our Hospital has been elected, and promises to raise sufficient to build a new wing to our present brick ward. The wooden shed built by the Provincial Government shortly -tfter the goldfields opened is almost tumbling to pieces ; in fact, it is not fit to put any sick person in. The Blue Spur still continues to contribute a large portion of our gold returns, and everybody up there appears satisfied.