GLENKENICH.

Otago Witness, Volume 15, Issue 1562, 15 October 1881, Page 13

GLENKENICH.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

This large and important district has fared somowhat badly of late in the matter of representation, through the Press as well as politicilly. Since the new Representation Bill came into force, one-half of the district) is situated in the Dunstan electorate, and the other half in the Mataura electorate. The advantages to be derived from this arrangement remain to be seen, and it is questionable if ever they will bo seen, for anyone who is conversant with the geographical situation of Tapanui and the districts in the immediate vicinityjwill at once see that instead of dividing these districts it would be much to their advantagewhile at the same time it would not be detrimental to the outside districts— if they wero incorporated in a separate electoral district altogether. Of one thing, however, we are certain, that we will have a good variety to select from in the mutter of candidates, and it will be the fault of the eleotors if they do notsend a fit and proper person to look after their political interests. For the Dunstan, two Tapanui men are spoken of as intending to contest the election against Vincent Pyke— -viz., J. F. Herbert and J. A. Mooney. The former gentleman is a runholder a short djstanco from Tapanui, and has a large stake in the district. He would no doubt make an excellent member, for he is a shrewd fellow, and the man who gets the better of J. F. Herbert will, to use an old expression, " have to rise up very early in the morning." With regard to Mr Mooney, the remark made by yeur Tapanui correspondent is very applicable. "Let him wait till he is better fledged;" meanwhile being content to rest satisfied under the paternal wing of the Tapanui Borough Council until his political principles are more fully matured. However, if theae two aspirants to legislative honours should deem themselves worthy of the Bteol of suoh a veteran legislator as Pyke, let them come forward. It will cause somo interest to be taken in the matter, and they may retire from the contest not crowned with glory, but honourable ffjthal. For the Mataura the present member (Mr Shanks) will seek re-election, and rumour hath it that the doughty Captain will not be slow in coming into the lists. As yet I would not like to venture an opinion as to the result of the contest, but of ona thing I am certain, that should Oaptain Mackenzie stand, he will be generally supported throughout this portion of the electorate. So much for matters political. It eeemß as if the Pomahaka is destined to become one of the most generally patronised resorts for anglers in Otago. Our local anglers were early abroad, rod in hand, trying to lure the finny denizens from the pools and ripples of the stream. In many instances good baskois have been obtained, and the fish are not only more numerous than last year, but also take better. Several visitors are already in; the district, and should the railway authorities see their way to grant the concessions asked for by the Otago Angling Club a good many will visit the Pomahaka from Dunedin and other northern towns. The annual walking show of entires, under the auspices of the Tapanui Farmers' Club, took place on Saturday last. As the weather was very inclement, only a limited number of horses were paraded. There were altogether nine entries, seven of which were Clydeßdales and two thoroughbreds. Mr Kitching's celebrated thousand-guinea stallion Lord Salisbury, who was much admired, was far and away the best in the field. A promising three-year-old by Ivanhoe was also shown, and received a good deal of attention. He formerly belonged to Mr Hitching, but was a short time previous to the show purchased by Mr James Scott, of Glenkenich, for a large figure. The annual meeting of tho Farmers' Club was also held on Saturday. There was a good attendance of members. The report, which was a very satisfactory ouc, showed a credit balance of £03 15s. Mr David Murray was elected president, Mr Alexander Rogers (Rokoby) vice-president, and Mr William Quin secretary pro tern. The following gentlemen were elected a committee for the ensuing year :— Messrs J. Edie, James Sim, Thomas Sim, A. Mason, J. M 'Harry, John M'Duff, J. Reid, J. Dickison, W. Milligan, T. Jenkins, D. Robertson, A. Russell, J. Mair, Alexander Ross, A. M'Gregor, J. Shearing, R. Ferguson, H. Lavender, and C. S. Thurston. It was decided to hold the annual show on the 16th December, and the first meeting of the Committee on the 6th November.

Our usually quiet locality was enlivened by a visit from the Tapanui Amateur Minstrels, or, as they style themselves, the " Blue Mountain Blackbirds." This ornithological collection, who carry on their depredations in Tapanui and surrounding districts, winged their flight to the North Glenkenich schoolhouse on Friday last, where their talent was greeted with a large audience and bursts of applause. Mr Harden (bones) and Mr Myers (tambo) were particularly funny, while Messrs Mooney, Chambers, Hay, Kett, Whelan, and Thompson rendered good service as vocalists. The entertainment was a thorough success, and Mr Graham, who took an active part in tho arrangements, is descrring of a special word of praise.