TAPAKUI. (FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

Otago Witness, Issue 1752, 20 June 1885, Page 12

TAPAKUI. (FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

Otago BbnevoiiENT Institution. An entertainment, consisting of concert and dance, in aid ol the Benevolent Institution, was given in tho Athmcoam hero on the Sth in st. Financially, it.va'-i successful, and will result in the addition cf about £9 to the funds of the institution. Mr A M'Kinnon (Mayor) occupied the chair. The programme was short, ana consisted of songs, readings, recitations, and instrumental mußic. Mrs Dlckson acted as accompanist. The concert was short and not of a very high claw, but this was more than compensated for by a very enjoyable dance, for which Blc3srs Ku£f and Rundio provided the music, Mr J. Scott actiDg as M.C. ; whi'e a few liberal-minded persona supplied the refreshments free. Thiß will make about £20 nee ronlißud for the institution in ibis district, the j»if ii auction at Kelso. comprising farm produce (sheep, fl .ur, potatoes, &c.), having realised about £12, and tlu-re was next to no expense in totting it off. Valedictory.— "Mr B. Washer of the fl<m of Messrs Bremner and Washer, merchants, took his departure for Australia on Tuesday last, acting on medical advice. Mr Washer has suffered in healih for the le.st IS months, and is now hopeful that a warmer climate may bring about his recovery. He ia an old Tapanui resident, and has many -friends, who, no doubt, will miss him, he being noted for his jollity aud happy manner.

Churchus.— Tho ladleß in this district belonging to the Anglican Church have formed themselves into a committee for the purpose of canvassing the district tor a guarantee fund to induce a m ! nister to visit Tapanul monthly. The sum required is £60. Thiir efforts bo far have been succeapf ul, they havinp obtained an encouraging number of names. They have aIBO started a ladies' guild, last Wednesday bsiug fixed for the fitst meeting, when about 10 ladies attended the initial sewing bee. The meetings are to be held ■weekly. The intention is to auction the work for what it will bring. The Presbyterian choir are rehearsing the service of song " Eva," to be given about the end of the month, but I am not aware of the exact date.

Tempbrance Lkcturk. —Mr Matthew . Burnett lectured in the Presbyterian Church on Wedneeday evening. There was a good attendance, and Mr Burnett's advice seemed to bo acted npon, w some 63 or 64 persons donned the blue ribbon.

New Justioks.— Two of our townsmen have been appointed Justices of the Peace - viz., Mr W. Quin and Mr J. Patterson.

Fires —A fire occurred at Mr William Sheath's on Saturday last, by which the stable 'was reduced to ashes, and eight horses were burned alive. Five horses were roscued. I believe the ruins preeeat a horrible eight, each horse ljing Just where it had been tied. There waa an insurance on everything, but it is said J4r Sheith will btill b3 a heavy loser. It is not known how the fire originated, but it is supposed to have been the result of carelessness - possibly a smoker throwing a match on the floor.— An unoccupied house belonging to Mr Hugh S owarr, now of Gore, was burned to the ground on M. mday morning about 5. Nothing is known as to how it originated,