TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 1762, 29 August 1885, Page 13

TAPANUI.

August 26. — An entertainment in aid of the Benevolent Institution, held at Waikoikoi on Friday last, was largely attended, and should yield a further welcome addition to the funds of the institution. I have not heard the amount of the proceeds. To Gouk. — The numerical strength of the legal profession has been reduced to its normal standard in Tapanui. Mr V. G. Day, solicitor, after a brief sojourn hero, removes to Gore to-day. - Mr W. Sinclair remains with us, and on him,- only can litigious citizens now depend for comfort and counsel.

Frksbvitrtan. — A counter petition is in course of signature by members of tho congregation, praying the Rev. Mr Bett not to resign his charge, and expressing regret that he should have been asked to do so by the elders, against whose action the petition is intended to be a protest. The elders have stated that the proceeding was dictated by the church, and the petition denies this, A test of the question

will therefore be afforded. The grounds for asking the pastor to resign do not appear to be of a very substantial character. There are indications that a deal of animosity will be stirred up. This is to be regretted. No doubt each section is doing what it believes to be right, and it is a pity that any feeling should be imported into the question. What is to be done, let it be accomplished temperately. A Suggestion. — The fire by which Mrs Bayno lost her homo and all its contents suggests to my mind that, unless already dealt with, it is desirable the borough council should pass a bye-law prohibiting the burning of hedges or garden rubbish except within prescribed hours, which should be known to the whole of the townspeople. Hedge fires have been so common in the borough that when a house fire docs unfortunately occur tho danger may not be apprehended until too late. This was clearly seen on the night of Mrs Bayne's house being burned. A prompt rush was made for the fire on the first alarm being given, but owing to someone calling ou*t that it was " only a hedge," the people generally, with a show of anger, turned away. Ultimately, when the true state of affairs was realised, the fire had so strong a hold on the house that it was impossible to get near it. The readiness with which the rush of people was turned is explainable by the fact that they have been deceived so often by false alarms. Something is required to meet the case. The danger is that a real alarm may again be treated as a cry of " wolf." Fire Brigade (?).— The question occurs : " What has become of the fire brigade ?" The units are here yet, but they, like the Opposition, may truly and sadly be said to " lack cohesion." A few members did turn out amongst the foremost on the occasion mentioned above, but the hose was much too short .to be of the slightest service. Is the brigade defunct ? - Social Entertainment. — The Tapanui V.M.C.A. duly held their reunion on the 21st inst., in the Athenamni Hall. The entertainment was well attended ; about 150' sat down to the excellent tea provided. The Rev. Mr Bett occupied the, chair, and members of the associaciation were also seated on the platform. The comestibles having been disposed of, tho choir sang the hymn "I will sing of my Redeemer," and the following items followed :— Mr Turnbull, recitation, "Mary Queen of Scots ; " Mr Paton, reading, " The funny young gentleman;" Mr Harlock, speech on "The power of love;" Mr C. Rogers, reading, " Meditations on a broomstick ; " Mr Murdoch Gillies, recitation, ' " Lost at Sea," an original poem; Shakespearian dialogue, "Brutus and Cassius," Messrs Whelan and HarloekV ; recitation, "Mr and Mrs Merdle, " Mr Harlock; recitation, "The Starless Crown," Mr J. M'Gavin. Mr Beaton spoke on tho benefits of a V.M.C.A. In the absence of Mr Bayne, Mr Neil Gillies gave a reading, " Unwritten music." The entertainment closed with prayer from the rev. chairman. Interspersed through the programme .were a number of vocal items given by the choir. Misses Gillies and Stewart also sang as a solo the hymn " Beulah Land," and were assisted by the full choir in the chorus. Valuable aid was given during the evening by the choir, under Mr Marsh's baton, Mrs Marsh playing the accompaniments upon the Masonic organ, kindly lent for the occasion. About £15 will represent the gross proceeds. The gathering was a pronounced success. New Saleyards.— Mr W. Quin, our popular auctioneer, is. erecting saleyards in the borough.