UPPER TAIERI.

Otago Witness, Issue 1805, 25 June 1886, Page 13

UPPER TAIERI.

June 21.— Midwinter was ushered in with very severe weather during the past week. A heavy suowFtorm swept over the district and raged furiously for several days in succession. In the elevated regions the drift was piled mountains high, and communication cut off from the outer-world, or iower portions of the district. For some little time prior to the advent of the snowstorm, a number of rabbiters' camps were established by tho several station managers in the elevated or buintner depasturing ground for the purpose of having as much of the high country poisoned as possible before tho ground was coated with snow. Operations against bunny were being vigorously prosecuted, and everything was in full swing, when, lo ! the storm burst over the district, and the snow fell steadily for a period of two days. Several bands of men have been snowed up on the mountains and their retreat cut off for several days from the plains below. Drays and pack-horses have been called into service to bring in the several bands stationed in outIj ing localities.

Concert. — A very successful concert came off at the Gimmerbum school-house last Friday night in aid of the funds of the district school. Notwithstanding the severe weather referred to abive, a large number of residents put in an appearance during the evening in question to witness the performance, or take part in the proceedings. Of course, amateur talent was called into requisition for the occasion, and I must say that a number of the vocalists acquitted themselves in a very creditable manner. The concert opened with the singing of some very popular songs, duets, &c. As soon as the first part of the programme was exhausted, an adjournment for refreshments took place to partake of the " spread " provided for the occasion. Dancing then commenced in a spirited manner, and was kept up till aurora shadowed the presence of the morn, when good wishes were interchanged by those leaving, and the proceedings closed. Too much praise cannot be awarded to those who came from a distance on such a bitter night to contribute their support to the proceedings.

Sowburn.— A new hotel has been recently erected in this township at great expense and labour by a resident of many years btauding in the district — viz , Mr Thomas Newton, who has supplied a long- felt want by his enterprise. During the race meetings, accommodation could not be found for strangers attending the meetings. A substantial hotel is now at the service of travellers, together with stabling etc. The first of July is the day fixed for the opening of the hostelry, and as a considerable number of invitations have been issued for the " housewarming " a large gathering is expected.