TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 1947, 18 June 1891, Page 19

TAPANUI.

Junb 16.— We are having hard frosts nightly, and if they continue much longer ploughing operations will be brought to a standstill. From the state of the roads it is now almost an impossibility for man or beast to travel upon them, and the saw mills ia the neighbourhood have suspended work for the season. annual FbstiVAl,.— The employes of the several threshing mills in the district held their annual festival on Friday last in the Athenjeum Hall. This is generally known as "the threshers' ball." The committee did their work well, having the hall nicely decorated with sheaves of oats and wheat, with some devices of ferns. One one side of the hall was the device " Welcome all," and on the other " Love and labour." A large number of gnests were present, and a word of praise must be given to Mr H. Howe, the secretary, for the provision he bad made for their accommodation and for the arrangements generally. Fully 60 couples took part in the dancing. The musio was supplied by Mr Wiltshire (violin) and Miss May Kerr (piano), while Messrs T. 81mm and H. Dawton alternately took the part of M.C. Mr T. Eerr sang " Scotland vet," and Mr John Howie gave an Irish jig. The affair broke up at 4 a.m. Drowning at Kelso.— On Wednesday last Archibald M'Kinnon, aged 60 years, engaged as a shepherd on Mr Logan's estate, met his death by drowning in crossing the Pomahaka river. It eeems.that deceased, in company with Charles M'Lean, had just BRld good-bye to Constable Parker and Mr Robert Elliot, of the Flodden, a few minutes previous to his death. In taking the ford M'Kinnon was first, with M'Lean immediately behind. Searing the centre of the river deceased's horse began to plunge,. ulti- , mately throwing his rider into the river. M'Lean saw M'Kinnon fall, but could render no assistance. Deceased was dressed in a heavy overcoat and leggings, and being unable to swim he was quiokly carried away by the current. A search party was immediately formed to try and recover the body, but it was near noon next day before it was found, when Mr Morriton discovered it about two miles down the river. An inquest was held at jMr Dunnet's hotel, when a verdict of "Accidentally drowned" was returned. Deceased had said to Elliot tbat his horse was bad for playing up in the water. The cause of the horse playing up was through one of the dogs having taken the ford higher up and being drifted down by the current, frightening the animal. Deceased leaves a good sum of money behind him, which goes to his sister ia the Home Country. Shooting. — A large company assembled here on Saturday last to take part io a shooting contest promoted by Messrs W. Quin and P. Stiven. The first event was a pigeon match, wbioh was won, by David Doak. ' Other events followed, one of which was won by Mr Perry. In all likelihood another contest will be held shortly, as all who took part in this one were highly delighted with the sport. There are a large number of lovers of the gun about here. Laud Sale.— A portion of the Brooksdale estate was submitted at auction by Mr W. Quin on Friday last. 'Although there was a good attendance, land was in no demand, and only One seotion was disposed of — viz., section 1, block IV, Greenvale, containing 138 aores, Mr Dloksou being the purchaser at £i 19s 6d per acre. Wbsletan. — The vacant position of pastor hat biseh;filled by Mr Lochore,of Mornington, who lately succeeded Mr Smalley ,'at Waimate. Mr Loobore preached his' maiden eermon on Sunday last, and 'many are of opinion that he is the right man in the right place. , ,