TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2085, 8 February 1894, Page 22

TAPANUI.

February 6.— The effects of the recent stormy weather are to be seen everywhere where the crops were heavy, some of them being knocked completely fUt. Harvest operations have begun, and many of the crops are ready for the sickle. If the present weather continues for the course of a month, the harvest of 1§94 will be amongst the things of the past. Turnip Crop.— Many are the arguments ip reference to the relative advantages of broadcast sown v. drilled turnips. If convincingproof is necessary as to which is the better plan, contestants have only to inspect a crop of drilled turnips belonging to Mr A. Mason on the road to the railway station. A better looking crop is not to be seen in the district.

Monster Picnic— A picnic which has been the main topic of conversation for the past week or two was held on the Brooksdale estate on Wednesday laßt, and proved a thorough success. The idea of holding this gathering originated with

some of the members of the Loyal Lodge of the M.U.1.0.0.F., and no sooner was the proposal made than a powerful committee was formed to carry out the necessary arrangements. Each of the members did what he could to ensure a successful gathering, and the call made upon the people for the necessary supplies was responded to in a manner which exceeded expectation*. The young men contributed liberally towards the racing fund. So as to prevent mistakes as to tho road to tho grounds, the committee had it flagged off, thus placiog strangers on an equal footing with those acquainted with the route. The Tapanui Brass Band, the String Band, and Mr Calder with the bagpipes were present, and kept things lively with the music they supplied. There was no lack of racing for the younger members, and Mr R. A. Rodgerappearedtotake a very lively interest in this department. Eatables were in abundance, and if any failed to get supplied it was certainly their own fault, for at the conclusion there was a large quantity left over. The attendance could not be less than 1200 persons, and it would probably have been much larger had the affair been held a little closer to the township. In the afternoon Mr T. Mackenzie, M.H.R., put in an appearance, and was warmly welcomed by all. The spot selected for the picnic could not be easily beaten, as there was an abundance of shelter, water, and firewood. During the day the people wero treated to a rather unexpected sight. Thestrains of music had the effect of bringing out five fine deer into the open, and within easy distance of the one lookers. ,This was certainly a novelty for the majority of |thoso present. The committee, one and all, must be complimented on the way in which things were carried out, and the great success which attended their efforts. It is just probable that this will prove the first of an annual gathering, which would be certainly better than a continuous run of picnics as at present. Thing 3 wero carried out .on thorough temperanoe principles, and the success attained goes a long way to prove what a powerful agent tern pc ranee really is. Horticultural Show.— The annual show was held in the Athenroum on Saturday last, but, as was to be expected from the recent boisterous weather, the competition was not very keen. The quality of the articles exhibited was, however, very good. The ihow was scarcely so well patronised as on former occasions. Perhaps if the committee could see their way ta hold it a little earlier the exhibition in flowers would be better, although the fruit exhibits would not be so good. If such an alteration wero made, there is no doubt that it would result in a greater financial Buccess.