TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2199, 23 April 1896, Page 23

TAPANUI.

April 22.— During the past week the weather has undergone a remarkable change, and we tire now experiencing a foretaste of winter. Luckity farmer* are well forward with their work, the majority having their grain in the bag. Some of the farmers in this district have thus early the plough in full swing, and the fields are beginning to assume their customary winter appearance. Land Sale.— On Saturday last Mr W. Quin submitted the property of the late Mr R. T. Elliot for sale. There was a fair attendance of farmers, and it was knocked down to Mr James Uskdale at £5 per acre. The price realised may be considered a handsome oae, more especially when the prices of other lands which have been offered lately are taken into consideration.

Temperance.— The members of the 1.0. G.T. have taken a new departure, having resolved to hold monthly meetings to which the public are cordially invited. The first of these was held iv the Temperance Hall on Thursday night, and, notwithstanding the stormy nature of the evening, a very good audience assembled. Bro. J. T. Burrell, C.T., occupied the chair, and briefly explained the object that the meetings were got up for aud what the temperance party sought to attain. Their work, he said, was not a selfish one, ■ but was purely in the interests of others. ' The programme c«mp ised speeches from the Rev. A. ' Begg and Bro de Lautour, on 'The Evils of In- ' temperance '* and "Drinkina Amongst the I Ancients" respectively. Both addresses were of an instructive nature, and they were p*t'ently listened to, and vociferously applauded at their close Songs were given by Sister A M'Kenzio and Bro _J. M. Gavin is a pleasing manner. Bros. M. Gavin and Hancox contributed r citations, and a good election was given by the choir. Mrs' Burrell proved a' highly satitfactory accompanist. Before closing the chairmau invited anyone present who would like to become members of the order to come forward and give in their names. Three responded to the call. The singing of a '

hymn, followed by the benediction, brought an enjoyable evening s entertainment to a clof o Reception.— The Rev. R. Wilson, the newly, appointed pastor to the Wesleyan Church, received a cordial reception on Sunday evening, every Beat available being filled. The minister delivered a capital discourse from Hebrew ii, 1, in which be showed how easy it was to drift from the right path of duty, and exhorted hia hearers not to be neglectful, but to be diligent in the performance of their duties, for by neglect maiiy a one had reached a stage of degradation and misery truly deplorable.

The Stud. -Mr J. R. Mackenzie, of Genkenieh station, has just made a welcome addition to his present fine stock of Clydesdales, having purchased from Mr R. Simmers, of Landslip, an excellent colt foal out of Darling, by Sfc Alexander, at a handsome figure. The colt iB described by the groom as being of good substance and quality, with great bone anjd the best of feet, and for breeding he i* possessed of the best blood, being closely connected with tho*e sires which have proved themselves to be the best in their day. I understand it is Mr MuckeDzie's intention to keep him for stud purposes, and he is to be congratulated on securing such a colt, which will in all probability follow in the footsteps of the celebrated sires Ljrd Lyon and St. Alexander.