TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2209, 2 July 1896, Page 25

TAPANUI.

June 30.— The sad news of the death of Mrs Gossage, of Naseby, reached here on Friday morning, taking everyone by surprise. It will be remembered that only about five weeks ago Mr and Mib Gossage left this district for their new sphere, and it appears that on the way up Mrs Gossage caught a severe cold, from which she never recovered. Much sympathy is felt in all quarters for the bereaved husband and family. Illicit Distillation.— On the 24th inst. Constablei Mathießon and Hanson made their way to Scrubby Flat, where it was reported that illicit distillation was being carried on. They were fortunate enough to catch D. Low, a rabbiter, but formerly reported as a storekeeper in South Dunedin, busy at work. He was at once apprehended, and a quantity of grog seized and brought to Tapauui. On the 26th inst. he was brought up before Messrs Sinclair and Sim, J.F.'a.' Evidence was given by the two constables in regard to the seizure of liquor and raw materal, and the place where the work was carried on was described by them. Accused, in defence, stated that he only manufactured the material for the purpose of poisoning rabbits, a statement which caused some

| laughter. The bench found the accused guilty, and imposed the minimum sentence— viz., a fins of £50, or six months' imprisonment in Dunedin. gaol. Obituary.— On Monday morning at 5 o'clock Mr Andrew Pott-% a well-known and respected settler in this district, breathed his last. Deceased had been suffering from a most painful illness for 1 Boiuj length of time, and although everything ' was done that > medical aid rendered possible It proved unavailing. A wife and a large family are left to mourn their loss, but fortunately they are ! all pretty well provided for. Universal sympathy 'is felt for them. Mr Potts wa3 one of the earliest settlers in this neighbourhood. He has been between 30 and 40 year* in the colony, during which time he has baen constantly employed' in pastoral and agricultural work. In public matters he nev** took a very prominent part, but iv matters relating to the church he was all zeal. For a number of years he occupied the position of elder in the Presbyterian Church. By hi« walk and conversation he at all times showed himself to be a true follower of the meek aud lowly One, and even when in the greatest of agony he bore his affliction with patience, aud when the question was put if he was suffering much he would reply, " Yes, a good deal ; but God will not put more upon me than I can bear." What wonderful faith ! In his last hours he longed for the coming of the Master, and on Monday morning he went forth to be with Him in whom he had trusted. It may indeed be said that his death was a tru* sample of how a Christian can die. The church and general community have lost a true and faithful friend in th» deceased.