TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2319, 11 August 1898, Page 29

TAPANUI.

August 9.— A few days' fine weather ha 3 been, a welcome change from the snowatorins of last week. With the exception of exceedingly cold winds blowing off the Blue Mountains, there has not been much room for complaint. Farmers arc beginning to get somewhat uneasy, and would like to see ploughing a little further forward. Winter has undoubtedly lasted its full term, with some severe snaps, and if spring proves as seasonable, all will be well. Eoads at present are not in very good condition, and as each year passes without any very noticeable improvement in the state of the tracks, ib is becoming apparent that some alteration will have to be made in the present county system. The means at the command of the members for the various ridings are insufficient for any headway to be made, and some more progressive scheme will have to be brought in. It is astonishing how long farmers will endure wading knee-deep in mud to reach their steadings, and if they would go in a little more for combination and discussion on matters appertaining to their welfare a change would soon be forthcoming. It is useless to put all the blame on county members, for if the settlers will not come forward and sanction a higher rate, their representatives are powerless. But as soon as the weather takes up and the roads become dry and passable the question is forgotten. High School.— The public meeting re a high school for the district was well attended, and considerable interest was displayed in the movement. The Mayor presided, and resolutions were passed to the effect that such an institution was necessary, and that overtures be made to the Education Board. The expression of opinion by those present was unanimously in favour of the project. The School Committee will now approach the board, and as there appears every prospect that good support will be forthcoming, 'a strong case should be made out. The decision of the board will bo awaited with some interest. Prices of Stock.— This season must be classed c.'s a record one for the prices ruling for draught horses. Although thero have been numerous sales, high values aro still maintained. At a sale at Heriot on Wednesday last a large nunibei were auctioned by Mr W. Quin (on account of Mr Geo. Russell), and the first haif-dozen averaged the payable figure of MO apiece, with good prices throughout the sale. Further sales are now announced, including one at Glenkenich estate, Pomahaka. As Mr J. E. Mackenzie is foremost amongst draught horsebreeders in this locality, it may safely be expected that his catalogue will comprise some good specimens. The present is apparently the time to sell, for anything in the shape of a useful draught will command a high price. Ihe demand for horses can only be attributed to the fact that there is a revival in cropping, and increased strength is required. Borough Council.— The Tapanui Borough Council Chambers will be an accomplished fact ere long, the contract for erection of same having been let. The building is not to be a very elaborate or costly one, and .will only be devoted to council work, with perhaps the meeting room utilised as a library and reading room. Special efforts should be made to have tho library put on a good footing before next winter sets in, and the necessary volumes procured to ,bring the collection of books now on hand up to date.

Eeligious.— Mr Eden, ,vho lias taken charge of the Wcsleyan Church here, preached hia opening address on Sunday last, and I have no doubt he will receive good treatment at the hands of his parishioners. The congregation ia not a numerous one, and the district being scattered, the missionary has plenty of employ : ment, including some cold winter rides in attending services at the outlying settlements. The Salvation Army have been specially active during the past week, and meetings were held, in the Atkenseum Hall on. SuncUw. afteraoooi

and evening, at which limelight views were a feature. _ , , . Farewell.— J-ue lad-'ea of the Presbyterian con<*re»at^n o-ro tending Miss Gilhos a fcnewelf social "nor to her departure for Gore. 1 understand • omc tangible appreciation oi that lady's services to the church will also result, and tho case is a highly deserving one. The Presbyterian Church of Tapanui loses one of its ino3t staunch workers with tho departure of Miss Gillies, a lady who has commanded tho esteem and respect of the community during her long term of residence here. Her friends v/ill heartily wish her increased prosperity in Gore, whero she goes with the purpose of endeavouring to better her position as a dressmaker and milliner. The piouiotet9 of socials, eewing bees, &c, in connection with the church will regret the loss of Miss Gillies's able support and management. Racing Club.— The annual meeting of the Tapar-ui Racing Club was held on Saturday, 30th ult. The financial position was shown to be very strong, the credit cash balance being £316 8s 2d, making with other assets the handsome total of £606 3s Id, and liabilities nil. Mr Andrew M'Kenzie was elected president, Mr Gco. Russell vice-president, and Mr W. Qum secretary and treasurer (re-elected). The club has a stron°- membership, and this institution is now at the head of local societies for proDeparted.— On Monday Mr Charles M'Donald and family, of Crookston, took their departure for Otaio, where Mr M'Donald has bought a valuable property. Mr M'Donald has been a resident of Crookston for over 20 years, and tho state of his health during the past few years made it imperative that he should seek a milder climate. He has ever been an active member of local organisations. Of a cheerful disposition, it was a pleasure to visit his homestead and partake of his genuine hospitality. As a capable farmer and experienced stockbreeder, I have no doubt prosperity will continue with him in his new location, and the settlers of Otaio gain a worthy addition to their ranks. Heriot Railway.— Two members of the Tuapeka County Council (Messrs James Sim and John Edie), together with Mr Joseph Tamblyn (Coal Creek), are at present in Wellington supporting an appeal for the extension o! the Heriot-Roxburgh railway. So persistent have the advocates for this line been during the past few years that it would appear something must be done in the near future. I understand that if the Ministry saw the main road in true winter condition, they would hasten to grant the people of the portion of Central Otago affected the communication so long withheld from them.