TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2326, 29 September 1898, Page 25

TAPANUI.

September 27.— The weather is not at alf spring-like as yet, and the past few weeks have been irritating to the farmers. Seedy sowing and other work have progressed, but gusty weather has been the order, with occa-J sional cold snaps, that have kept the grass back. A month's sunshine would be verjj welcome, as with the turnip crops now eaten off and lambing well advanced, grass is much wanted. Fat Sheep. — Large consignments of fat shaap continue to leave this district by train, and the season's output must be drawing to a close. Farmers are not heard complaining this year of the prices rxiling for sheep, and the grazier's lot seems a happy one so long as mutton, stands at a good figure. Council Chambers.— The Borough Council Chambers are almost completed, and will b3 in occupation in the course of a week or so. Literary Class. — At Thursday's meeting of this class the programme comprised a paper on Goldsmith's works, by Mr J. K. Menzies, who has acted as chairman of the meetings. The essayist tiaced the career of his favourite author from an early age, and gave an interesting review of his writings. Several reoitations from Goldsmith were given by members of the Shakespeare class, and Mr Menzies was accoidcd a heaity vote of thanks at the c-10-.e of the evening. As the meeting was the ''st for the season, a collection was taken up to defray the co3t of the firing and lighting, a si.ifficient sum being raised for that purpose. Several pleasant evenings have been spent during the series, and it is to be hoped the movement will be continued next winter on an extended scale. Improvements. — Buildings aie going ur> rapidly In this locality, and many new "farm sieadidgd aro to bo seen. The bush settlers in the vicinity of the township are also steadily improving their holdings, and one of the latest to invest in a substantial dwelling is Mr A. Braudigain, to whose order Mr J. B. M'Alister has just completed a fine house. Many old settlers have also been adding to their residences or having new ones erected, and for -the past year or so carpenters have been full-handed. We have now the new Black Gully settlement on Brooksdale estate, which will furnish further work for the builders. Cricket.— The local cricketers were to havo opened the spason on Saturday afternoon, but the morning was wet and the afternoon cold and showeiy, consequently there was a poor muster. A short practice" satisfied those who did assemble, tut up to the present there haa not been much enthusiasm displayed in tho g?me, .-wal if the weather does not prove more favourable than last season, there will not be much cricket. Angling. — Tho season for 1 rout-fishing is again close at hand, and it is said the various streams are well stocked with trout, said, however, to be principally, small. It is as well ta mention the latter fact before the season opens, as after September 1 very few small ones are taken 1 Should the streams get in good order, however, there should be plenty of sport in. wtore for auglsrs. Oddfellowship. — The anniversary bslJ in connection with the Tapanui Lodge takes place on October 7, and, as usual, a big turn-out may be expected. It has been decided to alte* the night of lodge meetings from the lasi Wednesday to the last Thursday in each months a move that has commended itself on account of Wednsaday being a half holiday, and country members being thus debarred from doing 11 any business.