TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2370, 3 August 1899, Page 29

TAPANUI.

August 1. — Snow, frost, and slush continue with us, and it would seem that the last storm is not to be easily got rid of. Some of the frost 3 have been most severe, surpassing anything experienced for years, and consequently little work is going on. A good fall of rain would be welcome to wash away the accumulated and frozen snow, even at the expense of a slight flood. I sincerely hope that the new month, with its lengthening days, will bring more genial weather, and ring out the snow and frost of July. There will be a lively stir amongst farmers when the land again gets into a workable condition. Temperance.— Lectures on this subject by the gifted lady orator, Mrs Harrison Lee, have marked the past week. The attendances at the several addresses given were large. The campaign ended on Sunday evening by a united service oi tho Presbyterian and Wesleyan Churches ip the former's building, when the church wa3 crowded to the doors. Mrs Lee is a fluent and spicy speaker, and relates her story, in a

telling manner. She is well posted in her subjects, and invariably makes a favourable impression on her hearers. The mayor presided at the open meeting in the Athenaeum Hall on Fiiday evening, and the lecturer fired off some effective volleys at the expense of alcohol consumers and " moderates " in general. She also tells some humorous anecdotes, especially in connection with the amount of liquor the drinker has to consume to obtain any nutriment, and the " thirst >after knowledge " that prevails amongst her sex. The collections were generously responded to, and Mrs Lee must have been highly pleased with her reception in this prohibition locality. Poultry Show. — The" annual exhibition of poultry, etc., promises to be well supported on Saturday, and given favourable weather there' should be a good attendance of the general public. Farmers' Club. — The question of erecting permanent buildings on the agricultural ground will be discussed at a meeting of the Farmers' Club on Saturday afternoon, and members should attend in force and voice their opinions on this important matter. The result of the subscription lists in circulation in connection with the movement will be placed before the meeting. Racing Club. — This flourishing institution held its annual meeting on Saturday last, but owing to the weather the attendance was small. ; The balance showed an increase in the accumulated fund r which now stands at £437 4s j lid, and with buildings and property the club j now possesses assets to the value of £770. In the face of this, there ie reason to congratulate the management on their success. Mr George RusseJ.l was elected president for the ensuing year, Mr Peter Sim vice-president, and Mr W. Quin wa-a re-elected secretary and treasurer. A strong working committee was also appointed. The report of the retiring officers recommends further improvements to the course and a slight increase of stakes.