TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2371, 10 August 1899, Page 29

TAPANUI.

August 7. — Farmers are still idle, so far as land cultivation is concerned, but there is promise of better weather with the lengthening' days, and after a few weeks of fine sunshine the storms of July will be forgotten. Poultry Show. — Saturday was a busy day in Tapanui, the meeting of the Farmers' Club and Poultry Show attracting a large number of faimers to the township. The entries for the poultry show were not quite up to the usual number, but tho exhibition seemed to pass off successfully, and was -well attended by the public during the afternoon and evening. Several outside exhibitors were present; and the general quality of the poultry show showed that the institution ifs "still tending to improvo the brped. There were some good dogs exhibited in the sheep dog classes, and this department of the show never fails to attract interest. Mr James Robertson, of Dunedin, acted as judge this year, and exhibitors have the utmost confidence in that gentleman. He is evidently well qualified for the -work he undertakes, and on this occasion gave the greatest satisfaction. Mr W. M'Alisler (secretary) could not be improved upon in that position, and the committee also showed a keen interest in the exhibition. Farmers' Club. — There is nothing like a disputo to create interest in a moribund institution, and the meeting of the Formers' Club on Saturday afternoon, chiefly for the purpose of deciding whether the show this year shall be held in the club's own ground or continue on the racecourse, where the past few shows have been held, supplied this owing to the advantages offered by the grand stand and buildings. Mr J. R. Mackenzie presided, and there was a large attendance of members. Five new members were ateo enrolled before the proceedings commenced. The business, however, was not confined to a single subject, and a couple of interesting discussions took place on the question of the new Auctioneers Bill and the proposed alterations' in the county systems. The meeting unanimously agreed that the one-man-one-vote system was not desirable -when extended to county members and resolutions were passed that the member for the district (Mr J. W. Thomson) be asked to oppose the alteration, and to support the Auctioneers Bill. The latter measure, it was pretty well agreed, was in the interest of farmers. On the question of changing ground coming up, the president reported that the subscription lists showed promises of close on £bO in aid of a building fund. After discussion it was agreed by a large majority to go back to the old show ground and set up there. There weie a few sultry passages in the debate, but the subject was well ventilated, and carried on its merits. A Government fruit exoert attended the meeting, and made a brief address, also distributing some leaflets amongst those interested in fruit culture. The meeting adjourned for a month, and it would be a benefit to the district if the farmers met regularly once a month and discussed matters of interest to them. The bag question and commission on wheat also cropped lip, and it was agreed to invite combination ou the part of other clubs to endeavour to remedy these matters. Horse Sales. — The prices realised for horses at Messrs George Russell's and T. A. Graham's sales la3t week— up to £47— show that the horse market is still in a healthy condition. Farmers and carriers alike appear willing to pay high figures for good sorts, and with the rush of spring work there should not be any falling off in the value of good horseflesh. Death. — The remains of William Mayow, a resident of Kelso for over 30 years, were interred in the Tapanui Cemetery on Friday. The deceased was a highly-respected and worthy character, of the honest, hard-working, and conscientious class. He leaves a widow and one son Deceased had reached the ripe age of 7G. Literary Class. — A debate on " Freetrade v. Protection " took place at the Literary Class on Friday evening last the papers being provided by Miss Snnmonds and Mr J. T. Burrell, respectively. In Miss Simmonds's abI eence Us Whelan read and ably supported her

paper. The vote resulted in favour of the Protectionists. Miss Quin (vice-president) occupied the chair. . School Committee. — I hear that at last week's meeting of the Tapanui School Committee the members took up the subject- ef irregular attendance, and have propounded a scheme to, endeavour to make the dilatory come up to time. With free education, parents should not require compulsory measures being adopted for the attendance of their children, but it appears some change is necessary.