TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2410, 10 May 1900, Page 11

TAPANUI.

May I.— -There has been a, very biief lapse of time this season between the completion of harvest and the appearance of winter. The splendid weather up till the concluding wee];: of last month enabled the farmers to get their grain into the stack, and although there may be patches still in the stook, they are not numerous. It is simply wonderful to note the rapidity with which stacks come into existence — like mushrooms, they simply seem to "grow" in a night. A gieat deal of threshing has also been done, and the mills have been working day and night while the weather allowed. A stop was put to all work, however, early last week, and heavy rain and cold -were followed by a fall of snow on "Wednesday night, the low country carrying a couple of inches in some parts, whilst the mountains were well coated. The snow, however, soon disappeared, but up to time of writing the weather has not succeeded in clearing, and with darkness at 6 o'clock, it may be said that winter is fairly upon us.

Fire. — It is some time since a fire occurred in our quiet vicinity, but on Thursday evening last about 9 o clock a four-roomed cottage — one of the " oldest identities " — was destroyed. The occupants were not in the dwelling at the time of the outbreak, and the origin of the fire is unknown. The building was insured for £00 and the fiunjtujce for £50 4 bui the tenant JMr W. Stivea)

must lose considerably, as nothing whatever was saved.

Shooting. — The deer-stalking season closed yesterday, and a large number of stags were shot during the past six weeks. Some very fine heads were obtained, but, tpken all over, the percentage of small and inferior heads was larger than usual. There is now no doubt but that the best stags confine themselves to ihe vast forests beyond the Blue Mountains, where ihey have x^eri'ect siiongholas, and only the smaller ones venture on the western &lopes. The herd is now very iivmerous, £>nd the ammals this season have invariably been in fine condition. Veiy few outside sports visited the limiting ground this /ear, but those who came had very good hick with the rifle.

Famine Fund.-^The cbau'ehes ?.re taking up collections in aid of the Indian famine fund. On Sunday next the Presbyterian Church take lip a collection, and the very deserving obiect should ensure a liberal response. So for no public committee has been appointed, but doubtless a move will be made shortly.

School Committee. — The annual election passed off quietly. All ths old members ,but two stood for re-election, and were returned, ihe two vacancies being filled by Messrs John M'Farlane and J. Wylic. Dr cte Lautour was re-elected chairman, and Mr D. Muriay secretaiy and treasurer. Last year's committee showed a good record of work for their term of office, the chief improvement for the year being a substantial aiea of asphalting. Changes. — A change of management has takeva place at the Sta«e nurseiy, and I hear Mr JDsnham, a former employee, takes the place of Mr John Glecson, who left for Dunedin on Saturday last.