TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2413, 31 May 1900, Page 30

TAPANUI.

May 29. — Ths Queen's Birthday holiday was very quietly spent iii Tapanui, arid there were no public functions to mark the Slst anniversary. A great many were in Dunedin at the bHow and races, and the weather being 'bleak and cold, was not enticing for outdoor gatherings of any kind. All the available bunting was displaj'cd, and 'a neat array of small flags was stretched across the main street from the Comraercial Hotel to Mr Giant's store. I hear that in connection with the Mafeking demonstration a similar array of flags was cut d.own* during the night and utilised for tying up people's doors to their front gates. It is a pity such evildoers could not get their deserts and be made to pay for their folly. A joke is a "joke, but such destruction of public gifts is beyond the pale of even a thoughtless prank. . Tree Planting". — Some members of the Roman Catholic Church organised a working bea on tha Queen's Birthday and planted a hedge of macrocarpa trees around their section. In a few years the trees will ornament the already pretty chapel,, and it is the intention io further ornament the section as opportunity offers. The-trees already planted were donated for the purpose. Presbyterian. — Mr Scott, a student, occupied the pulpit in the Presbyterian Church on Sunday last, the Rev. Mr Begg being absent in Dunedin. Three 'new deacons will bo shortly ordained — Messrs G. T. Dawson, John Wylie, and D. Colquhoun. Scholastic. — The school is at present closed, principally on account of the prevalence of sickness. Whooping cough and scarlatina are the maladies prostrating the juvenile population. Young Soldiers.— A number of the bigger boys attending local school have been equipped with wooden guns, and are to be put through a course o£ drill by Mr O'Dowd, who has seen service in the volunteers. Departures.— Messrs James- Little (Conical Hills), Alex. Cullea, and Watso-i- Abiam left last week en route for the old country. Mr Little was presented by his fellow ernplovees with a pipe and social, and Messrs Cullen 'and Abram received a send-off at Kel&o. Before leaving Kelso, Mr James Kerr, statioirmaster, was also the recipient of a travelling 'bag and Mrs Kerr of a cake basket from some of their admirers. Mr Kerr made himself veiy popular whilst stationed at Keko. Two members of the family also received presentations at the hands of their school fellows. Amusements.— A quadrille assembly starts in Tapanui on Cth June, and will be continued B'eekly during the winter months.