TAPANUI..

Otago Witness, Issue 2416, 28 June 1900, Page 33

TAPANUI..

June 26.— 1t is not often that we are subjected to such a long spell of frost as that which gave way on Sunday last. For more than a month King Frost reigned supreme, and the cold was severe. Latterly the roads were in such a glazed condition that pedestrians had to exercise care, and travelling on horseback was somewhat risky. The days, however, were fine, with a clash of sunshine in the afternoon. Veiy little outdoor work beyond attending to stock could be done, and the ground was frozen much too hard to allow of ploughing. Hence this branch of fana work hVs been retarded. With line weather the loss of time would soon be made up. So I'ar.we ha/c had little snow this winter.

Stock Output. — A considerable number of i"at sheep have been railed from this district lately, and freezers are now scarce. The prices given have been most satisfactory to the grazier, whese lot — considering the value of" wool and mutton — is far more cheerful at present than that of the grain producer. As usual the sales hxvo included some tip-lop lines of freezers. Threshing. — The mills have pretty well finished up, ancl chaff-cutting is engaging attention at present. There has been no rush at the railway siding 3 this season, and the usual outcry about want of trucks has not been heard. I understand that this, however, is not on account of the supply of rolling stock being sufficient for a heavy season, tTut owing to so much grain going into store with a view to better prices than those ruling. Present prospects of a rise in grain are not hopeful, and the market is lifeless.

Sad Accident. — On Friday last a sad accident happened on the Bush settlement, near Tapanui. A little boy — some two years of age — son of Mr and Mrs Thos. Kirk, by some rnean3 had his clothing ignited whilst standing near the first. The elders were all out of doors, and the little one, running outside, was noticed by his sister, who was some little distance away. With praiseworthy presence of mind the girl acted promptly, and wrapped her brother in a bag, thus extinguishing the flames. The little fellow, however, was very severely burnt, and he lingered until Saturday afternoon, when he succumbed. The remains were buried in Tapanui cemetery this* afternoon.

Dancing. — The quadrille assembly started, some few weeks ago is being well patronised, and dancing is the popular amusement this winter. -

Court.-— The Magistrate's Court for the past two sittings has been engaged hearing a case Roebuck v. the Ardmore Dredging Company, a claim for wages, and last week the hearing was again adjourned until the July sitting, when Mr Stratford will devote an extra day to Tapanui.

Poultry Show. — The annual poultry show.wil) be held on August 11, and the prize schedult has been issued. Mr T. T. M'Alister has been appointed secretary, arid poultry fanciers should get their exhibits in show order if they wisL to retain this useful institution. The assistance of some outside breeders would be ap> predated by the local society. The War. — Numerous letters are being received from the local representatives with the fourth and fifth contingents, and all are worded in much ths same strain about the dreariness of the stay at Beira and the unhealthiness oi that locality. The "lion story" has various versions, and some of our boys will be talking of big game if they are spared to return to their homes again.

Hotel Change. — After about five years in the Commercial Hotel, Mr A. Munyard retires from the business at the end of this week, and Mi O'Dowd takes possession. Mr Munyard has made many friends amongst the travelling public since he entered the Commercial, and his accommodation was equal to anything procurable in country districts. The well-known house ha 3 lost nothing through his tenancy, and his successor takes up a firmly established trade. As Mr Munyard owns town property, he will not be lost to the district, and means to still reside here.