TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2430, 10 October 1900, Page 33

TAPANUI.

October 8. — During the past week we have had rathei too much variety in the weather programme, and so far this month cannot compare 'with last for spring season. There are still indications of unsettled weather, and more warmth is required to send the young grain along. On Friday last the rainfall was general, followed by frost at night. But withal there is not much.

room for complaint, for otitdcor work has gone on steadily right through the season.

Horse Parade.— On Saturday there was a good assemblage of fainiers in Tapanui for the annual horse parade, and they had. the satisfaction of seeing a good selection of stallions to choose from. .Nine horses were paiaded, and there was some fre&h blood m the held. Of the newcomers j\lr Robert Logan's Clydesdale Young Macarthui, and the tiottmg stallion Lexington, received a good deal oi dttenoion, and both these horses should do well ixi the district. The old favourite, King Harold, the property of Mr Alex Anderson, was shovvn m ti£ -top condition, and is certain of a large measuie of support ; whilst m draughts Mr Dunnet continues to cater with a good variety of 'ilie Salisbury strain, and Mr dames Cullen' s well-known Wallace and Mr Robertson's Royalist, have reputations that reqtiire little comment. In the trotting stallions, Lord Vanderbilt, (owned by Mr John M'Kenzie (Greenvale), is a promising colt that should claim a good deal of suppoit. The parade is a useful institution m allowing bleeders to compaie the various animals travelled in the countiy districts ,and when thus ranged together, the weak points are soon made apparent. The various pedigrees were lead out by Mr W. Qum, and the parade was held in the A. and P. reseive, a distinct improvement on the old method ox emx^loying the main street.

Farmers' Club.— The annual meeting of the Farmers' Club, held after the parade, was largely attended, Mr John Edie (president) in the chair. After the preliminary business ot minutss, etc., the balance sheet v. as lead, and this, aftej. 1 erecting a new grand stand, and other improvements on the club's ground, showed a small credit balance. Last y"ear started with a credit of about .£26, and it is highly satisfactory that at the close of the year a sum of over £90 for permanexit improvements should be entirely wiped off. The balance sheet was adopted, and the secretary complimented on his work. Mr Gco.-Milnes was elected president for the ensuing year, Mr G-co. H. Stewart vicepresident, and Mr T. T. M'Alister secretary and treasurer (re-elected). A aiotice of motion by the president to elect a committee of nine for three years, three members retiring each year, was discussed, and the proposal adopted, the folicwing being elected a committee: — Messrs 3. R. Mackenzie, J. I£. Menzies, James Edgar, Wm. Cullen, John Edie, James Sim, A. M'lnfcyre, R. Simmers, p;id P. Duulop. It was agreed to support a proposal by the \\ aitahuna Farmers' Club to endeavour to obtain a concession m the rate of freight on wool, and the date of the annual show was fixed for the l'Jih December, provided the committee found that dato suitable. The revision of progumime, appointment of judges, attending members, etc., were left over till the first committee meeting tlifll day fortnight. On the whole, the retiring president, officers, and committee of the Farmers' Chib have to be complimented on the result of the year's working. Oddfellows' Ball. — .Notwithstanding very unfavourable weather on Friday last, the attendance at the Oddfellows' anniversary ball was up to the usual standard so far as dancers were concerned ; but the weather no doubt prevented many of the old members fiom attending, and also visitors from a distance. The hall was tastefully decorated, and the affair passed off most successfully. To select the young lady to whom belonged the honour of belle of the ball is too risky an undertaking for me; suffice it to say that many handsome costumes were worn by the ladies, and all present appeared to enjoy the now popular gathering. In fact, I think the Oddfellows' -anniversary may! safely be styled the ball of the season. Mr T., J. Quayle catered in first-class' style, and' the music, -supplied 'by Mr Bundle (piccolo), Miss Rundle (piano), and' Mr Cullen •- (violin), could not have' been excelled. Mr "W. Mercer fulfilled the onerous position of M.C.

Cricket.- — Our cricketers have started work in earnest, and aie now getting- into form for the first match, which will be played against Waikoikoi at an early date. Given a fine season, there promises to be more than the usual amount of interest evinced in the game, and no better form, of exercise and amusement could be taken tip.

State Nursery. — The planting-out season is about at an end, and operations ha>e been carried on on an extensive scale this season. Besides a large staff at the nursery at Tapanui, some 30 hands have been employed planting at. ihe forest at Dusky, and the State forester (Mr H. J. Matthews) makes regular visits superintending operations. The spring work of preparing seed beds will now be taken up, and the local branch continues to assume an increased appearance of stability. All work is carried out on most up-to-date lines.

Fishing Season. — The opening of the season has not been marked by any large takes, although several have obtained modest baskets on the Pomahaka and Waipahi streams. Many anglers inform me that too much attention ispaid to the small streams in liberating young fish, and it would be better lo more largely stock the rivers, where peaching cannot be carried on to such r>.n extent as in the side creeks. I notice some fresh devotees to the gentle art this season, and no doubt later on we shall hear of better basket?.

Presentation. — Last week Miss Howat, first assistant at Tapanui School, was the recipient of some handsome presents from .her pupils raid fellow teachers. Miss Howat has resigned her position m the school, and is leaving the profession. Mr Menzies, who made |he presentations,' spoke in "flattering terms of Miss Howat's success in the school, and her diligence as a teacher.