TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2433, 31 October 1900, Page 33

TAPANUI.

October 29. — For some months past now it has been a matter of course to say that the weather has been all that could be desired, and certainly nothing better for growing purposes could be wished for. Grain paddocks are looking green and healthy, and turnip-sowing will soon commence. Lambing is pretty well over for the season, and marking is being carried on A few of the small "squatters" near the township have lambs ready for the butcher, but in the present state of the mutton market they know what to ask for them, consequently lamb is a luxury not yet obtainable from the butchers.

Volunteers. — The Government have accepted tho services of an infantry corps from Tapanui and a mounted rifle corps from Kelso. With the two places — only soparated by four miles — donning the nmitial garment there should be some interest in working up the respective corps. The mininrum for the infantry corps is 43 and the maximum 63, so there should be no difficulty in enrolling a sufficient force here. I ho^se by nest week to be able to announce that the project is making good headway, and after so much talk of wanting something of tho kind in the district those interested should give it their unsolicited assistance. The mayor is now enrolling names, and I believe_ meeting with a successful response. Soiree. — The Wesleyan Church and the Blue Mountain Lodge of Good Templars combined forces and tendered Mr Eden, la-» 3 Wesleyan minister, a farewell soiree, and at the same time made it an occasion of--welconie to the i\ew pastor (Mr Giaham). The attendance was good, and no pains were spared by the ladies to, make the tea attractive and enjoyable; and the decorations of the church building were highly creditable to those who carried out that work. At the after-meeting the choir rendered several hymns in an acceptable manner, and a first-class programme of solos, quartets, and recitations was gone through. Speeches were delivered by the Rev. A. Begg and Messrs Eden and Graham; and Dr de Lautour (representing the Blue Mountain Lodge) spoke in very complimentary terms 'of the service rendered to that order by Mr Eden during his term in Tapamii. To the doctor had\ been deputed the task of conveying to Mr Eden the loage's appreciation of his services, and to wish him piosperity in his future career. Mr Burrell made a capital chairman, and during the evening he notified that the Good Templars had very kindly intimated that the proceeds of that meeting would be devoted to assisting in reroofing the church, a work that has been greatly needed for some years past. The chairman said it was the committee's intention to make a special effort to have the work done, towards which there is already a fund of about £30 in hand, the amount required being £50. Mr Graham received a hearty welcome, and ---"ears to have become popular with his parishioners in a very short time. Mr Eden has resigned the church, work, but proceeds to Catlins district to take up an evangelistic charge. Mrs Burrell presided at the organ, and the farewell and welcome passed off most sticcessfully all through.

Angling. — The fishermen are busy at present, and some are meeting with fair success. Tiie Pomahaka and smaller streams are in fishing order unusually early, and. appear to be fairly •well stocked. The best takes I have heard of were made by Messrs P. M'Cann and Alex. Duncan, 1 the former obtaining one exceptionally good basket in the Waipahi lately. Entertainments. — We have had a visit from the Henry Dramatic Company, which played one of the^rnost entertaining comedies ever staged here, "Charley's Aunt," to a large audience. This company is well managed, and will always be welcomed on a return visit. They were followed by the Salvation Array Maori songsters, who also had a good house/ and gave an entertainment that highly pleased the audience. The company comprises some talented artists, and the illustrating of Maori customs, etc., was most interesting. On Wednesday evening Thornton Stewart's Royal War Kinematograph company appear in the athenaeum, and the splendid lot of wai views produced' on their visit to Tapanui some few months ago should enstire a large attendance.