TAPANUI

Otago Witness, Issue 2454, 27 March 1901, Page 29

TAPANUI

March 23.—For the past few weeks the weather has been fairly favourable for harvesting, pud the work of cutting and stacking the crop has gone on rapidly. Occasional rains have cpuscd short interruptions and sharp frosts last week prevented an early start oil Thursday and Friday mornings. At th& pre sent time stacking is the chief occupation, and a brief spell of fine weather would see the harvest past. There are many patches of reallygood crops to be seen, and also some very poor paddocks, but I understand that the sample is satisfactory, and doubtless the yield on the whole will be kept up to the standard. Feed for stock has beei plentiful this season, and all classes are :n good condition. Postal Changes.—Our local postmaster (Mr Chas. Whelan) has received notice of his transfer from Tapanui to Reefton, and with Mr Whelan'a departure Tapanui will lose its oldest public servant in any of the Government branches. Mr Whelan came to Tapanui as a 5 oung man over 20 years ago, so that he has spent the best years of his life here. His family were all reared in the district, and received their schooling, and deserted the home nest one by one to take tip positions in their various callings. In this connection country stations have their drawbacks, in that they afford, outside farming pursuits, no opportunities for young men. As a consequence, officials like Mr Whelan have to give their boys the best education possible, and to watch fcr an opportunity to place them in some occupation, invariably with the result that a family soon becomes scattered. Mr Whelan has sons in the Postal and Railway departments, and also engaged in commerce, and but few of the family now remain at home. To one who has lived in. the place since the early days, when saw-milling was the chief industry, and has seen life as the "old hands" like to recall to memory and boast; of its freedom and good-fellowship, right on. thiough the "civilising" stage to the preseafc condition of staid and settled, quiet-going, strait-laced, but withal prosperous, existence, the notice to move camp must necessarily sever many connections not easily parted with. In his long sojourn in Tapanui Mr Whelan. has ever been foremost in all public matters of social and general importance. He has been, connected with every public institution worthy of notice, and in all has taken a leading position. He is of that nature that, on taking a work in hand, he will see it through; and as a co-worker a more energetic man could no's be desired. As a proof of his energy, it is only necessary to mention the Oddfellows' Lodge", with which he has had a lengthy connection as permanent secretary. Taking over this institution in a languishing, or even dying, condition, poor in funds and members, we find It to-day a dominant power, numerically strong, and with funds creeping towards £3000. Besides his success at financing the lodge, Mr Whelan has time and again won concessions for its members, who, no doubt, must ba gratified for his past services. In social matter Mr ■ Whelan —and later on the members of his family —have always lent all the assistance in their powei, and of our departing .postniaste.it may well be said that he has been a, "live'" member of the community, a good citizen, and one who has ever been ready to lend a helping hand in the advancement of the district. In would be contrary to reason if one who moved with the people, as Mr Whelan has done, for nearly a quarter of a century did not make some enemieß, but I am sure Mr WTielan leaves behind bnt few in this wide district who will not wish him increased prosperity and happiness in his well-deserved promotion to Reefton post office. I notice a farewell social ia announced for Friday evening, 29th inst., and I have no doubt there will be a representative gathering. Mr King, of Manaia, succeeds Mr Whelan. Shooting. —The deer-stalkers are now busy, and a great many licenses have been issued. Kills have been few so far, and stag are reported to be scarce. The yearly slaughter is beginning to tell on the herd, and is apparent that if the fallow deer herd is to be fostered here, experts will h^ye to inspect the country and report upon the questions of close seasons and the introduction of fresh blood. Wild ducks are said to be plentiful this year, and sportsmen anticipate a good time on tho opening day. I have not heard of any good baskets of fish lately, but the streams are in capital order. New Manse. —Messrs M'Alister and Son have a large amount of timber on the ground for the new Presbyterian manse, and the work of erection is to be pushed on as speedily as possible. Soiree. —The Wesleyan Church annual soiree on Tuesday evening last was well attended, des.pite the wet night, and passed off most successfully. The ladies, as usual, carried out their portion of the programme —the catering — in excellent style, and there were some good addresses and musical items. Oddfellowehip. —Prov. G.M. Bro. Brigga visited Tapanui Lodge on Thursday evening, when there was a large muster of members 'for the Purple Lecture and degree meeting. Proceedings concluded with refreshments, and a, short musical programme, and the District Grand Master was highly pleased with his reception by the local branch. Court.—At last sitting of the S.M. Court Mr H. Stratford ordered another £40 to go into the Treasury for sly-grog-selling, Mr James o'Dowd being the victim. Security for appeal was fixed at £60. Other informations were withdrawn. Recent events hardly prove that Prohibition prohibits. Volunteering. —Since Sergeant-major Buchanan's last visit the volunteers have ceased operations until after harvest. At the annual course in musketry some good shooting ;waa made, and it must be said that the corps has done excellent work since its formation. There is no lack of interest, and when drill is resumed there will be good musters, as the men have taken keenly to soldiering. I should like to see them armed with a modern rifle, and feel sxire Taranui would soon have representatives at the shooting contests. Up-to-date rifles should be substituted foi fcmders at the earliest opportunity.