TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2561, 6 May 1903, Page 31

TAPANUI.

May 4.— The present season is continuing its uncertain conditions so far as the weather is concerned. Some 10 days ago, just when harvest was well under way, a snow storm set m, but happily of short duration, and following it we had a few days of perfect harvest weather. As a consequence a great amount of gram was safely stacked, and m good condition. A good many paddocks of crop, however, remained uncut, and the owners will have a trying time in some instances cutting the stuff, which is beaten flat and greatly tangled. On Friday last rain again set in, and we have had a couple of days of dirty drizzling weather. Tho threshing mills are busy when opportunity oilers, and a very short spell of diy weather would suffice to complete the 1903 harvest.

Scholastic. — The meeting of householders last week attracted an unusually large gathering, and creited considerable interest. The chief reason of this was a dispute between the committee and the Board m connection with the appointment of an assistant lady teacher". Only one applicant's name was sent forward, and practically appointed by the Board. It came to the committee's knowledge through letters oi recommendation, from a gentleman whoss opinion had considerable weight tnat there were other applicants, and the committee desired a voice in the selection. But the Board held to its appointment, and the commit tee left the matter for the householders to give an opinion, hence the well-attended meeting. Mr W. Quin (chairman of the High School committee) presided, and gave the history of the appointment in detail, and the situation was pretty fully discussed. A resolution was passed confirnurg the committee's action, with only one dissenting voice, so that it is plain public opinion was on their side. On top of this the householders returned the old committee with one exception, the Rev. Begg taking the place of Mr John Lind. Further develo23ments are awaited with interest. At tho first committee meeting Mr John M'Donald was elected chairman and the Rev. Begg secretary for the ensuing year. Mayoral.— l he mayoral elect-on this year produced a surprise and a change dl officers. The present mayor (Mr W. Quin) was opposed by Cr Murray, and on the poll being declared the resu't/ showed the latter to be elected by a rnijonty of four vo?es— 41 to 40. During hi 9 term of office Mr Qum has been exceedingly energetic, and some important public improvements must be attributed in a great mensnTe to his energy, including a new residence for the postmaster, Town Hall, opening of Run 140b for settlement, etc. The polling was exeeedmg'y small, and showed a great lack of interest on the part of the electors, as numbers must not have taken the trouble to record their votes on one side or the other. Mr" Murray has *iad a long experience in the council, and takes iip his duties with everything in good working order. For the election of councillors on'y eight were nominated, so that it will be necessary to have another election to make up the required number of nine. Cotlage Hospital. — The provisional committee for the establishment of ft 'district cottage hospital has been working steadily for some time past, and has now succeeded in fulfilling the requirements of the act— viz., the collection of £100 and sccuT.ng 100 subscribers at 5s rach pel annum. The final meeting of tho committee submitted a draft copy of tho petition to the Governor to declare the police district a hospital district;. This comprises an prea of about 20 square miles, and should ba easily defined. The first general meeting if subscribers will be held on Thursday evening to elect a permanent committee, etc Nearly all the money gathered has coma m in leply to a circular, and there is no doubt a personal canvass would result in obtaining ample funds for the establishment of a hospital. It is the tendency of the times to have such institutions set up in all centres of population, and thereby a great amount of Buffering in the removal of patients to the cities must be saved. Even should the. cost of small hospitals be found h»avy in comparison to tho large establishments, that point can only be subsidiary to tho more humane question of alleviating suffering, and Dr Ogston has reported favourably on the proposed site and building, but this, of course, can only be finally decided by the bubscribers. From present appearances it should not be long before the cottage hospital is an accomplished f&ct. Town Hall.— The new Town Hall has been completed for some week 3, and the opening ceremony is expected to take place this month. The date has not yet be?n fixed, and the Borough Council are awaiting definite word from Sir Joseph Ward, who has been invited to attend the opening socia'. The Minister was ie3ponsib'e for grafting a new post office residence nd other acts of courtesy, and he may be sure of a hearty welcome to lapanui and i large audience.

Winter Evenings. — Movement 1 ? are now on foot to establish winter evening amusements, ar.d tho Winter Club held its annual meeting on Fnday evening. It was decided to carry on in similar lines to last year, and Mr \V. Eudey was elected prcs.dent, Rev. C. C. Oldham vice-president, Mr R. Moore secretary, and Mr Littlejohn treasurer. A committee was also appointed, and the opening night will take the form of a "magazine" night, preceded by an address by thp vice-president. The meetings were well attended last winter, and some interesting evenings were spent. The Citizens' Club continues to flourish, and is open every e\ cuing for cards, games, etc. At present a euchre tournament is in progress. 'JliTe is also a proposal to form a club for >oung men to revive the defunct gymnasium club, and combine a library. This is greatly wanted, and should be brought about if possib'e.

Court.— An interesting ca&e occupied the S M. last court day, when Mr W. Sinclair (solicitor) proceeded against Constable Cowan for £o damages for assault. The action arose out of an alleged intrusion by plaintiff at jury proceedings and his ejectment by the constable, and "a lot of evidence was called. The case was adjourned until the next court day to allow plamtiff to produce further evidence. The degrees & "elevation" described by the witne<;se a greatly entertained the crowded court. Death.— The death late'y of Mr John Fleming (of Crookston) was deplored by many in this difatnet. The deceased was one of Crook-<-lcn's pioneei settlers, and a man in every se^e of the term. A chill caught whilst driving home from Tapanu- caused the illness, which was brief and severe. The funeral to Tapanui cemetery was largely attended, and I am safe in paying that there was no more highly esteemed settler in the district than the late Mr Fleming. Illumiuary. — The three stores, one hotel, and one private residence have been fitted up with acety'ene gas fixtures lately, and the light is giving general satisfaction. It is a pity that no enterprising person with a little spare capital has not seen fit to attach an electric lighting plant to some of our splendid water power and provide a public service. There must be moiifv in the venture.

Deer Stalking. — The deer-shooting season closed on. Fnday last, crnd was in a measure

not a very satisfactory one. Either good seta of antlers are getting scarce or the stags ara becoming very wary, for a small percentage of superior heads -was obtained. On the other hand a great many deformed, stunted, and broken antlers were secured. The society^ should give the matter very careful consideratino if they wish to continue to derive profit from the herd, as past neglect in providing some fresh blood and continual shooting ars having their effect. The Blue Mountain forests are unsurpassed as deer country, and the society should make a greater effort to keep, up the standard of the herd. ( ' Ar.ghng — The closing weeks of the fishing season were spoiled by the early snow storm, and few anglers ventured near the Tiver. During March a lot of fish were taken out, and gcod sport provided. The late prosecutions for poaching should have the desired effect of putting down this practice, and in botbj fishiag and deer stalking the cream of t&a sporfc has gone to the pot-hunters. *

Renovating. — Our enterprising flour and) oatmeal miller has had a big task before him; since he took over the mills reconstructing, renovating, etc., and he has now shut down for It month to make further improvements. Mr Dackers's first move was to substitute an up-to-date roller plant for the old one; then tha flume occupied a lot of work renewing; and now the buildings are being roofed -with galvanised iron, and Totten timber replaced. Besides this Mr Dackers has erected a handsoma addition to his dwelling house. Tyrning ottfc a good article has no doubt enabled the ownqr of the mills to bring them up to date, and his enterprise is most commendable.