TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2578, 12 August 1903, Page 31

TAPANUI.

August 10 — The storm of la^t month his been very alow in getting away, and the \\eat!:pihas remained very unsettled and threatening for the past few weeks. The last few days h^ve had a dasli of spring in them, but theie is a lot of snow on the high country, and it i-> a common idea that until the Blue Mountainsare clear of snow settled weather may nol be looked for. "Whilst we have not so miidi reason as residents m other localities to complain, an improvement upon the past few seasons would be gladly welcomed by most peopY-. Too much clouded and damp weather means sickness and dissatisfaction, aid it is about up to this part for a better snnng and summer for 1003.

Mock Parliament. — On Fr.day evening lass the "Winter Club meeting took the form cf a parliamentary debate on the subject 0! "Party Government. ' There was a good attendance, ai.d a very mteie=ting discussion took place. The Winter Club meetings hive boon well attended this winter, and a good programme of wcrk gone through.

Gymnasium.— The Cymrastic Cub coatinues to flouri-h, and the hall ia now used almost daily and nightly by the various classes. The school children are now put through a course of physical training, and the ladies' class is al-o well attended. The captain of the ck'b CMr R. Littlejohu) 12 removing to Lawrence, and his place wall be hard to nil, as he has

devoted a lot of time and attention to the work. Volunteering. — The Kelso Mounted Rifles held their anniversary bail on Friday evening last, and ha-d an attendance of close on 103 couples. The aflair passed off most successfully, and the arrangements were carried out in first-class style. The catering was done by Mr Wood (Dunedin), and Hubener's Band (G ore) supplied excellent music. Trooper Weir made p most efficient M.C. The weather was all that could be desired, and travelling in the moonlight was a pleasure not always afforded ior social gatherings. Tapanui Rifles. — The local corps was inspected by Major Boyne on Thursday evening last and after the inspection a non-com. 's examination was held. *The new drill will now occup)' the attention of Volunteers — until such time as a new drill book to replace the one now being issued is concocted. The new Town Hall affords a first-class place for dril instruction. New "Dwelling. — Mr G. T. Dawson has now taken up his residence in a new dwelling on the town boundary. The house is a handsome addition to the town, situated on rising ground and of attractive architecture. Mr Dawsou departed from the usual cu3toin of working ou an expert* plans, and had his dwelling erected to his own -design, and he has succeeded in adding appearance to convenience, for I do not think a better arranged place cou'.d ba desired. The- carpantry work was done by an Invercargill firm, pnd is exceedingly well carried out. For water supply a very largo concrete tank has been erected, capable of holding some 1300 gal, and tha water is laid on to the house and outbuildings. In the way of planting, Mr Dawson has "an eye for the beautiful, ' and in a very short space of time he will have a garden and plantation well under way. There is sobs 25 seres of land attached -to the building, and Mr and Mrs Dawson have a most desirable home, which, their many fricnd3 trust they may long enjoy. Imported Stock.— l hear that Mr J. R. Mackenzie, who is now in Melbourne, has purchased a valuable Clydesdale stallion then. Should ho elect to bring the new importation to this district, it should prove a good addition to the breeding stock.