TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2672, 31 May 1905, Page 35

TAPANUI.

May 29.—"Up to the present the weather has Been all that, could be wished for, considering the ses^on of yeer. XioteLy we have had severe frosts at, night, but the days have been c'leaj: and sunny, and the roads in, very good order. The early snowstorm has not made its appeorenoe yet this season, but "its absence is not regretted. A light, coating on the high ranges indicates that it has been close at hand, and doubtless we shall get our share in due course. As a result 'of the good weather, the farmers have been enabled to get on with their ploughing', and" the teams are now b««y. All outdoor work should bs w«ll advanced, in readiness for broken time before the middle of June. Sheep are now on turnips, and there are no complaints of scarcity of feed. Threshing operations ace aboro over, and" a great many farmers must be holding, their grain for the chance of better prices. Public .Meeting,—Our citizens appear to.be. wakening up to the necessity of bestirring themselves in, public matters. A well-attended meeting was heid loteiv, w2t«tzz it was unanimously agreed to protest against thfe high, rates charged for railing good's to thia district. The present tariff seeics to rate ua in the highest class for all ola&ses of merchandise and Bcateriai, and, compared with places where there is opposition fo the railway; in the carrying business, the rates certainly are unreasonable. No doubt when the railway authorities ere •.rpxoadred they will endeavour to meet the requests of their customers. There can be no complain*' against the existing railway fares for the travelling public, as of late yeaars the iedTiction« have been substantial; at the some time there appears no reason why one locality should be favo-ured at the expense of ainoth>er because otf competition. The same meeting approved of « motion to support an extension of the Edicvale. railway to Benger Creek. Independent of any- benefit such an extension wouia be to the district, there is a strong feeling in this part that via. Mpa Plat is the proper route—in fact, in the interests of the colony, setting aside the overtures of Dunedin and Invercargill deputations altogether, those who do not know bot3i routes (I*a?wrence and Mot Plat) cannot be in a, position to expressi an opinion as to which direction the railway ehonld go. Traversing the main road! only can "give no ltiea. of tlie country to bo opened tip by t&e Moa F2»t i-enxte; and to- people in this part it" seems nxoomprehensibla why Roxburgh T-eai&ents should agitate for the extension of a line that is double the distance away from, them 4ban the Edievale terminus. The question of a better road to the settlements acrosß thePoznalraka River was also discussed at the pub- j tice meeting, and it was agreed to apply for a . G-ovemment vote-, through the Clutha County Council. The meeting was the first conducted by the ne-wly-elected Mayor (Mr A. Munyard, and ho promises to fill the office impartially »na trell. There are many matters that the j citirons should take in hanfl, and thus further j their interests generally. '

Ministerial Visit. — On Thursday, Jxme 1, we are to have a visit from th<s Kignt Hon. tiie Premier, and it requires no prophet to foretell a. packed house tor the occasion. Mr Seddon -was here on one occasion before, and he will be- again welcomed. His visit is the outcome of tlie public meeting above referred to. It is needless to say the- citizens will entertain the- Premier in good, style. Social. — The local Cricket Ciub tendered the ladies who supplied afternoon tea. during the past season a> social and dance on Wednesday evening last. There- was a good attendance, end the- larger part of the evening was occupied with progressive euchre, nearly 20 fables being occupied. The most successful and unsuecesaful competitors received prizes, presented during; the refreshment interval by Mr P. M'Cann An. enjoyable dance followed the card tournament. Excellent refreshments" weror supplied) by the- ladies, and the function was most enjoyable, all through. Poultry Show. — The suinual poultry, show takes place on Juiy 22, and the prize schedule shows a good hat of cash and special prizes. This society lias made good headway of lat? years, and should have another successful exhibition nest month. Removing. — Mr Jas. Wolierstan, who has been in charge of the local branch of the National ißank for some years, has received a shift to Blenheim. This must mean substantial promotion to Mr Woiferstau. During his stay here he has made himself very useful in many public institutions, and has been a good, worker in the Poultry and Horticultural Societies especially, besides: taking .an interest in all matters for the commercial and social YFelfaare! of the district. It has not yet become known who will succeed Mr "Wolferstan. Improvements. — Mr J. T. Burrell has just had some marked improvements made to his general store. A commodious verandah and aortistiG decorations make a great difference in the look of the store, and indicate that the business must bo a nourishing one It must be said of our business people thai their premises are a ways Lept in good lepair, and the town generally has a. clean appearance. I hear a new firm from Dumedin will open out snortly in the premises lately occupied by Mx Gngor Grant, and do business as drapers and clothiers. Horse Sale. — The annual horse sale w^s conducted in M'Gann's Bazaar on Saturday last by Messrs Quir and Rodger. There was a good attendance, and <a large entry of horses, but business was at a standstill, and very few animals changed hands. Political. — Already the general elections are creating a little interest, and Mr Malcolm, of Kelso, is- definitely in the field. He will make , use of spar© tirao during the winter to further his candidature, and i& expected to appear on I the platform at an early date. It is quite- possible that Glutha will s«e a change of representatives next election if the right masi comes forward and there aie not too many candidates to choos© from ou polling day.