TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2677, 5 July 1905, Page 35

TAPANUI.

July 8. — "Winter is now well advaaced, ainl we have had some severe weather, but, on the whole, a good season. Last week the frosts were very sharp, and' on Friday and Saturday an unwelcome sample of weather was experienced. A. heavy fog hung over the land, and the ground was white with frost all day. The turnip crops are now being eaten off, and there- are no complaints of scarcity of winter feed. A good! few trucks of fat sheep left the branch }a»t week, and the high prices ruling at I?i3t Burnside n'arket must be a great temptstfon to* farmers with marketable sheep. Several clearing sales have been held in the district during the last month, and- in all cases good prices for live stock were the order ot the day. ~\ Amusement*. — The' Taylor-Carrington DraKiatic Company produced the drama. " Barneb of New York." to a fair audience- on Saturday night The w-eather was veiy cold, .and this jno doubt kept many from a, distance away. The piece was well staged', and the company's performance all through pleased the audience. — The Gymnastic Club' is doing good business this winter, and the adult xnd juvenile classes are being well attended, the latter class being especially strung numerically. Some new plant has lately haan added, and the hall is now well equipped. The gymnasium is worthy of support, and is doing good work, particularly amongst the juveniles. — The Singing Class meets regularly at the manse, and should be heard of before the season is over. — Dancing is having no attention, this winter, jnJ the once-popular pastime is not finding favour locally this season.

"Wedding. — There was a large gathering at the Methodist Church on Wednesday morning last, when Mr latne-3 M'Coskery (Ranklehuml and Miss Fanny Burreli (Tapanui) were united in the holy bonds of wedlock. The briclal party had a charming appearance, and the costunios were very fine. The wedding breakfast took place in the Central Hall, and the tables wers beautifully laid-, and carried an abundance of good cheer. The usual programme at such functions wa3 gone through, and Mr and Mrs M'Coakery left by the express en- route for Christchurch, where tha heneynioon will hi spent. I understand the young coupls will reside in Dur.edin. Miss Burreli has been a useful member in social circles, and will be specially missed in the Methodist Church, frsm the members of which she t as the resipient of a handsome presentation before leaving.

Political. — The early appearance of Mr Malcclni (Kelso) in an electioneering camps ign has 330 doubt induced the people to talk politics at a much sooner date than usual, and already tha chances ef the various candidates are being discussed. It appears that Clu'ha is to havo an unusually strong team seeking the honour of representing them in Parliament; — and that little £300 a year! The latest candidate announced is Mr D". A. M'LacuJan. (Clinton), an 3 with Mr Jfalcohn (Kelso), Duvid Stewart (Balelutha), and the sitting member (doubtful), besides the "dark horses" that wiil eventually turn up,, the intelligent electors should be well educated before polling dsy Mr Malcolm is to speak- at Tapanui on the Hth inst., and his audience will have ample timo

to digest his views before the next candidate comes along. Doubtless by the date of election wer shall be heartily sick of politics m\A politicians.

Accident. — An unfortunate accident occurred at Park Hill quite lately. Two young rien were indulging in a friendly wrestling contest after finishing work with the threshing mill, and one of them (Hall by name), was thrown and had his leg dislocated. He was conveyed to Kelso, and afterwards to Lawrence Hospital, a journey the sufferer would hardly relish in mid-winter. He reoeived every attendance anti' care at the hands of those who rendered first aidl

Oddfellawship. — The Tapanui Lodge of Oddfellows is now a very strong body, and over 50 members attended the half-yearly sxinimoned meeting on Thursday evening last. The principal business was the- election of a trustee in. place of the late William Simmonds, who- filled the position- for many years before his death, and was a very old nsember of ih.e lodge. The election resulted in favour of P.G. Bro. J. L. Wylie being returned — a member who has also taken a live interest in the lodge for many years past. The election of officers for the ensuing half year resulted as follows: — G.M., Bra. George Jenkins; N.G., Bi-o. Da.vid Darker; V.G., Bro. Hugh Howat. li.S.. Bio. Alex. Dacker ; waidsn. Bro. D. Mackenzie; guard, Bro. Angus M'Pherson. The newly-elected officers were duly installed by G.M. Bro. John Eskdale. Two» new members were initiated on Thursday evening. Poultry Show.— The Tapanui annual poultry show will be held on. Saturday, 22nd July, and thei secretary ',Mr A. Munyard) has ;he arrangements well in hand. The special prize-list this year is above the average, and a- good entry is anticipated. The judging will again be entrusted to Mr E. Reilly, of Dunedin. New Business.— The Tapanui Drapery Company (-with Mr Graham, of Dunedin, as manager) has opened out in the old stor-e premises of Mr Grigor Grant, with a good display of drapery a-nd clothing. The shop has been refitted, inside, and is now undergoing exterior repairs. * New Buildings.— Some important new dwellings have lately been erected in this district, notably Mr J. F. Herbert's handsome brick residence at Ardmore. The dwelling is about finished, and is a commodious structure. Mr Pringle has built a new house on his farm, at Orookston, and Mr Grigor Grant is now having a dwelling erected on his holding on run 140b. Mr Aburu was the contractor in each cscse. Departure. — Before leaving Tapantn icr Blenheim, Mr Wolferstan, manager of the Rational Bank, wa3 the recipient of a handsome silver tray (suitably engrswed) and other articles from friends in this district. Mr Wolferstan took an active interest in various local institutions, and the- Poultry and Horticultural Societies especially will mis 3 his services. Mr Jolly (Wellington) is now installed as manager of tho local" branch of the National Bank.