TAPANUL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2857, 16 December 1908, Page 39

TAPANUL.

December 14. — Following dry weather, we have just passed through a week that would do credit to midwinter. On Wednesday I m^cning there was a shaTp frost, which j KSaßkened mo6t of the potato patches and will check growth for a time. A cold southwesterly wind prevailed most of the week, and a lot of radn fell. The moisture will do a lot of good, -and orops are looking nice and green. Shearing, was at a standstill all tho week, and the cold was not pleasant for newly-shorn sheep. Yesterday, "however, was again bright and warm, and it is to be hoped that the boisterous week will mean a fine spell for the holiday season. Show.— Tho annual show on Friday did not benefit by the unsettled weather, but the showery day did not keep so many ' away a« might have ben anticipated. The J gate taking* (£3O) were the highest yet recorded, and there must have been 1000 I people on tho ground. The pleasure of the j outing was greatly marred by the heavy showers that fell at intervals. The show is generally pronounced .o have been the best yet held, and the entries showed a | substantial increase on last year. The : draught horse section was especially good, ; and a lot of splendid animate were forward. The light horse rings were also very attractive, and dairy produce nad-e a fine display. It is satisfactory to note the increased interest taken m the agricultural show, and there is no doubt it could still further be popularised if owners of stock would bring | their exhibits forward. If they wish to ' advertise the high-class &teek raised in the district it is necessary to compete in 4h* I show ring, and there ie every promise of ! stronger support .next year. Fancy Drete Ball. — On sQiow night' the local Town Ball presented a venry fine sight, the fancy dress ball promoted by the County Severance Committal beinga br-Rliant success. Evening drees w*fe the exception, and the number of fancy costumes exceeded all expectations. They ! were most varied, and a few quite origin*!. There was a large attendance of onlookers j on the stage, amd the dancers made a very I pretty picture. Some of .the costumes must have involved a great deal of work in preparing, and the gathering proved a mtst enjoyable one socially. The music was j supplied by Bundle's Band, and Mr T. J. I Quayile provided excellent refresiwnemte. M,r Thoe. Edgar acted as M.C Land Sale. — There was a large attendance at the land sale in the Central Hall on Saturday afternoon, when Messrs Quin and Rodger auctioned the property known ac Paterson's, adjoining the town. The outlying sections were first disposed of in email blocks from three to six acres, and competition was brisk,, the portion known as the old Chinese garderus realising up to £31 an a-cre. When the demand for small areas was satisfied the remainder was lumped, making a compact block of about, 30 acres, with the homestead and buildings. This quickly went up to £22 an a.ere, and was knocked down to the bid of Mr H. W. Hay, a runholder in Moa Flat. The cutting up of this property will mean tho erectiom of some new homes adjoining the borough, and the sites are admirably adapted for building, the land also being of good quality. Wool. — Buyers have been operating during the past week, and a good many sales are reported during the past week. The I prices in most cases have not been divulged, I but it. Ie appa.re.nt growers are satisfied to | sell on the giound rather than take the chance of higher values at the sales on Thiu^day. The improvement in values lias had a marked effect, and graaiers fully appreciato tta rise. Horticultural Show. — The agricultural show being over, the Horticultural and Industrial Exhibit iiociery are now making preparations for their annual exhibition, to be held in the first week in February. The committee have secured a good list of I special prizes, and a number of new classes I have been added to the schedule. The j flow er show i a one of the most popular fuoction« of the year, and the addition of an industrial section has had a, beneficial effect. Scholastic —Mr W. W. Maekie, of Clinton School, has been appointed rector for Ta.p;>ivui District High School in place of Mr J. N. Stewart, who gcx>s to Dunedjn w.th promotion. Mr Maekie is well known in Tapanui d'stnet, where he spent his curly life, and wm afeo for oome years at Waikoikoi School. His many frienda will join in congratulating him on his 'promotion, and he wall undoubtedly be an acqute.tiou to the place. Although Mr Stewart ha^ not been long here, he has gained golden jpiniona atul proved himself a u^ful riLizTn a.i well as a oapable teacher. Hl> will kate >acancies in several local institution-, and h,-, place ac ohoir leac'er in the Pre-b*terian Church and supei.ntendent of the Sumlaj School will be difficult to fill.