TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2935, 15 June 1910, Page 39

TAPANUI.

i June 13.—Although within a few days of the shortest clav the winter has scarcely been felt, and there has been no snow and little frost to speak of. There have ; been indications of stormy weather, but it 1 has generally passed away after a few | showers. Ploughing is well forward on all ( farms, and, in fact, up till within the ! last week lea land has in most instances | boon too hard for the plough. The condi- ■ tions for tu.rni.ping' sheep are most favour- | able, and I notice that district farmers have been getting top prices for fats at Burnside lately. A number of sheep are also going into the freezer, and this industry must be a profitable source of revenue to the Railway Department. Winter Show.—Visitors to Dunedin winter show recently speak in high terms of the exhibition, an I also of the manner in which the city business people cater for the annual inrush of country visitors. The number from Tapanui branch this year must have been an easy record, and many people make it their annual outing. A good many also entered the competitors’ lists this year, and their success should incite others to exhibit their produce, and thus increase the interest in the show, and at the same time advertise their district. Departure.—There has recently been a change of control in' the local post office, Mr King retiring on superannuation and Mr Johnston (of the relieving staff) taking his place. Mr King and family have departed to live in the vicinity of Dunedin, and Mr Johnston is at present installing himself and family in the post office residence. Poultry Show.—The annual poultry show takes place on July 2. In several places these shows have been allowed to lapse, including centres like Gore and Balolutha. The local club, however, considered it. better to keep the show alive in the hope that there might be a revival in poultryraising- next year. It has been decided to hold an exhibition of farm and garden produce in connection with the show, and this should add to the attractiveness of the fixture. There will be ao entry fee or prize money, but the display may lead to something more pretentious in the future. Football. —As usual the popular winter game is in full swing. The first round of flag matches between the Tapanui, Kelso, Heriot, and Wa.ikaka Valley Clubs was concluded on Saturday, when Heriot and Tapanui mot on the latter club’s ground. It was generally expected that the visitors would have an easy win, as the home team had suffered defeat right through the series. However, the “ glorious uncertainty ” was again exemplified by Tapanui winning by 10 points to nil, and they had the upper hand all through. There was nothing brilliant in the game, and in the two teams the local captain (Hanna) was the most conspicuous man on the field, his fielding being sure and his kicking excellent. Waikaka Valley loads in the flag points, and at present appears to have a mortgage on the flag. There was a large attendance of spectators yesterday, and the game was played in a good spirit. Previous to the seniors’ match the Tapanui and Heriot schoolboys played a friendly game, the teams being chosen from the lower standards to ensure uniformity Ih size, and after a wcll-fought-out contest the Tapanui beys won by 6 points to 5. The lads were afterwards regaled with tea and cake at the school, and needless to say all the players were conspicuous in this portion of the outing. Deaths.—The news of the death of Mrs Wm. M'Donald, of Skylaw, Heriot, was heard with regret last week. The deceased lady was a daug'hter of the late Jacob Shearing, of Crookston, and was a native of the district. She was in the prime of life,, and Mr M'Donald and his young family have the sympathy of many friends in their loss. A very old identity of Tapanui died -at Auckland last week in the person of Thomas Hewitt. The deceased was Identified with the early settlement of this district, and turned his hand to many occupations. He was stockman, bullock-driver, butcher in turn, and ah o kept an hotel at Waipahi for some time. After leaving Tapanui some 20 years ago he was in business in Gore, and afterwards hotel-keeping in the North Island. At Wairoa bo lost his wife some 10 years ago, and her remains were brought to Tapanui for interment in the local cemetery. It was Mr Hewitt’s desire that he also should bSltbaried here, and this wish was carried out by his daughters. The kte Mi Hewitt was amongst the founders of the local Lodge of Oddfellows, and for 40 years he maintained his membership with the' local lodge. He was before that a member of the order, and came into the TaPanui Lodge by clearance. Brass Band. —It is pleasing to notice that the local Brass Band continues to make aood headway under Bandmaster T. A. M'Kenzie. On Saturday evening they played some selections in the street, and the music was appreciated _by the assembled crowd. The band is worthy of public support, and it is to bo hoped the members will stick together, as music is a valuable factor a' public gathering’s, as well as an excellent pastime for young men and lads.