TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 3276, 27 December 1916, Page 23

TAPANUI.

December 18.—The weather has been too dry of late to please farmers, and gales have been of unpleasant frequency. A good rain would vastly benefit crops, grass, and newlysown turnips. The roots are coming through nicely, and rain would bring them along at a great rate. Grain crops look well; but the harvest this season will not bo a serious item, as the area sown is small. Shearing is proceeding steadily, and a few more weeks will see this work pretty well completed. Presbyterian Church.—The induction of the Dev. Sydney E. Hill to the Presbyterian charge of Tapanui and Waikoikoi took place on Wednesday last. There was a fair attendance at the afternoon ceremony, and members of the Mataura Presbytery were present. The Moderator (the Rev. E. A. Chisholm), of Danrobin, and the Revs. Messrs Clarke, Gow. Paulin, and Kerens took part in the service, and suitable addresses were given by the Revs Clarke (to the newlyinducted pastor) and Gow (to the congregation!. In the evening the church was well filled for a welcome social to Ihe Rev. and Mrs Hill. The Moderator presided, and, after opening the proceedings and introducing Mr Hill, the latter took control. Ad dresses were given by all the ministers mentioned above, and musical selections, recitations, and solos occupied the intervals. The choir (under the leadership of Mr John Graham) rendered some splendid items, and the singing was aood throughout. The church treasurer (Mr W. W. Mackie) presented Mr Chisholm with a cheque as a mark of appreciation for the able manner in which be had acted -as Moderator. The addresses were all interesting, and Mr Hill received many laudatory references as to his ability as a preacher, and his sterling qualities as a man. There is no doubt, as he remarked at one stage of the meeting, that he commences his ministry in Tapanui under the happiest auspices, and the welcome given him on Wednesday was a most hearty one. Supper was served in the old church building, and the singing of the National Anthem concluded a gathering that was marked by unanimity and goodfellowship. At Waikoikoi on Thursday evening Mr and Mrs Hill were again welcomed at a social gathering, which passed off most successfully. As at Tapanui, speeches and music formed the programme, concluding, of course, with refreshments. The manse at Tapanui has undergone considerable renovation and improvement for the newcomers, who are grateful for the attention shown to them.

Military Encampment.—A concentration camp is being hold in Tapamii at present, (he men b?insr accommodated in the okl Athenteum Hnll, now used principally as a drill ha.ll. There are about 30 Territorials in training, the O.C. beinsr Lieutonant L. J. Smith. On Sunday morning the Territorials and Cadets, headed by the Tapamii Brass Band, bold a chnrch parade, attending the Presbyterian Chnrch, whore a very appropriate address was given by "the "Rev. Mr Hill. The weather is all that could be desired for a camp, and no doubt some useful instruction will be given. The Ballot. —Much interest is centred in the ballots for military service, and the last list included a good many from this district. At the nresenl rate a few months will suffice to call up all available eligibles, and there is a serious question in front of the land-owners regarding" the carrying on of farm duties When Ihe ballot reaches the second division 'it will affect many who are practically unassisted in working' their holdings. Sonic arc appealing, whilst a per-

centage will always be rejected; but the constant drain on man-power is severe. Holidays.—Once again the holiday season is at hand; but there is every indication that it will be a, quiet Christmas. The various raco meetings will Attract the sporting inclined; but the only district gathering to bo held will be the Caledonian sports at Kelso on New Year's Day.