TAPANUI NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21561, 26 November 1931, Page 12

TAPANUI NOTES

(From Our Correspondent.) The gift evening held by the Presbyterian Church Guild in the Hall, Tapanui, on Friday evening, was largely attended. Rev. W. H. Norton, who presided, thanked all who had so kindly assisted by sending along gifts. The evening was spent in games (controlled by Mr H. Kelly, Rankleburn) and songs were given by Mrs Norton, Miss Alison Edgar, a quartette by Misses M. Wright and E. Norton, white Masters A. Wright and F. Norton, and Miss Graham gave a recitation, and Master F. Norton an organ solo. Accompaniments were played by Mrs J. D. Edgar and Misses R. Crawford and S. Potts. Supper was provided by the ladies of the Guild. Sirs Davies, wife of the Rev. H. Davies, of the Canton Village Mission, was at Tapanui over the week-end, and gave addresses on the work of the Mission at Tapanui and Waikoikoi churches on Sunday. She explained the difficulties of the mission work in China to-day, and the disturbed state of the country. Among the Chinese students the doctrines of Communism were insidiously introduced by Communist agents. Mrs Davies was the guest of Rev. W. H. and Mrs Norton at the Manse. Mr Stuart Haugh, who was injured on the Blue Mountains last week, underwent an operation in Dunedin and there is good hope of saving the injured foot. Mr C. D. Atkin who died at his residence, “The Camp,” at Tapanui recently, was a pioneer settler in the district. He was born in Victoria, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1863, living first at Popotunoa, then at Kuriwao, and in 1869 came to Tapanui, where he has since lived. He was educated at Tapanui School and when a young man, bought the farm known as “The Camp” near the Blue Mountains. About four years ago Mr Atkin retired, and bought a house in Tapanui. For many years he was a prominent member of the Racing and Poultry Clubs, and was well known as a deerstalker on the Blue Mountains, securing many fine heads. He is survived by four sisters and a brother. Rev. W. H. Norton conducted the funeral services at the house and grave side, Tapanui cemetery, on Tuesday. Mr David Peat, who died at Tapanui on the 7th inst., had been associated with the district for over 40 years, though ho had been resident in Tapanui for just, two years. As a waggoner, he was well known to early Tapanui settlers, as his route led from Dunedin to the Dunstan, Palmerston and Tapanui. He afterwards bought a small grazing run near his father’s property at Mount Gowrie. Two years ago he bought Mr Harvie’s property at Wooded Hill. Mr Peat was always keenly interested in fanning matters, and was a life member of the South Taieri A. and P. Association. Of his family of two daughtersand seven sons, all are alive but one son who was killed in the Great War, and to the wklow and family much sympathy has been extended. Many came from a long distance to attend the funeral at Tapanui Cemetery on Monday.

j The Otago Acclimatization Society's gold medal fishing competition was held on the Pouiahaka river on Saturday last. There were 15 competitors, but those on the lower reaches of the river met with most success, fish seeming to be scarce further up. Mr J. S. Varcoe was the winner, with 21 fish, weighing 161 b 4oz. Mr Jock Edgar was second, with 121 b loz., and W. Graham, L. Jenkins and F. Lischner also secured good baskets. The heaviest fish, 41b. in weight, was caught by Mr J. Buchanan Snr. A dance was held at Edievale in Edie’s Hall on Friday evening in aid of the Piano Fund. Mrs S. J. Ottrev supplied the music, and the local ladies provided an abundant and excellent supper. Mr J. Grlowski, Moa Flat, acted as M.C. A ] “Monte Carlo” dance caused some amusement, the winners being Mr and Mrs B. Rush, Edievale.

At the Royal Show, Christchurch, held last week, Mr J. Fleming, North Canterburv secured the championship in the Jersey Bull class with his bull “Tokorangi’s Masterpiece.” This animal was bred by Mr N. Moore, Tapanui, who is to be congratulated on breeding a Royal Show champion. At a meeting of the Tuatapere County Council on Friday, Mr R. F. Batchelor, clerk of the Murchison County Council, was appointed to the position of County clerk. Mr Charles Todd, Reform Coalitionist, Central Otago electorate, spoke at Heriot on Wednesday night. Mr E. Ottrey who presided, said that Mr Todd did not need an introduction to the audience here, as Heriot was his home town where he had lived, and taken a keen interest in district matters. Mr Todd addressed the meeting and outlined his views. After the candidate had replied to several questions, Mr A. M. Moncur moved a vote of thanks to Mr Todd for his able address, and of confidence in him as a representative of the electorate in Parliament. The motion was seconded by Mr R. F. Sim, and carried unanimously. At Moa Flat, Dunrobin and Crookston Mr Todd addressed well attended meetings. His addresses were on similar lines to that

given at Heriot, and votes of thanks and confidence were unanimously accorded to the candidate. The usual stock sale was held in Tapanui yards by Messrs Dalgety and Co. on Friday. Prices showed a slight advance on recent sales, bidding being fairly keen. Prices realized were:—Weather hoggets up to 16/2, ewe hoggets 13/9, ewes and lambs (all counted) 6/6, ewes 13/1, twotooth weathers 13/2. Mr R. Howie (Christchurch) has been appointed sole teacher at Spylaw’ School, and took un his duties there on Monday. Miss Greeney (formerly of Spylaw) is relieving at Arthurton. Mr E. Stevens, formerly head master of the Heriot School, and lately headmaster at Nightcaps, has been transferred to Limehills.