TAPANUI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 275, 8 May 1873, Page 6

TAPANUI.

(To the Editor.) Sir, — Since you were kind enough to allow me space in your valuable paper for a brief notice of our little township and its associations, perhaps I may intrude once more, and crave a corner for a few remarks. Our timber trade is flourishing apace, no less than five saw mills being in full working order. There is— first, Mr. J. M'Farlau's GlenVenich saw mill, which has all the latest improvements, and is calculated to produce really first-class timber at the rate of 2000 feet per diem. Next comes Messrs. Herbert and Howat's Victoria steam saw mill, cutting about 4000 feet a day. This firm has been obliged to stop, owing to a, serious breakage in their machinery. This difficulty has been overcome, and operations are now commenced with renewed vigor. Mr. John Patterson has, like the eagles, renewed his youth, and added many improvements to his old saw mill — that in reality old i things have passed away and all things have become new. The new self-acting bench is a novelty in this district, if not in the colony — instantaneous motion being given to the feeding gear without any sudden jerkings or dilatory sliding of belts from one pully to another, as is commonly the case. A new flume and water wheel are in contemplation, and we hope, when these have been completed, Mr. Patterson will receive the reward which he well merits, in having a large share of public patronage. The Manse Bush saw mill (Mr. William M'Farlane's) is puffing away at the rate of 1500 ft. a-day, with more orders than can be well supplied ; and last, but not least, Mr. J. Perry's new mill, after a good many fits and stats, has now entered fairly on its work, cutting 200 a day ; so you see, Mr. Editor, our little township is not so insignificent as many suppose. Our teamsters, as a matter of course,

are growling ; but who ever heanl of a bullock-driver who didn't growl. Their grass is eaten up, and what are they to do with their bullocks'? More land, more open country, is the cry, or the bullocks will be a thing of the past. It would be an unpardonable neglect were I to omit noticing the efforts of the Church Building Committee, which have been crowned with wonderful success. Subscriptions are coming in liberally ; above £200 has already been subscribed, and little more than onehalf of the residents have been oalled upon. Plans and specifications have been prepared, and the tender of Mr. James Crawford has been accepted to erect the building, which, when completed, will cost about £500, including fencing and laying out of grounds, &o. The building is of the Grecian order, and, besides being an ornament to the township, will supply a want long felt in the district. Our public library has considerable improved of late. The Committee have bsen very active, and the result will be a fresh consignment of new bool s ; for this we have to thank our Christy Minstrels, who turned out the other evening and gave a really good entertainment in aid of the funds. I believe they intend doing it strong some night soon in aid of the hospital, and I have no doubt but their efforts will meet with that encouragement which the object deserves. Oui school, as you are probably aware, has been closed this some time back ; and were it not for kindly attention from one, I may safely say the only qualified young lady in our town, Miss Aitkins, our youngsters might run wild. Junior classes are conducted in a very creditable manner until a schoolmaster can be obtained ; but when lhat will eventuate nobody appears to know (the Committee to boot). A teacher from Southland applied for the vacancy, and was accepted ; but here the matter rests, and, as far as I can see, is likely to rest, unless the public takes up the cudgel and flogs the Committee into soruething like life. I observe a petition going its rounds for signature — its prayer is modestly that some proportionate return, in the shape of roads and other works, for the large land revenue which the Government has drawn from the sale of land in our district. Our member, Dr. Menzies, will present and support said petition before the Provincial Council at an early date, and we venture to hope that his well-known influence will help to secure for us something handsome. — Yours, &c, Tooney.