TAPANUI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 87, 9 October 1869, Page 3

TAPANUI.

(From an Occasional Correspondent.) I trust you will not take it amiss if I occupy a portion of your columns with a description of the state of affairs in our flourishing little township of Tapanui. You mentioned some time ago the gallantry of our bachelors, who gave a ball to all the unmarried ladies of the district ; it is my pleasant task to inform you of the results of this proceeding. Ever since that auspicious occasion, the carpenters have been fully employed. Sledge huts are springing up everywhere ; and nearly every one of our unmarried gentlemen has become possessed of a horse and side saddle, a spring cart, buggy or sedan chair, and a cradle. I believe we have hit on the true method of encouraging settlement, and beg to suggest that the Grovernment in future devote sums expended on immigrants, to subsidizing balls, assemblies, entertainments, and picnics, i

The first case of fire-raising, which has alarmed our quiet community, took place the other evening. The scene ofi;he ravages of the destroying element was a gentleman's coat-pocket, and considerable damage to property at one time appeared inevitable. The particulars are as follows ; — Several gentlemen were enjoying a quiet game at billiards, when all at once one of them discovered his coat to be on fire. He threw it off in so hurried and excited a manner, that his companions thinking him seized with an insane desire to fight, skedaddled. He was left alone exposed to the fury of the flames. At last assistance arrived, and the one side of the j garment was rescued. The smoke at first obscured everything from view ; when it cleared off and allowed investigation, the damages was estimated at several pounds — of wool.