TAPANUI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 111, 24 March 1870, Page 6

TAPANUI.

(From our owtv Correspondent).

Notwithstanding the unsettled state of the weather we have had this season, farmers seem to have made hay while the sun shone, aud got their crops safely stacked. Now that the shearing season is past, Tapanui seems to have settled quietly down again. The chief topic of public- interest at present here is, the formation of the road between the township and Flodden- Creek — a road much required, as there are several swampy creeks within a short distance of one another.

Our quiet town was startled one day last week by the alarm of fire. It was discovered to be at the lower end of the township, in the residence of Mr. G. M'Farlane. The cause of it was owing to the chimney taking fire, and the roof being of thatch, it went very quickly ; but ready hands and a good supply of water stayed the raging element. A petition is now being numerously signed in the district to go to head-quar-ters, praying that the Pomahaka may be bridged at the gorge below Captain M'Kenzie's, which will make the distance to Waipahi about ten or twelve miles, instead of eighteen, and be a great saving to teamsters, who have many times to bide the falling of the river, or cross at the risk of their lives and property. There is also some talk of asking for a bi-weekly mail, the pi'esent arrangement of the mail being an everyday grievance. Our monthly Court was held on Saturday, the 12th instant. Warden Wood and Captain M'Kenzie sat on the bench. The following cases were disposed of :—: —

Peers v. Taylor. — For illegally detaining books, papers of property! Sac. , which defendant had taken from the premises of Peers. Taylor produced a receipt from the trustees appointed to wind up the affair 3 of the estate that he had handed over the books and everything to the trustees. Case dismissed.

Perry v. Bracegirdle.— Claim, £13 7s. 6d. , for, half the loss of bullock and balance of work done by bullocks. Adjourned till next court day, to give time for the appearance of witnesses.

Perry v. M-Farl:ine.— Claim, £17 os. 3d., the balance of a bill and work done. M'Farlane produced a set-off of £14 103. Bd.— the dispute being the price of timber supplied to plaintiff by defendant. The defendant produced an agreement to show the timber was to be supplied at current rates. Mr. Patterson, saw mill owner, Tapanui, deposed to the price of timber at the time it was supplied, and stated that it was about the same as supplied bj' defendant. Mr. Ilowatt, of the Victoria saw mill, showed the prices to be above defendant's. M'Farlane's charge was considered reasonable. The Bench decided that M' Farlane should pay £1 53. for a day's work of bullocks, and Perry should take £2 10s. worth of timber to carry out the agreement. Costs divided. M'Millan v. Strean. — For detaining a document belonging to M'Millan. Defendant did not deny having the document, but stated his reason for detaining it being that he had received the paper to sign before a magistrate, as it was an order to M'Millan to lift a Crown Grant of property sold to him by Strean. Defendant refused to give up the paper unless M £ Milan gave him £2 103. discount on a bill. Such a thing was not mentioned in the agreement. M'Millan called Mr. Smyth to prove that nothing had been said about discount. As Strean had destroyed part of the paper, the Bench decided he had to give M'Millan. one equally good, or pay £5 and costs. Stewart and Gow v. Trustees of Peers and Taylor.— Claim, £15 163. lOd. To be paid within three months, with costs. Crawford v. Evans. - Claim, £5 9s. sd. Debt admitted. Judgment with costs. Distress and immediate execution.

Mr. Yaldwin had several casea for debt settled out of Court,

J, Perry was called up for contempt of Court, and dismissed with a caution.

D. Hell and S. Evans were each fined 103. for being drank and disorderly.