TAPANUI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 135, 8 September 1870, Page 5

TAPANUI.

It has been observed by some one — or is the remark original ? — that man is keenly an imitative being. To some, this highly imitative/principle may not display itself withoufr a little consideration and investigation, while by others it may be overlooked, or altogether denied. Neither is it very noticeable in the usual quiet routine of everyday life, although existing all the time. Nevertheless, the history of any nation, country, district, or town, if examined, will be found to contain ample and sufficient evidence to corroborate the observation. As instances of this principle on a most gigantic or comprshensive scale, everyone is acquainted with John Law's Mississippi Scheme, and Sir John Blount's South Sea Bubble as well as the tulipomania, the search after the philosopher's stone, and the railway mania of more recent occurrence; Imitation to a certain degree is unavoidable, and, upon the whole, is sometimes and in some cases necessary if not desirable, but when it reaches mania height can only be hurtful and disastrous, which by-the-bye rarely ends at this stage ; the mania more frequently giving way to a panic, and the panic, in its turn, yielding to a frenzy, the usual termination of which is the insanity of thousands. But not only is this feature in question carried to excess in huge schemes of speculation, it is also to be met with in an unnatural form in schemes having for their object the moral amelioration of the masses. Let the the chief town.^ of any province of New Zealand attempt to organize a Mutual Improvement Sociey. a Mechanics' Institute, a Public Library, or even a course of Sixpenny Readings, and in a very incredibly short space of time the effort will be echoed from every township within its borders. Of course I don't mean to say that such efforts are wrong — far from it. My argument is that great care and caution should go hand in hand with the zeal for any movement however good its object may be, in order to prevent this imitative principle assuming the intensity of a mania. During the excitement the most impracticable rules and regulations will be framed and enthusiastically adopted, the most extravagant schemes of action planned, and the most impossible syllabuses drawn up. For a little while all goes well, but very soon symptoms of decline appear and grows until a total collapse sets in, when there is a general bursting of these diminutive bubbles. I have been led into this train of thought by observing the precipitate popularity with which the total abstinence movement has been received in a great many places. I have learned latitiulinarianism enough to ungrudgingly award all possible praise and credit to the promoters of such a movement, and am fully

prepared to hail and encourage its advancement, if its goes at my pace. No decided action has yet been taken in Tapanui in connection with this matter, as far as I am aware, although it has been freely discussed. At the same time the report has reached my ears that a meeting is to be called at no distant date although, who are to take the initiative is only conjecture. The canse is good when properly conducted, and I hope ere long to see a flourishing society in our midst. When such is the case I have no doubt a perceptible change for the better will come over the times.

Last week, Mr. Connell, who is at present surveying in the neighbourhood, delivered a lecture on " Spiritualism " in the schoolroom. As the subject is occupying a considerable amount of attention just now, there was a very large audience. Mr. James Rodgers was chairman, and introduced Mr. Connell, who was received with applause. The lecture was a most masterly one, and occupied an hour and a half in delivery, and was listened to with breathless attention, the subject being treated in its most popular aspect, and enlivened with some amusing stories of spirit rapping. At its close, the Rev. J. Uric and Mr. Neish passed a merited eulogium on the character and substance of the essay. The customary vote of thanks concluded the proceedings.

As an improvement which must prove an incalculable boon to every resident in the township, I am glad to notice that a neat and substantial footpath has been formed and gravelled from Stewart and Gow's corner all the way up to the school ; and further, that a considerable width of gravel has been laid down right round the building, thus rendering it dry and comfortable. For some weeks past on account of the very wet weather we have experienced, it was next to impossible to reach it Avith dry feet ; however this is now a thing of the past. A praiseworthy feature in connection with its construction is that it was partially performed on the voluntary principle. An effort was made to finish it wholly in this manner, but did not quite succeed. However, a few responded most heartily and wrought with a will, among whom may be mentioned Mr. John Symes, who is always foremost in any work of this kind. On the present occasion he gave his own services and the use of two horses and a dray for two whole days gratuitously. Of Mr. Alex. White the same may be said. Mr. John Mackie gave the use of his gravel pit. Mr. Neish and a number of the bigger boys attending the school also rendered good service, as did Mr. W. White and several others. In consequence of an interruption I must here conclude my letter. Pko Greoe. Tapanui, August 31, 1870.