TAPANUI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 291, 28 August 1873, Page 5

TAPANUI.

The building mania ia taking root with a spirit that ere long will increase the size of this thriving township to such an extent that old identity bullock drivers will leave in disgust, and seek out for themselves some fresh camping ground down in the Longwood Ranges, where they may turn out their cattle and not be interrupted, if they want a fortnight's spell, by an order from the runholder to move on. We notice in course of construction a large building, intended for a Presbyterian Church. The design is by Mr. T. Crawford, and the dimensions are 60ft. by 40ft., with a frontage to Sussex-street, The contractor, Mr. James Crawford, is pushing the work on as rapidly as the weather will permit. When completed, from its prominent position, it will be one of the greatest ornaments Tapanui possesses. A new store will be commenced at once by Messrs. M'Alister and Valance, contractors, a section having been purchased by the promoters for the purpose. The name under which the business will be carried on has not transpired as yet. but some well-known names are mentioned in connection with it. The undertaking shows that there is some faith in the future prosperity of Tapanui, although the Government persist in only throwing open a small portion of land for occupation, and refuse io make the roads passable. The timber iracle alone Las asaumed immense proportions since tho

time Mr. Patterson first erected his mill. There are now five mills in working order; four of them are driven by steam power, that of Messrs. Herbert and Co. being the largest, the other being Mr. " Patterson's, the pioneer mill of the settlement, whose motive power is a water wheel. A new flume was recently erected, the original one having done duty for eight years. A large addition to the schoolhouse is in contemplation, the present building being totally inadequate to the requirements of the rapidly increasing juvenile population. The Government have granted three Bections of land for an Athenseum. The means for building will be raised by public subscription. They should follow in the track of the various similar institutions throughout the country, and ask the Government for a land endowment to assist them in maintaining the institution. We are glad to see Tapanui making such rapid strides and from its great natural resources we expect to see it ere long one of the finest inland tuwns in the province.