TAPANUT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 422, 2 January 1875, Page 2

TAPANUT.

(From a Correspondent.) Since my last communication, death ha* visited us, and taken away poor Dominique"^ Leßedel. His funeral, couducted according « to the Odd Fellow's ceremony, -was attended T by a la%e concourse of friends. His bodywas laid iiymr quiet little cemetery. Passing to more cheerful subjects, I aia pleased to note the successful introduction of Good Templarism into Tapanui. On Wednesday evening, Mr. Kinnear made the first move by calling a public meeting, which was numer- - ously attended. After his explanation of the principles and advantages of Good Templarism, about two dozen persons entered their names. "When the general public was "dismissed, a lodge was formed and officers appointed, Mr. Jas. Crawford being elected Worthy Chief Templar. I understand that a good m vny have joined since the first meeting was held. All honor to any and every attempt to promote the cause of temperance and mitigate or remove the evils of drunkenness. Advancement and improvement still seem to be the watchwords of our residents -Mr. Mason's new' boot and shoe warehouse is now finished^ and presents quite an imposing effect with its 1 plate-glass windows andgenergood" design. The ground on which the new hotel is to stand is now cleared ; tenders have been re* ceived, and- very sooh, it is expected, the erection of a large and. handsome building will add another proof 'of the prosperity- of our township^, it hear it slated on,good anthority that, a gentleman who has done much to briugaboufc the present happy state of affairs, will shortly; establish a sort of agricultural emporium or exchange, through which the surrounding farmers may dispose of their produce without delay or inconvenience Mr. Patterson's brick-making machinery seems to answer well, as bricks are made, burnt, aad sold in large mimTwjrs. The scholars of our Main School appear to to be of a go-ahead disposition. The teacher having informed them thatagood harmonium would very much assist them iv the practice of music, was agreeably surprised to receive from them, after a fortnight's interval, over ,£l3. l« ach collector did hia or her best, but Miss Isabella Eskdale distinguished herself by bringing in the comparatively large sum of £8 6s. The instrument is of full compass, sweet tone, and is very neat in appearance. It was purchased of Mr. West, Dunedhr, and wa3 first used publicly at the Christmas hve musical service, held in" the , Church. . (This^service of song may be looked upon, as fthatevent of the month, as far. as Christmas doings are concerned. The teacher of our school having noted the unpainted ugliness of the Church buildings, offered the Deacon s Court the services of himself and bis young nightingales, which offer was gladly accepted, and on Christmas Eve was made good. There was a very large attendance, but this was- to be expected for two reasons — viz., the end in view, and the wellknown musical abilities of the scholars, last Thursday evening being their third public appearance^- It is well known also that extra effort would be put forth to make the service a success. The choral part of the programme contained a selection of pilgrim songs, the Anthem, " Triumphant Reign," and the beautiful cantata, ''The Plains of Heaven " The last twq compositions would tax the powers of a well-organised adult choir, yet the little ones took up every point with a spirit and verve very pleasant to see and hear. The whole of the music was re-har-nmonised by Mr. South to suit the vocal resources at his command ; and three numbers were composed by him, " We'll all meet again in the morning," "If 1 were a Sunbeam," and " March on my Soul" — a dnette for tenor and barytone. As soon as" the singing commenced, it was evident that a pleasant evening had begun ; the performers had evidently come prepared to please, and the audience to be pleased. Wurzel's pretty song, •• To my Mother in Heaven,'* by Miss Ferguson, herself an orphan; and "The Spirit Laud/ by the Misses and Kd wards, were both sweetly given! " We'll"* -all meet again in the morning," wasrsung in very .good style indeed by .Miss Eskdale. She gives promise of a beautiful voice. Mr. • rawfords two little -gipsies — Marion and Agnes — warbled "If I were a Sunbeam" just like two little larks ; and little Miss Bajsnegave "Tell me, Shepherd," from the Cherub .Lute, as if she had been stngingjin public ever since she was a little girl.' (N?B. - Present age about ten. )' Mr.-B'ett, the pastor, gave two readings from the Pilgrim's Progress, the first especially was. well rendered, iind was conducted by an admirable .recitation of that most beautiful hymn, " Jeru'saleau the Golden." An American revival song, " The Light in the Window," was nicely given by Mr. Crawford, and so was "The death of the. just" by' '• Mrs. T. Crawford 1 and' him*Kflf. The ' • Plains of. Heaven," in the solo parts of which - Mrs. Crawford and Mrs. |Boyd and the Messrs.- Crawford give- their aid, concluded the evening's ' performance. After a vote of thanks to the conductor and his choir had been moved by Dr. -Douglas, and carried by acclamation, the large audience dispersed. We have not heard" the amount realised, but' it must be something considerable.' •, . . , On Boxing Day a match between the-mar-ried and single cricketers xfi&l -take'placa. Success tc- the benedicts !