HASTINGS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4292, 30 April 1885, Page 3

HASTINGS.

[FROM OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

For the last three or four years there been plenty of people who have been prophesying that the township of Hastings \ would soon come to a standstill, that it could not continue to go ahead at the rate it was then doing, and that the price given for sections was out of all reason. But notwithstanding these evil prophesies the town has continued to make rapid strides, and the sections have day by day been increasing in value At no time since the first sections were sold, and the first building er?cted, has the town made such a stir in the building line as it is doing at present. Go in what direction you will and there you will hear the sound of the carpenter's saw and hammer, and see new buildings in the course of erection. Tenders have been taken for several large buildings, and several more are contemplated. Within the next twelve months our town will present a very different appearance to what it does to-day. Amongst other buildings for which tenders have been (or are about to be) taken are two large hotels, to be built at the corners near the junction of the Havelock and Karamu roads. A large billiard-room between Mr Mcllroy's forge and Mr Beecroft's hotel, opposite which Mr Wellwood intends to erect a large grain store, then Knight Brothers are going to build a business place for themselves on the site where their iron store stood. The store having been shifted close alongside of Hoadley and Co.'s auction rooms, on the other side of the \ line. Mr Kelly is going to have two fine ■ shops built on the piece of land next to the hotel, one of which I hoar has already been let to Mr Welsman (chemist of Napier), and several applications have been received for the other. The two shops next Mr Thayer's (baker), are being altered into a bank building for the Bank of New South Wales, and numerous other buildings are spoken of as likely soon to be commenced. Before the end of the year in all probability the sewerage scheme will have been carried out, and the town lighted with eas. The settlers seem so thoroughly satisfied as to the future prosperity of the place that even the Russian scare has not been sufficient to check them in their improvements, and land still continues to increase in price. Several of the sections that were sold at Mr Hoadley's sale a short time ago of Mr A. M'Lean's property have changed hands already at a profit. Amongst the numerous improvements for the benefit of the town that have been suggested and likely soon to be carried out, are large water tanks in / different parts of the town which can be -4 used in case of fire; as soon as these are * made a fire engine will be procured. A very good idea was thrown out at one of the Town Board meetings, which was to build a good size tank sufficiently large to bo utilised for a bathing and swimming bath, the site proposed to have this was on the Athemcum reserve. This would be a yreat toon to the place, and be conducive to the health and cleanliness of many. There is little doubt but before long we shall have a woollen factory in our midst, and should Mr Vollbracht's opinion of the adaptability of our district to grow tobacco of the best quality and of good yields, prove correct, there is no doubt but what wo shall not be content to grow the leaf and send it to Auckland to be manufactured, but wo shall have a factory of our own. Mr Fleming Norton gives one of Ins clever and amusing entertainments here in the Town Hall this evening, and should the night be fine he should have a good house.

Men's Superior Cardigan Jackets and Vests silk bound, choice goods, in all sizes at Neal and Close's.