HASTINGS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 9940, 11 December 1900, Page 8

HASTINGS.

(OWN CORRESPONDENT.) The fancy fair on behalf of the new school grounds fund concluded last night, when the balance of the goods were auctioned by Mr W. Y. Dennett. The nimble shilling was the favorite knockdown price for most things, although in: some lines the auctioneer did not despise oven the threepenny bit. A nice lot of pot plants and ferns were disposed of, the 'tadding for them being very spirited. The -drawiog of the act union followed tive auction, Mr J. A. Smith acting as master of ceremonies, and two little girls making tho drawings. There were twenty-&ve prizes, but tke interest was somewhat tidiiimised through the names of winners not 'being announced. Mr J. A. Smith, Mr W. G. Martin, Miss Percy, and the rest of the school staff are to be highly congratulated on the successful result of their atduous labors, ract only in this but in former efforts for f £he came cause. A. celebrated Freusfh wit audj the last century, Madame de -fiefined happiness as labor, and under this defiaiti3n Mr Smith! j should { be happy to-day. *Ehe committee , have also worked energetically en support of the object, anfi many thanks due to the ladies who have co powerfully assisted, and<to Mr Moelfer, of Napier, for his phonograph, wfeich &4&zd so much to the interest of the fanxjyfair. The improvements to be effected are practically in the direction t*ken by the Beautifying Association of STapier, a* a barren weste will be transformed into pleasant gardens and terj'races. Tne total net sum resulting from j-the fair cannot hs yet be accurately i-Stated, but it is certain that it will not !■ be far from £100. Out of this £30 will j'be required for prises. Mr W. C. Mad[dison, chairman, informs me that about £40 more will complete the wor-is of im•proving the school ground. The members of the Fire Brigade who have been selected to go to the Christchurch competition had good practice last ' night in the five and three men events. If t he teams shape as well at Chrcstchurch as j they are doing now the Hastings Brigade should have reason to be proud of their representatives. Their chance will also be improved through the date of the Christchuroh competition -feeing altered from January to February 25th. The Hawke's Bay Mounted Rifles went iiito oamn last night. The site of the camp is ■excellently situated, it being at Long lands, nearly opposite the new homestead. The muster last night was 55, and it is expected tihat many more will answer to the roll to-night. The compnny assembled at 'the drill-hall at &.45 p.m., and at once proceeded to camp. On arrival the first duty was to pitch tents, < after which the company enjoyed the* capital tea provided by the caterer, Mr Roger Winslcy. Except that guards were set and , pickets arranged, there was no military duty last night. "Out lights "was founded »t 9 30 p.m., and the "reveille at Q-AQ this momimg. After some refreshing coffee the company got to work, and did two hours' good drill under Sergeant-Major Browne. DuriDg this one trooper, a horse holder, was pulled off and had a rather narrow escape from an accident. But "all's well that ends well," an<£ foe with the r«3ti <of the company was able to enjoy a substantial breakfast. Our London friend Tit Bits has ■β-iaite a high opinion of New Zealand. la its desire to honor us, I am afraid that it goes a bit wide of the >mark. It says in a recent number that " New Zealand is the place to emigrate to," and gives as the reason, and a very good reaooa teo, if it were true, that if anyone ieoutof work the Government will find work "for i hem at 8s per day of eight hours. The writer has evidently heard something of our relief works, but those acquainted with them will have to discount the statement very considerably. The same useful journal announces that tke tnums in Sy'Miev are free to all. .As one result • f this, it says, belated people, a-nd i hose lew wh ■ are out of lodgings, use them as apartments. 1 think our-Sydney friends iind this ratker different.