CUTTING THE PAINTER.

Hastings Standard, Issue 46, 19 June 1896, Page 3

CUTTING THE PAINTER.

[To the Editor.] Sir, —The public of Hastings should be thankful to you for calling attention to the fact that our principal local bodies are under the rule of Napier. When Hastings was not able to look after its own affairs there was not much harm done, but now that it has become an important town and likely to become even more important in the near future is about time that the convenience of all interested is studied. Of course I can quite understand that Napier will be adverse to parting with offices that prove most profitable tc her, but in a case such as this the

greatest good to the greatest number should certainly be considered. Notwithstanding what may he said to the contrary the interests of the two towns are antagonistic, and Napier jealously looks upon the progress of her young rival. When Hasting* lvsembles Christchnrch, Napier will be our Lyttelton, and even-thing now points in that direction. We will t;:kr> a run now and again to the seaside, but Napier folks will require to look here for their commerce. We have been toddling long enough, and it is 'time the Hastings public learned to walk. If they are not competent to run their own institutions they, will very much surprise me. At least two prominent publicans have "promised to provide and furnish rooms ibc the use of the local •Jockey Club and the A. and I'. Association, and as to the convenience a change should pVove to most of the supporters there can be no question. A very curious thing in connection with the Jockey Club management is that although we have a Brass Band, which if encouraged by the opportunity of earning funds to replenish its instruments would be second to none in the province, preference is always given to the Napier bands. This is not as it should be. The local band has proved at the Show that it is capable of discoursing sweet music, and it is not right that outside bands should be asked to provide the programme required. Owners of horses anil stock are almost unanimous in the desire to see Hastings become the headquarters of the bodies mentioned, and the general public are all in favor of a change. There can be but one objection and that is the selfishness of those interested in Napier, and that should certainly not be considered when the question is weighed fairly. I am, Ac., Pro Bono Publico.