NAPIER NOTES.

Hastings Standard, Issue 64, 10 July 1896, Page 2

NAPIER NOTES.

+ [From Our Own Correspondent.] Napier, July 10. At the very moment I was writing to you yesterday and imagining great things for the harbor works, Father Ocean was endeavoring to first smash up and then swallow the wave-breaker apron and the main structure of the breakwater. It must be remembered that there has been a continuous heavy sea, and that of a phenomenal character, battering against the works for over a week. Never, even in the memory of the oldest inhabitant, has there been such a quick succession of storms, nor more tempestuous seas. It woiild have been wonderful had the breakwater not sustained some damage. But I really cannot understand why the papers here should make such an outcry and be the means of spreading all sorts of reports. One would think the whole structure had gone by the board to read the accounts in the Napier journals. It will be quite impossible to understand the extent of the damage until the storm abates, but at the moment of writing that appears to be a remote contingency. It has been ascertained that some damage has been done. It would have been marvellous had it not been so, but<l believe the reports already spread will be found to have been exaggerated. Through a very bad bit of management the Harbor Board's tug was entrapped in the Iron Pot by the storm and much injury was done to our port through the intercolonial boat having to pass on with passengers and cargo intended for Napier. At the breakwater enclosure the water was quite calm, but of course there was a " range." The steamer could not be lightened in the absence of the tug, and this reflects very badly on the officials. Last night at the Glasgow wharf, had the spring .piles been finished on the inner side, any steamer might have lain quite comfortably. Though the waves thundered and roared outside, and the wind was howling, the "range" had almost ceased, and the berthing of a steamer would have been as safe as it would have been easy. It would take very little bungling of this sort to injure the port and altogether prevent the real usefulness of the harbor from becoming known. It will be well for the Harbor Board to make up to its responsibilities in this connection and in the making of better provision for mooring vessels alongside even in calm weather. Up to the present not one of the arrangements have been satisfactory. The first musical contest in connection with the Port Fife and Drum Band was held in Stuart's Hall last evening, when there was a good attendance of the public. Messrs T. B. O'Connell and J. Herin were the Judges in the flute-playing contest, which resulted as follows : First Class —E. Norman, 1; W. Burton, 2. Second Class—C. Napier, 1 ; Arthur Angove, 2 ; S. Head and A. Krogh tie for third place. Third Class—Herbert Dean, 1. Kettle-drums—H. Prebble, 1. The following gentlemen donated prizes, and were accorded votes of thanks :—Messrs S. Carnell, M.H.E., J. North, 0. Krogh, G. T. Clarke, J. Wolstenholme, and Captain Petersen. After Bandmaster McConnell and Mr Wolstenholme had tendered a few words of advice to the lads a concert programme was submitted, in which the following gentlemen took part:— Messrs H. Andrews, A. Boden, McKay, Neilson, Kirk, Morton, Eenouf, T. B. McConnell, and Masters B. Franklin and C. McConnell. At the Magistrate's Court this morning, before Mr Turnbull, S.M., John Henry, alias George Henry Williams, alias Wethers (1) That he did on June 29th at the booth on the Hastings racecourse obtain from one David Dobson goods valued at Is and cash amounting to £4 18s 6d, tendering in payment a valueless cheque ; (2) With obtaining from Eliza Scullion, of Meanee, on June 30th cash amounting to £3 17s 6d, a cheque for £2 10s, postage stamps 12s 6d, and goods to the value of 18s upon a valueless cheque. (3) that he did on June 27th, at Hastings, forge a cheque for the sum of £4 18s upon the Bank of New Zealand in Napier ; (4) with the forgery of a cheque for £4 2s on the Bank of New Zealand at Hastings on June 27th. Accused, -who was represented by Mr Cresswell, reserved his defence, and was committed for trial on each charge. Detective Chrvstal conducted the case for the prosecution. Williams was admitted to bail on his own recognisance of £IOO, two sureties of £SO each in the two forgery eases ; one surety of £SO and two at £25 each in the ottering eases. Boil is not yet fcrthcosusg.