The Hastings Standard Published Daily. MONDAY, JULY 20, 1896. A CHANGE NEEDED.

Hastings Standard, Issue 72, 20 July 1896, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily.

MONDAY, JULY 20, 1896. A CHANGE NEEDED.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

Our article under this heading published recently meets, we are glad to find, with the approval of the bulk of the community, and a number of writers have taken advantage of our columns to express their appreciation. We are encouraged to continue the attack, feeling assured of the hearty support of ail those who have the welfare of Hastings at heart. The vesting of the official mangement of our local institutions in Napier cannot be defended upon any grounds whatever. All admit that the time has arrived when Hastings should have the management and conduct of its own affairs, but some seem to think that the vested interests not only of officials bat also of those other people who pull the wires from behind the scenes will prove insuperable obstacles to any change. We cannot subscribe to this opiniotf, for we believe that the just demands of the people must be conceded in spite of all private interests. A change is needed; a change is demanded; and a change we must and shall have, because the change advocated is in the interests of the community. We are asking for no

favor but for bare justice when we express a desire to administer our local affairs as we think proper. Can any one state a single argument why the headquarters of the Jockey Club should not be removed to Hastings ? Are there any vested interests in this and who claim them ? Surely it will not be said that the secretary of the club is against the removal of the headquarters to Hastings ? It n»ay be inconvenient to him, still we believe that he is not averse to the proposed change. Even if we admit that it would not suit the secretary, to alter the existing state of things, is that a sufficient reason fqr prolonging a custom that is not merely distasteful to the people of Hastings but a gross injustice to them ? Now with regard to the stewards, the majority of them are, we believe, in favor of the alteration here advocated, because they recognise the necessity and the justice of it ; but what they apparently lack is the moral courage to stand up for the rights of the people. If they had the courage of their convictions we have not the least doubt, now that the demand has been made, that a direct motion will be tabled at the next meeting of the club to bring about the change. Moral courage is a scarce commodity, yet we venture to hope that it is not altogether absent in the stewards of the Jockey Club, so that Hastings may secure her rights.

Need we refer to owners, trainers, and jockeys ? It is well known that they are decidedly in favor of a change, because the present style of management involves them in trouble and expense that would be unnecessary were the official quarters in Hastings. We cannot refer to those mainpulating the wires from behind the scenes, because we do not know who they are, nor are Ave certain that any exist; but if there should be any, it is as well for them to know that the game is up. They may prevent the immediate fruitification of the legitimate desires of the people of this borough, but Ave shall win in the end, because we have right and justice on our side. With regard to the County Council and A. and P. Association, it has been suggested that there is a possibility of arranging that the meetings should be held alternately in Napier and Hastings. We have no doubt this could be done, but it is a waste of energy making two bites at a cherry. The real opponents of the change are not officials and wire-pullers, but the people of this district. So long as we remain indifferent there will be no alteration made, for we cannot expect our opponents to take steps to benefit us. If this is what obstructs the way let us throw aside the cloak of indifference and set to work with one accord to secure our rights. Let us by public meetings and in other ways agitate for our rights, and if we do so we shall surely secure them. Will his Worship the Mayor accept our suggestion, and set the ball rolling ? In the meantime our columns are at the disposal of all those who may have anything to say on the subject either for or against.