NAPIER NOTES.

Hastings Standard, Issue 93, 13 August 1896, Page 2

NAPIER NOTES.

[From Oub Own Correspondemt.] JNapieb, August 13. I would utter a word of warning to our City Fathers and to the citizens generally on the connection of closets V with the. sewers. Every now and then the drains to the sewers become choked, and in some instances the liquid matter has come through the ground and been exposed on the surface. MSPi* Waterworth, who is always on the L. alert, promptly disinfects these spotsand * gets the high pressure on to clear the drains out; but this cannot go on with safety. Horrible as the pan system is, it is to be preferred before that which promisesto carry disease and death in the shape of an epidemic amongst our people if the system for carrying off the sewerage becomes inefficient. It should be borne in mind that the present drainage system was never intended to carry such sewerage as is now dealt with, and there is a terrible danger ahead—even if the sewers are made to work successfully—at the outfalls. Before the work proceeds any further, there should be a thorough investigation and inspection, and an opinion should be had as to the effect upon the health of the people likely to be produced if the water-closet system is to be persevered with. I was asked yesterday if I thought it was because of the putting in of these closets and the consequent prospect of an epidemic of sickness next summer that so many doctors are locating themselves in Napier these last few months ? As to that I cannot say, but there may be some " scenting of the carrion afar off " in it. I trust your readers will not consider me to be too much of a Jeremiah, but really it is necessary that some one should speak out, and why not the Napier correspondent of the Standard. Looking regretfully towards the Kidnappers this morning, while the nor'-wester sent the waves jumping on to the beach ojf the Marine Parade, a friend of mine, who often furnishes me with an item of the doings of the folks hereabout, said: "What a pity the breakwater wasn't there ! " his index finger going straight to the spot where it is said there exists almost a harbor, provided by nature. A town built there," he said, shifting his finger upwards, "could have been supplied by a natural water-supply and no pumping. What a saving it would have been!" He forgot, I told him, that th<> town would then be Hastings. " Don't be surprised when that comes to pass, even under the present circumstances," and then fell into a contemplative attitude."

I arn informed that a petition is in course of circulation and signature, which is to be forwarded to Parliament, praying that body not to grant permission for any further loan to be raised for the carrying on of the breakwater works. I have no hesitation in characterising the conduct of the promoters of the movement as foolish in the extreme. The breakwater, if left in its present position, would be of comparatively little value. It would have to be maintained, and ratepayers would have scarcely anything in return for the money already expended. The fact is, the extravagance practised before Mr J. T. Carr took charge must be largely credited with the crimping of all the work that has gone on since. And there are too many amateur engineers on the job, who wish to dictate, and do dictate, to the Engineer. Were Mr Carr given a perfectly free hand, he would complete the breakwater and give Hawke's Bay a permanent structure, capable of resisting all storms. But this would mean additional expenditure ? Of course it would. But surely no one is going to be mad enough to say that what money has already been expended is to be sacrificed, when, by floating another loan and leaving the construction of the breakwater in the hands of Mr Carr, and telling the members and their Secretary that they are not to interfere, a harbor that will be a boon and a blessing can be constructed. The Glasgow wharf is, comparatively speaking, a failure because the Engineer's plan was taken up by the Board, and —cut in half! The members proceed on the penny wise and pound foolish principle. At one time they stood by and saw tens of thousands of pounds " chucked " away. At a meeting of Home Rule enthusiasts last night it was resolved to send the following message to Mr John Dillon, leader of the Irish party: —" It is the heartfelt hope of all Home Eulers that the Dublin Convention should result in the reunion of the Irish Parliamentary party." This message w r as duly despatched to-day to Mr Dillon, at the House Com mons. " From labor to refreshm m '' wotthe order of last evening, /fcci: t!i<' Oddfellows had finished tboii lists' korero over the affairs of the M.m«;h<- - ter Unity in this proviu-i 1.L., dinner took place in thj* reunion Hotel, and much satisfaction was expressed at the spread provided by Host Eyan. A very enjoyable time was spent with toast, song, and speech. Once more the School Committee have decided to promote a concert in aid of the prize fund., I shall onse again enter my protes£ against <m>> heartless business. I know I shall ftols be listened to by the selfish among the parents whose children are smart—perhaps cheeky—and healthy, and therefore more likely to pass well, where the studious and not over-strong children may fail. Nevertheless, I look upon the business of prize-giving as unjust, and calculated always to bring out the worst traits in child nature. What of the hundreds who work hard and conscientiously-ill! the year through and yet got no reward ? If I were a school committee-man I would oppose prize giving tooth and nail. I would abolish that <: slaughter jpf the innocents" known as prizegiving day, aad would cause to to

handed to every child who passes the puzzle trial called examination a certificate to that effect. And tho of plain certificates at that. The Port Ahurir: Swimming Club's ball was moderately successful. A first-class cricket club has lxo« formed to play on Wednesday ;< ft< rnoons. Mr John Closp is the jm .-ident /' *nd a most energetic committee has been appointed.